News
Oonasdivers add Fiji to the destinations they offer
UK tour operator Oonasdivers are launching a brand new destination to coincide with their 30th anniversary. Fiji has been added to the many fantastic worldwide dive locations that the Oonas crew already offer.
Four stunning Fijian resorts have been hand-picked, so there’s plenty of choice and fantastic scenery above and below the water. There’s also a Photo Workshop planned for May 2016 led by Alex Tattersall (so plenty of time to save for this dive holiday of a lifetime!).
In the heart of the South Pacific, Fiji, with 333 tropical islands, is just waiting to be explored. Famous for its soft coral diving, white sand beaches and a pristine natural environment, Fiji is also a world leader in eco-tourism.
Viti Levu is the largest island in Fiji. Rakiraki (Voli Voli Beach Resort) towards the north of the island is fast becoming recognised for its world-class reefs, brining you beautiful pinnacles, stunning drop-offs and an abundance of marine life, with many new dive sites still being discovered.
Travel south towards Pacific Harbour (Waidroka Resort) for a chance of bull and tiger shark encounters at the world famous Sharks Reef, as well as the soft corals and pinnacles of Beqa Lagoon, one of Fiji’s most famous dive destination.
The Great Astrolable Barrier reef, the worlds 4th longest Barrier Reef, runs along the South side of Kadavu Island (Matava Resort) and up to the North Astrolabe Reef. Consisting of 75 miles of pristine hard and soft corals, it creates extensive sheltered coral lagoons where you can drift over coral gardens filled with countless colourful reef fish, starfish and critters. The many channels leading from the extremely deep water into shallow lagoons is also the ideal breeding ground for marlin, sharks, tuna, giant trevally, mahi-mahi (dolphin-fish) and snapper.
Manta Reef is one of best places to dive and see oceanic and resident manta rays. Primarily a feeding area, some mantas do hover over the reef for a clean within a few feet of divers. Even without these magnificent creatures, the reef itself is outstanding in its quality and diversity of fish life.
Taveuni makes a lasting impression underwater too. The well chosen Paradise Taveuni Resort will grant you easy access to the world famous Somosomo Strait, and wonderfully diverse dive sites such as Eel Reef, Rainbow Reef and the Great White Wall, an amazing drop-off covered in white soft coral.
Somosomo Strait is known as the “Soft Coral Capital of the World”. The horseshoe-shaped Vuna Lagoon, near the southern end of the island, is favoured among divers for the opportunity to see larger pelagic and schooling fish species on the exposed southern side of the reef, whereas the sheltered western parts provide pristine soft and hard coral gardens. Migrating humpback whales may be spotted passing the island in July.
International flights to Fiji operate daily from major UK airports. For more information, email info@oonasdivers.com or visit www.oonasdivers.com.
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.
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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