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UK Blues: Your Reaction

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Yesterday we posted an article by Jeff Goodman about his recent experience of a ‘Blue Shark Diving Day’ off the coast of Cornwall in the UK. The article includes upsetting photos and a video of a blue shark tangled in one of the boat’s lines, and asks whether the experience was, as claimed by the boat’s operators, a scientific endeavour, or just an opportunity to make money out of the tourists on board.

Unsurprisingly we’ve had a huge response from the Scubaverse audience over this article – here’s what some of you had to say:

Richard Shucksmith: To be honest Jeff, that did not really sound like research, it sounded more like a joke and put on for the sake of the punters. There is a guy working off Cornwall where you can swim and photograph blue sharks without hooking them at all and he comes very highly recommended. It would be interesting to know who was doing the research, which institute, where the data was going, what was the research question, etc etc as far as your article goes it makes it sound like a joke and no real research was being undertaken.

Nick Lyon: I was on the boat that day too. Quite apart from the fact that conditions were not conducive to safe diving, what we saw was a bloke going fishing. The sharks were only measured so that the skipper could estimate the weight of his trophy. No tagging took place. No research was conducted. The deck was awash with blood after the sharks were thrown back. It was appalling.

Charles Hood: If anyone is interested I do it differently. No hooks or capture just a special mix of Rubby Dubby:  http://charleshood.com/snorkel-with-blue-sharks

Richard Shucksmith: To be honest Jeff,  you should name and shame all these operations so people stop going with them and go out with people like Charles Hood who undertake working with sharks in an incredibly responsible and professional way while still providing great photographic opportunities. Here is a link to a blog from a good friend and fellow colleague Matt Doggett who went out with Charles Hood last year: http://www.earthinfocus.com/blog/detail.php?id=11

James Gregory: I’m glad you got some good images though I’m not sure good is the right word! I couldn’t watch what was going on underwater hence surfacing and wanting to get out. I was truly shocked to see how those sharks were handled. I just hope that out of all the “publicity” he wanted some good will come of it.

Ryan: “Great write up Jeff, and I agree… unnecessary suffering”

You can read Jeff’s article in full here.

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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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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