News
Where’s Ellen? Part One… (Watch Video)
In the first in an exclusive new series of blogs, renowned underwater and wildlife photographer Ellen Cuylaerts, takes Scubaverse visitors on her latest travel adventures…
After talking at Asia Dive Expo (ADEX) in Singapore 4 years ago, it was about time I would return for another visit and contribute to the special 25th anniversary ADEX celebrations with a talk, some panel discussions, live judging of the Voice of the Oceans Photo Competition and, imagine that at 49, participating in a fashion show wearing hand-painted designs by the talented Anne K. Adijuwono representing 25 endangered species.
This year’s ADEX is dedicated to plastic-free oceans and that’s something I’m very passionate about!
But I’m also passionate about reducing my already awful carbon footprint flying around, hence I try to minimize flying back and forth home unnecessarily and maximize ‘layover’ time looking for things I would otherwise not experience.
Singapore as my destination triggered an article I recently read about two otter families living in the Marine Bay. A true wildlife soap drama took place where the Bishan 10 family chased the Marine family, even resulting in the death of a pup. That’s the course of nature, but otters are known to be very elusive and are also known to only thrive close to clean waterways… and this species, smooth-coated otters, were on the critically endangered list in Singapore but they were also spotted on a regular basis.
The perfect reason for me to include three days of urban wildlife exploration in my trip!
Through Facebook I got in touch with the group Ottercity and they sent me a map of the huge territory the otters lived in and the time of day to best go out and explore.
On Day One, my jetlag and a late arrival only got me outside at noon, 33 degrees Celsius, hot and humid, but I walked the area for scouting. I did not carry my heavy lens and, to my surprise, I could hardly believe it, I spotted three otters in the river, munching on a freshly-caught fish. Pure joy to witness! Their human-like behavior in using their tiny webbed hands and standing tall on their wide tail, brought an instant smile on my face.
I took a few shots but mostly observed them and followed them around, which is hard because once they swim, they’re very fast.
The next day I did two rounds, morning and evening, 15 miles in total, but no otters spotted.
On my last day before ADEX would start, I decided to leave a bit later, my gut feeling told me the overcast weather and rain would also have an effect on the otters. At my return point, no otters sighted, I deviated and stopped at a Lily pond in the Gardens by the Bay to take a picture for my Mom’s birthday. I thought the frogs must be huge because they stirred up quite a bit, except… they were not frogs but… my beloved otter family. They hung out a while, playing hide and seek with each other. It was hard to take images, and suddenly they were gone.
The scouting of the previous two days came in handy and I anticipated on their next move running and sweating from point A to B to C where I found all 15 of them sleeping in the sand. I spent a whole two hours watching them sleep and taking images, sweaty, on my hand and knees in the sand (go low, go slow, go close), already out of water supply since I found them at the Lily pond, but nothing could make me leave them.
https://youtu.be/Zzg7Q_nUdIU
And then they woke up and off they went again, and off I went again too! Another hour of swimming action, running, eating and making funny sounds communicating with each ‘otter’. And as soon as I spotted them… they were gone, leaving me exhausted, sunburned but extremely grateful I took these days and went on a mission! Otterly pleased I should say!
This whole experience feels especially poignant with ADEX dedicated to plastic-free oceans and the otters a symbol of Singapore’s greening policy creating a healthier river system. I’m so very happy to have found the otters here…
Find out more about Ellen and her photographic adventures at www.ellencuylaerts.com.
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.
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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