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New Massachusetts Whale Trail Announced

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The Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism (MOTT) has announced the first-of-its-kind Massachusetts Whale Trail, a major collaboration among Bay State tourism destinations for the promotion of assets stretching from Provincetown to Pittsfield. Telling the story of the region through its connection to whales, the Massachusetts Whale Trail features nearly 40 stops along the coast, as well as a literary tangent connecting sites in Western Massachusetts. Whale Trail partners include museums, attractions, historic sites, educational centers, and tours.

We’re thrilled to announce the new Massachusetts Whale Trail,” says Francois-Laurent Nivaud, Executive Director of Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism. “The Whale Trail captures the maritime spirit of Massachusetts and offers a new way for visitors to engage with our long and storied connection to whales.

The Massachusetts Whale Trail links nearly 40 regions, sites, and experiences associated with the marine mammal, of which there are currently 11 species off the coast and account for over 800,000 visitors annually. Sites include historic landmarks such as the Seaman’s Bethel and Mariners’ Home in New Bedford, whale watching tours from Provincetown to Newburyport, museums like the Nantucket Historical Association Whaling Museum, and educational activities such as the SEA SPACE Marine Discovery Center in Provincetown.

Beyond the coast, sites along the Melville Trail in Western Massachusetts are featured for their connection to the famous author Herman Melville’s renowned novel, Moby-Dick. Regional partners include the Massachusetts Regional Tourism Councils, as well as local tourism offices for towns from New Bedford to Salem.

In addition to traditional attractions, visitors are encouraged to embrace the broader cultural influence of whales. MOTT’s promotions feature galleries with whale art, such as Focus Gallery in Chatham, and whale-inspired IPAs with Moby Dick Brewing Company in New Bedford.

This Massachusetts Whale Trail is a fun and engaging way to tell the story of our relationship with these magnificent giants of the ocean” said Tina Malott, Director of Marketing and Public Relations, New Bedford Whaling Museum “Our region’s past, present, and future is intimately connected to the sea, and to whales in particular. The New Bedford Whaling Museum is dedicated to teaching about humankind’s interaction with whales throughout history, as well as teaching about the world of whales today.”

To promote the Massachusetts Whale Trail, MOTT has launched www.whaletrailma.com, and developed itineraries highlighting interactive experiences for visitors by theme. Early itineraries include a literary-enthusiasts track, exploring a route dedicated to Herman Melville’s life and inspiration in Massachusetts, and another for family friendly adventurers, with whale watching tours and sites to experience marine life first hand. Sites along the trail will also be launching special promotions and packages in support of the trail, using the hashtag #whaletrailMA.

For more details about the Massachusetts Whale Trail, visit www.whaletrailma.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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