News
Stuart Cove’s Dive Bahamas Presents Series of Lionfish Derbies
Whether you thrive on the thrill of the chase, relish the heat of competition, or have a hankering for healthy reefs, Stuart Cove’s Lionfish Derby is an event you won’t want to miss.
A perfect excuse to escape to the warm, clear waters of the Bahamas for a festive long weekend, Stuart Cove’s four summer and fall Lionfish Derbies combine a unique underwater hunt with a fun-filled reef protection event, ample bottom time on Nassau’s beautiful reefs and a farewell evening of great food wrapped into one unforgettable getaway.
Lionfish are the only target of the hunt. As beautiful and exotic as they are, they are an invasive species in the Atlantic Ocean and present a serious and immediate danger to the local marine eco-system. Unlike their native Pacific Ocean, in these waters they have no natural enemy, so they reproduce fast and furiously. With a voracious appetite and aggressive predatory nature, they gorge on juvenile reef fish like grouper and snapper, wiping them out before they can breed and repopulate the waters. The only way to preserve this fragile marine environment is to eliminate them, and that’s the goal of the Derbies.
So, come join Stuart Cove’s and let the hunt – and the fun — begin! Your efforts will be rewarded!
In the spirit of a true Derby competition, coveted prizes will be awarded for the largest lionfish, the most lionfish and the largest free diving lionfish caught over the course of the event.
On the final evening of the Lionfish Derby, Stuart Cove’s will host a savory cookout with the weekend’s catch topping the bill of fare. Lionfish are surprisingly tasty and considered a delicacy in many parts of the world, and Stuart Cove’s own renowned Chef Bessie will prepare a feast of them for you, Bahamian style. The menu will feature lionfish Ceviche Bahamian style, fried and steamed with plenty of traditional peas and rice, coleslaw, all the fixings and ice cold Bahamian beers.
Stuart Cove’s exclusive 5-day/4-night Lionfish Derby package is available July 27-31, Aug 24-28, Sept 28-Oct 2, Oct 26-30. The Package starts at $763 per person, double occupancy based on hotel selection. It includes courtesy pick up and drop off at your hotel, three full days of diving with Stuart Cove’s Dive Bahamas including a 2-tank Derby Dive each morning for lionfish hunting, a dedicated Derby dive boat and crew, pleasure diving in the afternoon to enjoy the rest of what Nassau’s underwater realm has to offer, tanks, weights and lionfish hunting gear, and the Lionfish Cookout.
Travel must be booked by October 15, 2017. To book your trip, visit Stuart Cove’s Dive Bahamas at www.Stuartcove.com, email info@stuartcove.com or call 001 954-524-5755 or 800-879-9832.
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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