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New DAN Europe 2020 Member Card Unveiled at the Venice UW Photo Contest

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Renee Capozzola and her stunning “wide-angle, over-under stingray with sunset” photo has won the DAN Europe 2020 Card prize at the Abissi Underwater Photo Contest of Venice, Italy.

The ceremony was held at the end of October, before an audience of about 100 divers, in the beautiful setting of the National History Museum, a 13th-century palazzo on the Venice Grand Canal, hosting a number of collections including fossils, botanical, entomological, and zoological specimens.

The winning photo and photographer’s name will appear on over 110.000 Cards sent out to DAN Europe Members all over Europe, the Middle East, and the Maldives through 2020.

“I have been a DAN member since I got certified in 2004,” said Renee Capozzola. “I think it’s important for divers to have the protection and peace of mind DAN gives when traveling. Luckily I have never had to use DAN in an emergency, but I feel confident I can count on DAN if needed!”

Renee Capozzola tells the story behind her incredible shot:

“When traveling to French Polynesia, I like to focus on half and half shots when possible. Here, where sharks and larger marine animals are protected, one can find a diversity of life and pristine corals in shallow depths. During a recent trip there, it was my plan to try and take a picture of a stingray at sunset. This took several attempts over multiple days, as not only did I need a good sunset, but I also required the stingray to be in a photographic position as the sun was setting. Luckily, I managed to get this shot, which I think portrays the stingray against a pleasing background and hopefully will raise awareness to help protect other marine ecosystems”.

Technical specs

Canon 5D Mark III, Nauticam housing, Sea & Sea YS-D2 strobes, f18, 1/250, ISO 400

About the photographer

Renee Capozzola is an international award-winning underwater photographer who specialises in wide angle and over-under images. Her work is an intriguing combination of artistic talent honed through oil painting during her youth and a professional background in biology. As a Southern California native, the ocean has always been a large part of her life. Since she started scuba diving in 2004, she has been to some of the most remote parts of the world and developed a true appreciation for marine organisms with her diversified travels. Renee believes that striking images help increase awareness of our fragile marine ecosystems and encourage others to help protect our oceans.

To see more of Renee’s work, visit www.beneaththesurfaceimaging.com

About Abissi Venice

The Venice competition was created in 2008 by the Abissi-Underwater Photo Venice association, with the aim to let the world know more about the sea and its breathtaking beauties through photography, organisation of events, exhibitions and courses.

Over the years Abissi has established itself as one of the most interesting underwater photo competitions on the national and international scene. A great event in one of the world’s most beautiful cities, Venice. The DAN Europe Card prize has been introduced in 2015.

Printed copies of all winning photos in the various competition categories – 33 shots selected by a jury of experts over about 500 photos submitted – have been exhibited on October 5-27 inside the Museum, in the picturesque “Gallery of Cetaceans”. Over the last seven years, photos from the competition have been enriching the archive of this splendid museum, also serving for educational and research purposes.

Find out more at www.underwaterphoto-venice.it.

Gear News

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

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regulator

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.

regulator

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.

regulator

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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