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Scuba Tours Worldwide Announces Seven Atoll Shark Specials

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Scuba Tours Worldwide are running two 12 day ‘Shark Specials’ aboard MV Sea Spirit which will take in the shark-diving highlights from seven of the beautiful Maldivian atolls. These are exciting, challenging safaris with a route that includes sites which are very rarely dived.  

Grey reef cleaning (3)The first trip starts in Male atoll with divers joining MV Sea Spirit near the international airport and then travelling south to Cocoa Channel in South Male Atoll, the infamous Alimathaa nurse shark night dive, plus the excellent shark channels of Miyaru Kandu in Felidhoo Atoll, and Shark Channel in Meemu Atoll where silvertips are regularly seen amongst the schools of grey sharks.

You will also dive at Kurali and Vattaru where mantas are sometimes seen.  The trip then crosses into Thaa Atoll and onwards to Laamu Atoll.  The latter is famous for the north east channels where large numbers of grey sharks are frequently seen at this time of year.  There is an ocean crossing down to Huvadhoo giving you the chance to dive the eastern channels of this atoll where large numbers of sharks are commonly seen.  You can expect to see grey sharks in large numbers, white and black tip reef sharks, silvertip sharks, tawny nurse sharks and zebra sharks. Whale sharks might also be seen – although sightings are variable at this time of year. With luck, you should see scalloped hammerhead sharks and you might be lucky and see the less common pelagic species.  Many species of ray are also common at these sites and it is expected that you will see round ribbontail rays, pink whiprays, Jenkin’s whiprays, feathertail rays, manta rays and maybe porcupine rays.  Beyond Felidhoo Atoll there are few resorts and few liveaboards, giving these trips a “remote” feel.  From Huvadhoo atoll, returning divers will then take a domestic flight back to Male. The return trip, starting in Huvadhoo, will make the reverse itinerary.

Most of the diving is made in channels and would suit adventurous divers who are used to current or who are up to learning how to dive in current: it’s all about technique.  There will be plenty of drift dives as the Scuba Tours Worldwide crew don’t like swimming into current either, so they drop and make their dive descent up-current, drift to where the action is, and then drift onwards.  As a high proportion of the dive is spent in the 25-30m range, the use of nitrox is highly recommended (the course can be completed on-board for unqualified divers who would like to use nitrox).

Trip dates: 25th Jan – 6th Feb and 8th – 20th March 2015.

Cost: £2,361pp plus international flights (which Scuba Tours Worldwide can organise from your local UK airport).

For more details go to www.scubascuba.com or contact the Scuba Tours Worldwide Sales Team on +44 (0)1284 748010 or email sales@scubascuba.com.

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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