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Pro Dive International Adopts Bull Shark

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Pro Dive International, one of the Caribbean’s most established PADI 5 Star Dive Resorts and recognized Career Development Centers, have recently adopted one of the world’s top predators – a bull shark.

Pro Dive’s donation of an initial 5 years adoption fee supports the research and conservation efforts of the local project SAVING OUR SHARKS (SOS), a marine and shark scientist group focusing on the protection and conservation of bull sharks at the Mexican Riviera Maya. Their work includes GPS tagging and transmitter placements in order to study their population, determine their genetic background, health status and migration patterns to help protect the species and conserve critical habitats.

To promote conservation and research, SOS cooperates closely with a few selected local dive operators that are truly dedicated to shark protection, such as Pro Dive. Besides research work, they communicate, meet and negotiate with local, municipal and federal entities to promote adaptions in the laws to drive the conservation of sharks in the state of Quintana Roo and Mexico.

SAVING OUR SHARKS

Another result of that cooperation is the development of a manual to set standards for bull shark diving in the Riviera Maya and the Mexican Caribbean – in which SOS as well as Pro Dive have been elementary – and to which local dive operators always need to adhere to provide a safe, professional and pro-shark directed experience, creating Ambassadors to the sharks and thus promoting shark conservation worldwide.

“Fittingly, and with a touch of female charm, we have named her IXCHEL, referring to the ancient Mayan Goddess of fertility, motherhood, the moon and healing. Ix means goddess of the feminine, Chel – rainbow or light. In other words, she is the goddess of the rainbow and lady of sacred light” says Maria Jose Lledo, Pro Dive’s Operations Manager. “Ixchel is always associated with bodies of water, and anywhere you would be likely to see a rainbow. Join us this winter to check her out!”

Pro Dive’s Ixchel was registered between 2015/16 for the very first time. She can be easily distinguished by her bent dorsal fin and inquisitive behavior. With a length of 250 cm, she is one of the largest females of the 23 bull sharks registered by SOS, and is indeed a big baby.

More information on the project can be found on the SAVING OUR SHARKS website: www.savingoursharks.org/home-en

Renowned for excellent quality in providing first class adventures including diving in the CENOTES, with BULL SHARKS, at WRECKS & FAMOUS WALLS at COZUMEL, SAONA & CATALINA islands, as well as Safaris with WHALE SHARKS, SAILFISH & HUMPBACK WHALES, Pro Dive International, founded in 2003, is the official onsite water sports service provider for several 4-5* RESORTS along the RIVIERA MAYA & COZUMEL/ MEXICO and in the DOMINICAN REPUBLIC.

Everything under one roof, Pro Dive International´s head office in Playa del Carmen / Mexico features a multilingual reservations team taking direct bookings for diving, hotel accommodation, the VIP stay & dive concept ULTIMATE DIVE EXPERIENCE at Allegro Cozumel (unique in the Caribbean!), liveaboard options in collaboration with AGGRESSOR FLEET/ SILVER BANK and NAUTILUS EXPLORER/ SOCORRO & GUADALUPE, transfers and cultural tours, and also providing services to international dive travel agencies, an equipment maintenance department, excursions team and own competitive transportation system available to provide airport and hotel shuttles.

For more information, visit www.prodiveinternational.com, or enquire by emailing info@prodiveinternational.com.

For their GoPro programs contact info@idcmexico.com or visit www.idcmexico.com.

Pro Dive’s Facebook Pages with lots of pictures and info:

www.facebook.com/ProDiveMexicoOfficialFanPage

https://www.facebook.com/prodivedominicanrepublic

https://www.facebook.com/Pro-Dive-International

Pro Dive’s Twitter Account is https://twitter.com/Prodivemexico.

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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