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Neal Watson’s Bimini Scuba Centre is on the move

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NealWatsonBimini, The Bahamas – Locally owned Neal Watson’s Bimini Scuba Centre announced today that it will officially be moving its scuba diving operation from South Bimini to Bimini Big Game Club Resort & Marina on North Bimini. Both companies expect this partnership to improve the complete guest experience and widen its customer base. In addition to Neal Watson’s Bimini Scuba Centre’s reputable Great Hammerhead Shark Safaris and Scuba Diving Packages, the dive shop will now also offer a variety of water sports and excursions for non-divers including Kayak Tours, Stand-up Paddle Board Tours and Sunset Cruises. Plans to open a Neal Watson’s Bimini Scuba Centre retail space in the near future have also been discussed. With Bimini Big Game Club’s support, Neal Watson’s Bimini Scuba Centre also looks forward to implementing several green, or rather “blue”, business practices to reduce the operation’s local environmental footprint. Plans to implement a paperless check-in process and the use of reusable, 100% recycled water bottles on-board the dive boat are in motion.

NealWatson“Who could have dreamed that when I started the first dive operation in Bimini in 1975 that it would come full circle and my son, Neal Watson II, would be running the family business over 40 years later. What makes it even more exciting is being part of the newly remodelled Bimini Big Game Club!” comments Neal Watson Senior. Neal Watson’s Bimini Scuba Centre (then doing business as Neal Watson’s Undersea Adventures) opened its first scuba diving operation in Bimini in 1975 at the Bimini Yacht Club on South Bimini. For over forty years, Neal Watson’s Bimini Scuba Centre has had a presence in Bimini and as such, has played an essential role in building the reputation of Bimini and The Bahamas as a top dive destination. More recently, Neal Watson’s Bimini Scuba Centre has become well known for its Great Hammerhead Shark Safari. As the first scuba diving operation to offer this safari, Neal Watson’s Bimini Scuba Centre has set the bar when it comes to safety standards for both divers and sharks alike.

Not only has the Great Hammerhead Shark Safari been good for local tourism, but it has also contributed to a profound amount of awareness regarding the protection of these magnificent and endangered creatures.

Neal Watson’s Bimini Scuba Centre operates a 55-foot glass bottom dive boat well-suited to accommodate divers, snorkelers and sightseers alike. In addition to reefs, wrecks and wall diving, Neal Watson’s Bimini Scuba Centre will continue to offer Great Hammerhead Shark, Wild Dolphin, Reef Shark and Sting Ray Safaris. PADI certifications and courses will also be available. For more information regarding all of Neal Watson’s Bimini Scuba Centre, please visit www.biminiscubacenter.com

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Located 50 miles east of the Miami/Fort Lauderdale coastline, The Bimini Big Game features 51 modern and comfortable guest rooms and suites located in a central building facing the sea, plus six cottages. The property also features a 75-slip marina with Bahamian customs and immigration clearance built to accommodate vessels up to 140-feet long. Resort guest amenities include a fresh water swimming pool, complimentary Wi-Fi and 3 on-property dining experiences. Air service to Bimini is conveniently available from Fort Lauderdale (FLL) and Nassau (NAS).

For more information regarding Bimini Big Game Club Resort & Marina, please visit www.biggameclubbimini.com

To learn more about Neal Watson’s Bimini Scuba Centre’s move to Bimini Big Game Club, please contact: Leesa Fountain, Media Relations for Neal Watson’s Bimini Scuba Centre Tel +1 (242) 465 9363  I  Email leesa@biminiscubacenter.com  I  Web www.biminiscubacenter.com

 

Photos & Video: Frogfish Photography

Nick and Caroline (Frogfish Photography) are a married couple of conservation driven underwater photo-journalists and authors. Both have honours degrees from Manchester University, in Environmental Biology and Biology respectively, with Nick being a Fellow of the Royal Photographic Society, a former high school science teacher with a DipEd in Teaching Studies. Caroline has an MSc in Animal Behaviour specializing in Caribbean Ecology. They are multiple award-winning photographers and along with 4 published books, feature regularly in the diving, wildlife and international press They are the Underwater Photography and Deputy Editors at Scubaverse and Dive Travel Adventures. Winners of the Caribbean Tourism Organization Photo-journalist of the Year for a feature on Shark Diving in The Bahamas, and they have been placed in every year they have entered. Nick and Caroline regularly use their free time to visit schools, both in the UK and on their travels, to discuss the important issues of marine conservation, sharks and plastic pollution. They are ambassadors for Sharks4Kids and founders of SeaStraw. They are Dive Ambassadors for The Islands of The Bahamas and are supported by Mares, Paralenz, Nauticam and Olympus. To find out more visit www.frogfishphotography.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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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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