News
Salaya Beach Houses offers the World’s only Ghost Pipefish Distinctive Specialty Course
Negros Oriental in the Philippines is known as the ultimate muck diving paradise, with Dauin being its capital. Diving guests at Salaya Beach Houses can discover a great variety of unusual and exotic marine creatures.
Even the rare master of disguise, the ghost pipefish, finds a perfect habitat at the prosperous local dive sites. Salaya Beach Houses is now offering a Specialty course dedicated to these fascinating creatures. This unique Specialty has been approved by both PADI and SSI.
Shy, well camouflaged and thus hard to find, the ghost pipefish is usually at the top of many macro lover’s bucket list. A total of six species were classified by scientists so far: Armored Ghost Pipefish, Delicate Ghost Pipefish, Halimeda Ghost Pipefish, Ornate Ghost Pipefish, Robust Halimedia Ghost Pipefish and Roughsnout Ghost Pipefish. They barely show any conspicuous movement, so that they are often mistaken for being a part of their surroundings, therefore often overlooked.
For macro fans and underwater photographers who want to find the master of disguise, the team of Salaya Beach Houses developed a distinctive Specialty course dedicated to these amazing creatures.
Course participants will learn where they live, what they use as camouflage and what they try to imitate, so that they are well equipped to find the various species. In addition, a broad background knowledge on ghost pipefish is imparted. Information on the different species, their life cycle and span, as well as on reproduction is given. Cameras are available for rent to be used during the dives.
The only prerequisites for the two-day course is a (Junior) Open Water Diver certification and a minimum of ten years of age. The Ghost Pipefish Distinctive Specialty Course includes three open water dives, for divers aged twelve and up these can include night dives, providing even more opportunities for bizarre once-in-a-lifetime encounters. During the dives, participants will search for ghost pipefish, observe their behaviour, look for parasites, identify their sex and – of course – film and photograph them. The emphasis is always on a non-intrusive interaction with (all) marine life; guests are encouraged to observe and learn without affecting the animals.
The guest’s footage and pictures will be reviewed after the dives. Because there is not much known about the fascinating creatures, the team of Salaya Beach Houses is keeping a log of the sightings and is building a library to which participants can contribute their own pictures and video footage.
For more information about Salaya Beach Houses please visit their 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.
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