News
Underwater Photographers call for an end to harassment of marine life
If you are an underwater photographer, and like to spend a bit of time on social media sites, then you may have seen plenty of comments about various competitions and the images that have done well in them recently. Many competition rules will state that any image that has been taken at the expense of marine life will be disqualified, but how do the judges and organisers prove that the marine life in the shot has been moved, harassed or manipulated? At the moment, the status quo seems to be that if they cannot prove it, then the image will be allowed. However, this sets a terrible example to other divers and underwater photographers and only encourages the practise of moving, usually macro critters, to more photographically pleasing places or poses.
Many may say “What is the problem?” it is only a shrimp, it was unlikely to have been hurt, there are more important things in life to worry about, all photographers do it.
A dive guide moves a wobbegong shark for a better shot for the underwater photographers in his group
All photographers do not do it! As underwater photographers, we should care about the marine environment. It is our responsibility to show the great beauty we see beneath the waves in an honest and truthful way. The argument that there are more important issues going on in the world is just fatuous. Of course there are, but if we used this as reasoning for ignoring the smaller issues, then we belittle everything we do to protect marine life. Caring about the environment, marine life and how this is portrayed in the public domain is important to us.
What can we do? Well, competition organisers and judges can simply change their rules to say that any image suspected of any marine life fiddling will be disqualified. No proof needed. Yes, some people will have perfectly valid images disqualified, but soon would learn not to bother entering such images. For example, it is possible to come across an inflated pufferfish in the wild (it could have been recently licked by a dolphin!), but I would not enter the image into a competition, because I could not prove that it was not me that stressed the fish out. It is possible to find emperor or tiger shrimps in pleasing positions, riding nudibranchs and sea cucumbers for example, but the likelihood of some of these poses happening naturally fits into the same category as that fact that I might win the lottery. It can happen (please let it) but it is phenomenally unlikely. Maybe I should point out at this point that I have a Masters degree in animal behaviour, and so whilst this does not make me an expert in all marine species, it does give me some credibility to comment on such things.
These images should be removed by the organisers and judges, before the serious work of selecting a winner even begins. Underwater photographers can show that they care about these issues by not entering the competitions that fail at following this simple ethos, and complaining and demanding answers about this topic when they feel high environmental standards have not been met.
What can you do? Work with dive centres that do not reward this behaviour in their dive guides. The dive guides, usually in the Far East in our experience, do this because they know that a “good” image of a macro critter will get them a good tip. When we are travelling, we like to dive with centres that do not allow the guides to be tipped individually. Rather, they collect tips, and distribute them evenly among all the staff (those that fill tanks, man the shop, drive the boats etc.) One of our favourite dive centres in Indonesia will fire any member of staff that accepts a private tip and all divers are made aware of this at the beginning of their stay. At other centres, if we are taking a group, we will ask all the divers to tip at the beginning of the week. We give this envelope, with an excellent tip inside, to the centre manager and tell them that they can give it to the staff at the end of the week if no-one reports any dive guides moving critters while we are diving. If the guides are reported to have moved any marine life – the tip money goes to a marine charity instead. This has worked very well indeed!
To find out what support this movement has, Dr Alex Tattersall has setup a petition. It calls for a “cultural shift” that is “necessary at all levels” from “those with influence such as competition organisers and dive magazines” and that they “should promote more responsible UW photo behaviour”.
You can sign the petition here.
An emperor shrimp rides a gorgeous nudibranch with no manipulation of the critters
There are signatures and supporting comments from around the world. Dive Centres and guides have now also been included in the petition.
The reality is that everyone needs to get involved and try to ensure marine life of all shapes and sizes are well looked after. It must a collective movement by divers, underwater photographers, dive centre owners, dive guides, marine conservation charities, dive publications and competition officials.
Underwater Photographers have the ability to inspire people to protect our oceans. Many post images of amazing scenes, unusual animal behaviours, give us an insight in the world of rarely seen creatures, show us divers enjoying themselves. These images can make up our mind as to where to next travel to, they can be donated to marine charities to use in campaigns, or they can give us tips and ideas on how to next shoot a particular animal. They can also post images to raise awareness and promote conservation that are not pleasant to view, but necessary to share, such as images of dead sharks lying at the bottom of the ocean with their fins removed, plastic pollution, and ghost nets that carrying on killing for years.
We all need to get behind a more ecologically aware way of diving. This is one aspect of a much wider movement. As the new editors of underwater photography at Scubaverse, we will be doing our best to incorporate this ethos in the posts and competitions run on the site.
News
Dive into Adventure: Limited Space Available for January Socorro Liveaboard Trip with Oyster Diving
Socorro Giant Mantas, Sharks and Dolphins – 8-16th January 2025
Oyster Diving is offering an unforgettable opportunity to experience one of the world’s most extraordinary dive destinations – Socorro Island. With only one male space left for this January’s liveaboard adventure, divers are invited to join an exclusive trip to explore the waters of Socorro, renowned for its remarkable marine life and incredible dive experiences.
Unmatched Diving in Socorro
Socorro is home to a unique population of giant oceanic mantas that actively seek interaction with divers and snorkelers, making it one of the best places in the world to encounter these majestic creatures. But the adventure doesn’t stop there – the waters surrounding Socorro are also teeming with marine life, including schooling hammerheads and silky sharks, over 10 other species of sharks, playful bottlenose dolphins that love to interact with divers, large schools of pelagic fish, and, during the season, humpback whales.
Luxury Aboard the Nautilus Belle Amie
Diving in such an extraordinary location is made even more special by the Nautilus Belle Amie. Launched in 2015, this modern, spacious liveaboard yacht is designed with divers in mind, ensuring comfort and luxury throughout the trip. The boat offers various suite options, including twin rooms and superior double suites, all with the ambiance of a boutique hotel. Divers will spend 8 days aboard the Belle Amie, with all meals, guided dives, and soft drinks included.
Pricing and Availability
This exclusive Socorro liveaboard trip is available for the following prices:
- Twin Room (2 people sharing a Stateroom): £3360 per person
- Superior Double Suite (2 people sharing): £3860 per person
Both prices include Socorro Island fees. A port fee of $35 is payable upon arrival.
Additional Costs:
- Return economy flights: Approx. £1,000 – £1,300 per person (prices confirmed prior to booking)
- One night hotel B&B accommodation before the liveaboard: Approx. £100 per person
Book Now
With only one spot left, this opportunity to explore Socorro’s spectacular underwater world is sure to fill up fast. Interested divers are encouraged to get in touch with Oyster Diving Holidays to secure their place today.
For more information and bookings, please contact:
Oyster Diving Holidays
Phone: 0800 699 0243
Email: info@oysterdiving.com
Don’t miss your chance to dive with mantas, sharks, dolphins, and humpbacks in one of the world’s most pristine marine environments!
This holiday period, the Marine Conservation Society, the UK’s leading ocean membership charity, invites you to make some simple changes to eating fish this Christmas to help our seas.
Dr Kenneth Bodles, Head of Fisheries and Aquaculture at the Marine Conservation Society, said, “During the festive season, our consumption increases, but so does waste. Sustainability isn’t just about where food comes from – it’s also about how you use it. By reducing waste and making the most out of your seafood, you’re not only taking steps to be more ocean-friendly, but can also help to cut costs during what is often one of the most expensive times of the year”.
The Marine Conservation Society has compiled twelve tips on how to consume seafood sustainably with zero-waste this Christmas:
Buy whole fish instead of fillets
Instead of fillets, consider buying whole fish such as salmon, hake, or lemon sole. By adopting a “nose to tail” approach with cooking, whole-baked fish not only feeds a crowd, but also helps to minimise waste and maximise sustainability by using up every part of the animal, including bones, skin, and fat.
Make fish stock
Leftover fish bones or shells can be put to good use by boiling them to make a nourishing fish stock or bisque. This can be frozen and preserved for later use and makes for a flavourful base in a soup.
Make your own fish pâté
Avoid waste by turning leftover fish, such as smoked mackerel or salmon, into a delicious pâté by blending with cream cheese and lemon. Perfect when paired with crackers.
The sustainability of salmon and mackerel varies depending on where and how it is caught or farmed. For more information on green-rated options, check the charity’s Good Fish Guide.
Buy frozen
By purchasing seafood that is frozen or vacuum-packed, this helps to reduce waste by extending the shelf life of your food.
Fish pie
If you’re wondering what to do with leftover cooked fish, why not opt for a classic fish pie with mashed potatoes, leeks, and a cheesy sauce? A sure crowd pleaser on Boxing Day.
Use the head
Don’t forget the fish head! The meat is incredibly tender and flavourful. The charity recommends a cod’s head curry or recreating Fallow’s renowned cod’s head in siracha butter.
By stretching your ingredients further, not only is this a more sustainable way to enjoy seafood, but also cost-effective by repurposing leftovers and cooking creatively.
Boxing Day brunch
Mix leftover kippers or smoked salmon with scrambled eggs for a tasty, zero-waste, Boxing Day brunch.
For best choice, make sure you buy kippers, or herring, from the North Sea and the North Irish Sea.
Zero-waste storage
A top tip from the Marine Conservation Society to avoid waste is freezing fish offcuts to save for future use.
Crisp up the skin
Even leftover fish skin can be turned into a quick savoury snack by crisping it up in an air fryer with a little olive oil and salt.
Anchovies two ways
Leftover anchovies can either be blended with butter to make a delicious anchovy butter or tossed into pasta for a hit of umami flavour.
The charity recommends opting for anchovies caught in the Bay of Biscay for best choice.
Fishcakes
For an easy, zero-waste meal, leftover seafood trimmings can be mixed with mash and fried in breadcrumbs to make fishcakes.
Pickled mussels
Try pickling mussels in 1:1 vinegar and water, with a dash of sugar for a sustainable, zero-waste snack that can be enjoyed well beyond the festive season.
Mussels farmed in the UK are a seafood superhero. Grown using low-impact methods and harvested by hand, they get all the food they need from the sea around them. This makes them one of the most sustainable, ocean-friendly, and cost-effective seafood options.
Players of People’s Postcode Lottery have raised £6.6M towards the Marine Conservation Society’s vital work in making seafood more sustainable.
Laura Chow, Head of Charities at People’s Postcode Lottery, said: “Fish is a festive favourite for many, but making sustainable choices when it comes to how we buy and eat seafood makes all the difference for our ocean. Support from players of People’s Postcode Lottery has helped the Marine Conservation Society further its sustainable seafood work, so that we can all enjoy healthier, better protected seas.”
The Marine Conservation Society encourages you to make sustainable seafood choices a year-round habit, not just for Christmas. To check how sustainable the seafood on your plate is, you can visit the charity’s Good Fish Guide. The Guide helps consumers and businesses identify the most sustainable seafood using a simple traffic light system, based on where and how species are caught or farmed. Green is the best choice, amber means improvements are needed, and red indicates fish to avoid buying.
Zero-waste gift idea
Why not embrace a zero-waste Christmas by gifting a membership to support marine conservation? It’s a meaningful, low-waste gift that helps protect our ocean for generations to come. Memberships start from as little as £5 a month – the price of a sandwich and drink from your local coffee shop.
Find the latest sustainable seafood advice for wild-caught and farmed seafood on the Good Fish Guide, downloadable to your phone from www.mcsuk.org/goodfishguide.
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