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Saeed Rashid: Wrecks of Aqaba at the July NUPG meeting (Watch Video)

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The July NUPG meeting saw another top-notch guest speaker take to the virtual stage. Saeed Rashid joined the group to talk about diving in Aqaba and in particular the wreck photography opportunities this unique destination offers.

Saeed is a popular speaker at the dive shows and many of us have seen his engaging, interactive talks about underwater photography. He decided to offer the NUPG members something a little bit different and talked about his travels to Aqaba and the opportunities there for underwater photography. He started off with some beautiful shots of coral and marine life under jetties, as well as on the local reefs, but then quickly moved on to the main topic – the wrecks of Aqaba.

Saeed divided up the many wrecks into some of the older artificial reefs sunk in the 80s, like the Cedar Pride and the “tank” (which is not actually a tank but an anti-aircraft gun). He moved onto the deeper wrecks that can only really be visited by technical divers and finally talked about the many wrecks sunk more recently to attract new divers to the region. There are 2 big planes to explore: a C-130 Hercules and a Lockhead Tri-Star along with the Military Museum, which has over 20 military vehicles to explore.

Saeed showed off his wonderful underwater images from the press trips he has done there, and in doing so, made us all wish we too could dive there. Saeed finished up by showing us stunning topside images from Petra, Wadi Rum and the Dead Sea.

You can watch the video of Saeed’s talk here:

As always, the NUPG members also had a chance to show off some of their images in the monthly competition. This month’s theme was “Molluscs” and many were surprised at the range of marine life that fitted into this category.

The winning shot of a squid was taken by Ken Byrne on a night dive in the Lembeh Strait

The runner-up was a stunning octopus shot by Justin Beevor, taken on a night dive on The Barge in the Red Sea

In third spot was Maggie Russel with a lovely shot from Manado, Indonesia

For more information about the NUPG please visit the website by clicking here.

The Northern Underwater Photography Group (NUPG) is an organisation of like-minded people with an interest in taking images underwater. The group meets in Manchester but membership is drawn from around the North of England and further afield. Meetings are monthly and previous speakers have included Alex Mustard, Martin Edge, Alex Tattersall, and Scubaverse's own Nick & Caroline Robertson-Brown. Find out more at www.nupg.org.uk

Gear News

Introducing the TR-80, IR-50 and CS-30 Regulators from DYNAMICNORD

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regulator

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.

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.

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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.

regulator

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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