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Siren Fleet and Reef Check Foundation team up for Philippines trip

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The Siren Fleet and Reef Check are working together this July to give you the opportunity to learn a little bit more about reef conservation. Whilst on-board the Philippine Siren, you will have the opportunity to participate in several courses and presentations by Dr. Gregor Hodgson from Reef Check.

Reef Check was founded in 1997 as an international non-profit foundation that monitors reefs in over 90 countries, mainly tropical coral reefs. Their protocol is the largest coral reef monitoring program and is used by many national governments as their primary coral reef monitoring tool. The Reef Check Mission is to “empower local people to save their reefs through research, education and active conservation”.

Dr. Gregor Hodgson is a coral reef ecologist and the founder of the Reef Check Foundation. Greg holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Marine Biology, specialising in Coral Reef Ecology and Integral Coastal Management, and attained his doctorate studying the impacts of logging on reefs in El Nido, Palawan. For 10 years he worked in Hong Kong as an environmental consultant before becoming a professor in Environmental Science and Marine Conservation at the Institute of the Environment and Sustainability at the University of California, Los Angeles.

The Reef Check courses are:

Eco-Diver: A 3 day course taught by Gregor on how to monitor coral reefs by using a set of 30 predefined indicators. After successfully completing the course you will receive a certification card, allowing you to participate in future Reef Check survey expeditions anywhere in the Indo-Pacific.

Discover Reef Check: A half day course for divers interested in learning a little more about reef conservation.

All participants in both courses will receive a wall certificate signed by Dr. Gregor Hodgson.

Participation in the course and presentations given by Gregor are strictly voluntary, so guests may opt to do as little or as much as they wish and the trip will follow the regular itinerary. Dive guides will be on hand to assist both those participating in the courses and guests who prefer to simply dive the reefs.

The itinerary of the 6 night trip will include Cabilao, Balicasag, Dauin, Apo Island and Pescador Island.

“Built by divers for divers”, the Siren Fleet yachts feature individually air conditioned cabins with en-suite facilities and plenty of space for you to relax and enjoy your time onboard. Siren Fleet offers 4 Guided Dives per day in small groups with free scuba equipment rental and Nitrox. All this surrounded by their professional, experienced and friendly crew.

Visit the Siren Fleet website (www.sirenfleet.com) or contact their reservations team at info@sirenfleet.com. Book today and receive a 10% discount. Have you already been onboard the Siren Fleet? Quote Summer of Sirens when you contact them and receive something extra special.

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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