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Manta Behaviour… where do they go?

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Scuba Tours Worldwide logoThe handsome male manta in the photo above is now known as Troy, thanks to Julia from Wythall, near Birmingham, who won the Scuba Tours Worldwide ‘Name the Manta’ Competition at DIVE 2016 in Birmingham over the past weekend.

“Troy is a fairly large manta who has been visiting Sunlight Thila and Lankan dive sites in the Maldives since mid 2007, but isn’t there often.  He tends to appear when there is a group of large females, so it is likely that he is attracted to these busy cleaning stations during mating season and is looking for a mate,” said Dr Anne-Marie Kitchen-Wheeler from the Manta Ecology Project.

Anne-Marie has been studying mantas for 15 years and she took the above picture whilst working as a Dive Guide in the Maldives for Scuba Tours Worldwide. “I have come to appreciate the range of behaviours exhibited by individual mantas. Some we see many times each season, in some cases we lose contact of one for a few years and then it reappears and is seen frequently for the following seasons. There have been a good number seen once and then not seen again until 10, 12 and even 14 years later … so I never give up on a manta! Where do they go in the meantime? The Maldives is a very large geographical area with many reefs never visited by divers. Even in areas where there is relatively intensive diving there are quiet reefs and channels not ever visited by divers or snorkelers so there are plenty of places for “shy” mantas to avoid human contact. I have certainly observed a range of behaviour as far as manta-to-diver interaction is concerned. All the most famous mantas “love” divers and became famous because they were seen so often, easily photographed and became recognised and their names stuck. When I write “love” divers I mean they are tolerant and curious of us and have probably incorporated swimming through our exhaled bubbles into their cleaning routines.  I really enjoy having a new manta re-sighted several times and become a new favourite … and I hope this is the case with the newly-named “Troy” manta.”

So, if you are going diving in the Maldives, be sure to look out for Troy!

Scuba Tours Worldwide are Maldives Specialists and experts in tailor-made liveaboard and resort holidays. To find out more about the services they offer, visit www.scubascuba.com.

Gear News

Introducing the TR-80, IR-50 and CS-30 Regulators from DYNAMICNORD

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Whether you are a beginner or a professional diver – with the three new main regulators from DYNAMICNORD, everyone will find their favourite regulator. They all look super stylish.

Excellent performance with the TR-80

Quality and performance are the be-all and end-all for regulators. It is not for nothing that the TR stands for Tec Reg. The innovative design of the TR-80 guarantees absolute reliability – even in ice-cold waters.

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Perfect breathing effort at 0.8 J/l / certified for diving in waters below 10 degrees / structural design made of solid brass for best cold protection / membrane-compensated design with dry seal of the first stage / reduced exhalation effort thanks to optimized exhalation membrane and bubble deflector / adjustable Venturi (dive/predive) and adjustment knob for individual inhalation comfort / innovative design of the front cover prevents free-flow in strong currents or when diving with scooters / design made of sandblasted brass, matt chrome finish / 2 HP and 4 LP outlets / mouthpiece made of high-quality, anti-allergic silicone for maximum comfort.

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Amazing underwater adventures with the IR-50

The IR-50 is the top regulator for advanced and experienced divers. Natural breathing is the essence of this regulator.

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Ideal breathing effort at 0.8 J/l /certified for diving in waters below 10 degrees / compensated membrane / adjustable venturi (dive/predive) and adjustment knob for individual inhalation comfort/ outlet valve and deflector for minimum exhalation effort and reduction of bubbles on the face / design made of sandblasted brass, matt chrome finish / 2 HP and 4 NP outlets / mouthpiece made of high-quality, anti-allergic silicone for maximum comfort.

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The Workhorse – our CS-30

For diving centres and diving beginners – the workhorse stands for strong construction, reliability and robustness. Perfect for your training.

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Optimal breathing effort at 0.8 J/l /recommended for diving in waters above 10 degrees / non-compensated piston / adjustable venturi (dive/predive) / outlet valve and deflector for minimum exhalation effort and reduction of bubbles on the face / design made of sandblasted brass, matt chrome finish / 1 HP and 3 NP outlets / mouthpiece made of high-quality, anti-allergic silicone for maximum comfort.

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Octopus OP-30

The OP-30 is the ideal addition to all DYNAMICNORD regulators. It is identical in construction to the CS-30.

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The TR-80, IR-50, CS-30 (DIN & INT) regulators and the Octopus OP-30 are available from DYNAMICNORD dealers and in the online store.

DYNAMICNORD – Your Outdoor Companion.

www.dynamicnord.com

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Marine Life & Conservation

Paul Watson Released as Denmark Blocks Japan’s Extradition Bid

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paul watson

Renowned anti-whaling activist Paul Watson has been released from custody in Greenland after spending five months in detention. Denmark’s Justice Ministry rejected Japan’s request for his extradition, citing insufficient guarantees that his time already served in custody would be credited against any potential sentence.

The 74-year-old Canadian-American was arrested on July 21 in Nuuk, Greenland’s capital, when his ship docked to refuel. His arrest was based on a 2012 Japanese warrant related to a 2010 encounter in Antarctic waters. Japan alleged Watson obstructed operations and caused damage to a whaling research ship during efforts to disrupt illegal whaling. Watson has consistently denied these claims, maintaining his commitment to marine conservation.

Denmark, which oversees extradition matters for Greenland, concluded that while the legal conditions for extradition were met, the lack of assurances from Japan regarding time-served credit made extradition untenable.

In a video shared by his foundation, Watson expressed gratitude and relief, saying, “After five months, it’s good to be out… and good to know they’re not sending me to Japan.” He added that the most difficult part of his time in custody was being separated from his two young sons.

Watson is a pioneering figure in marine conservation, known for founding the Captain Paul Watson Foundation in 2022 after decades of activism with the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society. His bold efforts to defend marine life have earned him widespread support, including from celebrities and conservationists. His work has also been featured in the acclaimed reality TV series Whale Wars.

Watson’s lawyer, Jonas Christoffersen, praised the decision, stating, “We are happy and relieved that Paul Watson is now free.” He added that Watson is eager to reunite with his family and continue his vital work.

The arrest occurred while Watson’s vessel, the M/Y John Paul DeJoria, was en route to the North Pacific with a team of 26 volunteers to intercept a Japanese whaling ship. His foundation described the arrest as politically motivated and emphasized that Watson’s actions were focused on ending illegal whaling practices.

Japan resumed commercial whaling in 2019 after leaving the International Whaling Commission, asserting that whale meat is a cultural tradition. Conservationists, however, continue to challenge these practices, highlighting their impact on marine ecosystems.

Despite the challenges, Watson remains steadfast in his mission to protect marine life and bring attention to whaling practices. His dedication to ocean conservation has made him a globally respected advocate for the environment.

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