News
Ocean Art Announces the Winners of a Special “Safe Under the Sea” Underwater Photo Contest
The prestigious Ocean Art Underwater Photo Competition, organized by the Underwater Photography Guide, has announced the winners of a special Ocean Art “Safe Under the Sea” underwater photography contest.
Despite the adversity we all face today, the “Safe Under the Sea” contest has been a way to bring people from around the world together to dust off old hard drives, share the beauty of our oceans, and help aid the WHO and CDC Foundation in their fight to improve the health of the planet and its people. These photos showcase some incredible perspectives in a time when perspective is key. Although it was a smaller, mid-year competition, the selection of winning photographs has been no less powerful.
Winning photos can be seen at the Underwater Photography Guide at www.uwphotographyguide.com/ocean-art-safe-under-the-seawinners
The judging for Ocean Art “Safe Under the Sea” was carried out a little differently this time. The staff of the Underwater Photography Guide were given the honor of selecting the best images from a very competitive field. It was no easy task. The Best of Show winning image conveys a special message of hope for the future of our planet’s unique biodiversity.
The photo, “Releasing Hope”, captured by accomplished photographer Edwar Herreno, shows marine biologist, Eduardo Espinosa, releasing a tagged hammerhead pup in order to study a unique shark nursery. It is efforts like this that will allow underwater photographers to continue to produce amazing images for years to come.
Other extraordinary winning images include raw, dramatic underwater moments with magnificent creatures, rare marine life behavior, stunning portraits of miniature worlds, curious pinnipeds, eerie shipwrecks, strange critters, and many photos that showcase the prevailing beauty of our underwater world. The judges evaluated thousands of entries from 79 countries before selecting the final set of images as Ocean Art winners.
Ocean Art would like to extend a special, heartfelt thanks to the sponsors of the “Safe Under the Sea” competition. Given the current economic climate, sponsoring the competition speaks to these organizations’ dedication to underwater photographers around the world.
Top prizes included more than a few gift certificates from Bluewater Photo and Bluewater Travel, a $500 gift certificate as well as an Ikelite DS161 strobe from Ikelite, the new Paralenz Vaquita dive camera from Paralenz, a 5 day dive package with AquaMarine Diving Bali and the Watergarden Hotel, a Sea Dragon 3000F Auto Photo/Video light from Sealife, and a trip for one at Atlantis Dive Resorts! Twelve different categories ensured a competitive contest for all levels and disciplines of underwater photography.
The quality of in this competition was just exceptional, and it is just a sneak peak of the biggest underwater photography contest of the year – Ocean Art 2020 (to be announced in September, 2020). As a result of everyone’s efforts, the Underwater Photography Guide was able to donate 25% of the proceeds, translating to thousands of dollars, to the WHO and CDC in their fight against Covid-19. Bluewater Photo and Travel owner and Underwater Photography Guide publisher, Scott Gietler commented, “The images from this special competition, especially the winning conservation image, represent hope. Hope for our oceans, hope for our travel & dive industries ravaged by Coronavirus, and hope that our nations can come together.”
For more information about Underwater Photography Guide please visit the website by clicking here.
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.
-
News2 months ago
Iconic SS United States to become the World’s Largest Artificial Reef
-
News3 months ago
Book Review – 52 Assignments: Underwater Photography
-
Gear News3 months ago
DYNAMICNORD – New German diving brand enters the British market
-
News3 months ago
Exploring Cenote El Pit: A Diver’s Dream
-
Gear News3 months ago
Try BARE drysuits (and maybe even win one!) this Friday with Sea & Sea at North West Dive Fest
-
Marine Life & Conservation3 months ago
Book Review: Coral Triangle Cameos
-
Blogs2 months ago
Dive the Egyptian Red Sea this Autumn with Regaldive
-
News3 months ago
2024 Ocean Art Underwater Photo Competition Announced