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Meet Our Club: Northern Underwater Photography Club
Want to join a dive club? In this new series, we take a look at grassroots diving and find out what’s happening on the club scene in the UK and around the world…
What is the name of your club?
Northern Underwater Photography Group
Where is your club based?
Our members are from across the North of England and Wales. Our monthly meetings are in Manchester.
Club affiliations (i.e. BSAC, PADI, SAA, etc.)
None, we have divers from all agencies and all levels; the passion we share is for underwater photography, be it photos taken in the sea, in a rockpool or a quarry.
Where and when do you meet?
Above the Gurkha Grill, on the second Monday of every month. Click here for location.
How do you respond to the challenge of recruiting new members?
We have a specific section for compact cameras in our monthly competitions. We organise underwater photography print competitions and our splash-in event which are “Open to All”. This year we are planning to do a couple of come and meet us dives, one in a quarry and one coastal. We welcome all divers, both those that like diving in UK waters and those that prefer warmer climates.
Our speakers and topics are chosen so that they will interest both new and current members. Our website is updated with various information regarding our upcoming meetings, competitions, meeting reports and other information. When we have a particular “famous” speaker we try and advertise this as widely as possible via the diving community using Facebook as our main contact point.
What facilities and resources does the club use/have?
Our main way of recruiting members is through word of mouth via the northern based diving community but our greatest resource is our members’ knowledge and experience coupled with their willingness to share that with those who would like to learn! We have a private meeting room above The Gurkha Grill for our meetings and our own projector and screen.
What sort of diving do you do, and where?
Being an underwater photography club, we all like to dive to take photos, however it’s varied as we have divers who like to photograph in deep or shallow water, as well as photographing rust and/or squidge! Whatever diving you’re in to, you’re bound to find someone in the NUPG that is interested in doing the same.
Do you organise any club trips abroad, and if so, where?
We haven’t as yet organised a trip abroad although we may do in the future. As we are an underwater photography club based in the UK we also love to showcase what the UK has to offer! We do have members that have lots of experience in diving abroad and know lots of dive locations that are perfect for underwater photography.
Does your club have any special interests such as conservation, special projects, etc?
We love to support marine conservation charities in any way we can. We sponsor shark trust adoption certificates as our prizes for some competitions. Many of our members try and raise the awareness of over fishing, exploitation of our oceans and the menace of plastics in the environment.
Does your club have any claims to fame or any particularly interesting stories… or members?
We’re always proud to see our members doing well in various underwater photography competitions like the British and Irish Underwater Photography Competition, as well as local competitions like the St Abbs and Eyemouth Splash In. We often get well known speakers from the underwater photography diving community for our monthly talks.
What are the club’s plans for the future?
To try and reach out to more beginners. We never want people to think that they’re not good enough to join. The club is open to underwater photographers of all abilities, especially beginners! We may try and organise a photo diving trip in the future and we are looking at ways to update and increase the information available via our website.
Where can people find out more about your club?
Our website: www.nupg.org.uk/
Our Facebook page: www.facebook.com/groups/northernunderwaterphotographygroup/
Finally… if you could sum up your club in just one sentence, what would it be?
We love taking underwater photographs… If you are interested in underwater photography, you will be made welcome!
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.
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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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