News
NUPG Splash-In Results Announced
The freshwater quarry at Capernwray, Lancashire, UK was the venue for the 2017 Northern Underwater Photography Group (NUPG) Splash-In. On the day they welcomed the 11 people who had registered to take part in the event. The divers were from different clubs and agencies including BSAC, PADI and SSI.
Yo-Han Cha, NUPG Chairman, Elaine White, Caroline and Nick Robertson-Brown had a very busy day giving advice on how to take a better underwater photograph with the various cameras and video recorders brought along as well as advice on post processing images using various software. The cameras included Go Pros, Compacts, Micro 4/3rds and DSLRs.
The day remained dry and fairly warm so everyone was able to get underwater and get lots of practice. Following the dives everyone got together where all the images were judged and the result was very close, with only one vote separating the top three photos.
A massive congratulations to Richard Burke for his winning shot of a diver with torch reflected in the “Apeks” Van wing mirror, a clever and original shot. The camera he used was a Sony RX100 Mark II. He was awarded his prize by Nick Robertson-Brown of Frogfish Photography who had sponsored the trophy.
Joint runners-up were Glynn Phillips for his macro shot of mussels with a fine eye to detail and the shallow focus giving a nice “Bokeh Effect” with the mussels in the background. His camera was an Olympus EPL5 whilst the other runner up Matthew Boa was using a Nikon D7000 with a Tokina 11-16mm lens for his wide angle black and white shot of a diver and wreck.
At the end of the day everyone was very pleased that a lot of advice had been given about underwater photography and photo editing and everyone there had had a thoroughly enjoyable day.
The NUPG would like to thank all those that turned up on the day as well as those that assisted with the preparation and running of the competition and for those members of the club that turned up on the day to give their support and as well as to all the entrants. The NUPG look forward to seeing you again at one of their monthly meetings or at another future event. For more information about the underwater photography club visit www.nupg.org.uk.
The next meeting of the NUPG on the 9th October will host guest speaker, Kirsty Andrews, recent winner of the wide angle category in The 2017 British & Irish Underwater Photography Championship. She will be giving a presentation entitled “Southern Comfort – A Tour of some South West Diving Photography Highlights”.
So please put this date in your diary. If you would like to join members of the NUPG for a curry beforehand try to arrive between 6.15pm and 6.45pm as the restaurant can get quite busy.
The competition theme is: Unedited (Completely unedited image not even whole image adjustment!)
Full details for competition entries can be found here.
Details of where we meet can be found here.
Everyone is welcome!
Gear News
Introducing the TR-80, IR-50 and CS-30 Regulators from DYNAMICNORD
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.
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.
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.
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.
The Workhorse – our CS-30
For diving centres and diving beginners – the workhorse stands for strong construction, reliability and robustness. Perfect for your training.
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.
Octopus OP-30
The OP-30 is the ideal addition to all DYNAMICNORD regulators. It is identical in construction to the CS-30.
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.
Marine Life & Conservation
Paul Watson Released as Denmark Blocks Japan’s Extradition Bid
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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