Flotsam & Jetsam

Bret Gilliam. There was no more unique and accomplished individual in the dive industry than Bret, whose passing left boatloads of friends behind to raise a glass to his memory. John Bantin, Undercurrent's Senior Editor, posted his remembrance on the Undercurrent website. You can read John's blog by clicking here.

Snorkeler Suffers Full-face Attack by'Gator. Marissa Carr was snorkeling on November 5 at Alexander Springs Recreation Area, an hour northwest of Orlando, when a 9-foot alligator attacked and bit her on the face. She was wearing a full-face snorkel mask, which she believes prevented more severe injuries. Alexander Springs is a natural spring pool with a consistent temperature of 72°F and exceptionally clear water.

Why 10 Billion Snow Crabs Vanished from the Bering Sea. Between 2018 and 2021scientists searched for the huge migrating population, to no avail. They discovered that the crabs were suffering from the most significant mortality collapse known to the species. The increased ocean temperature meant their calorific requirements increased four-fold, and the warmer water caused the booming population of crabs to increase its metabolism and consequently starve to death because there was an insufficient food supply to meet their increased needs. Alaska has closed snow crab fishing season through next year.

Do You Wear Hearing Aids? If you're a user, you know it's easy to forget you're wearing them, and with prices up to six grand or more, they're precious. Rod Ellis (Smithton, MO) was a tad unhappy when he forgot to remove his before a Cozumel check-out dive. "One was lost to Davy Jones, and one made a short dive for a few minutes but somehow survived." He says, "Buy hearing aid insurance. Back home, they were replaced for $300." His tip: Add their removal to your pre-dive checklist.

Sharks Can Eat Anything - Wrong! This blue shark's corpse was discovered at the end of September in Scotland's Orkney Islands' waters with a plastic bag emerging from its anus. When will we learn?

Orcas Strike Again. An orca pod sank a Polish yacht, Grazie Mamma II, passing through the Strait of Gibraltar on October 31. They hit the rudder for 45 minutes, causing significant damage and leakage. It's the fourth time since 2020 that orcas have sunk vessels in the area. Hundreds of other encounters have been reported, many resulting in extensive damage.

Careful What You Tuck Inside Your Wetsuit. After Perth, Australia's Matt Rogerson finished his regular good deed, snorkeling and collecting trash from his local beach, he was washing his gear when he noticed one of the most deadly creatures in the world hiding in an abandoned snorkel he'd picked up, and stuffed in his wet suit. The tiny blue ring octopus, no more than an inch long, emerged from among other litter he'd collected. Its venom contains tetrodotoxin, and this tiny little fellow's bite could have paralyzed Rogerson, maybe even killed him. He says he'll be more careful about what he collects and tucks inside his wetsuit.