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Winners of the British Wildlife Photography Awards 2017 Announced

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The British Wildlife Photography Awards have announced the winners for 2017. The Awards celebrate both the work of amateur and professional photographers and the beauty and diversity of British wildlife. Winning images are chosen from thousands of entries in fifteen separate categories including a category for film and two junior categories designed to encourage young people to connect with nature through photography.

Included in the winners and highly commended images are some stunning underwater photos from the UK coastline. These images were spread across several of the categories, from Coastal and Marine to Habitats.


The Winner of the Coastal and Marine category was Caron Steele with Emergence (Northern gannet, Morus bassanus), taken at Bempton Cliffs, Yorkshire.

“Having seen many diving gannet photographs I wanted to try and capture something a bit different. I watched the birds fishing and was fascinated by the way the gannets would emerge from nowhere to steal another bird’s prey. I was keen to capture the moment just before they broke the surface, while they were still in ‘stealth mode’. A combination of bright sunshine and cloud made setting the exposure difficult, but the result has some lovely patterns on the water.” Caron Steele

Emergence by Caron Steele


Highly Commended in the Coastal and Marine Category was Melvin Redeker with Inquisitive Porpoise (Harbour porpoise, Phocoena phocoena), taken at Yell, Shetland Islands.

“Harbour porpoises have a reputation as shy and elusive sea mammals. My view on this changed drastically when we found a pod swimming straight at our boat, moving with the speed of little torpedoes. We slipped quietly into the water. They were making sharp turns and approaching me from behind, which made it very hard to anticipate and photograph them. After the encounter, I found a bunch of blurred porpoise images on my memory card. But this one came out well. Because of this fantastic experience, I now think of the elusive harbour porpoises as being more like a small North Sea dolphin because they are so inquisitive and playful.” Melvin Redeker

Inquisitive Porpoise by Melvin Redeker


Highly commended in the Animal Portrait category was Robin Goodlad with A Ring in Bright Water (Eurasian otter, Lutra lutra) taken at the Buckfast Otter Sanctuary, Devon.

A Ring in Bright Water by Robin Goodlad


Highly commended in the Animal Portrait Category was Trevor Rees with A Blue in the Green (Blue shark, Prionace glauca), Penzance, Cornwall.

“I teamed up with a group of shark enthusiasts on a small boat from Penzance. Our skipper took us 10 miles or so offshore where there was a strong chance we would find some blue sharks that we could safely snorkel in the water with. The sharks were there, and this individual came and gently bumped into me a couple of times to check me out – I felt privileged to get so up-close and personal.” Trevor Rees

A Blue in the Green by Trevor Rees


You can see over 100 images from the competition including the winning and commended entries in a nationwide tour which launched at the Mall Galleries, London on 7th November and is open until 1pm on 12th November. Visit the website for more information and to find the closest venue to you: www.bwpawards.org/c/galleries/exhibitions

These images have been published from British Wildlife Photography Awards 8 published by Ammonite Press, RRP £25. This stunning coffee table book showcases the very best entries from the British Wildlife Photography Awards 2017  and celebrates British wildlife as captured on camera by today’s best amateur and professional photographers. The book is available online and from all good bookshops.

Find out more at www.bwpawards.org.

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.

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.

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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.

regulator

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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