Undercurrent Online Update

Perhaps one of the least considered threats underwater is an angry titan triggerfish. We've recently received reports from a couple of divers who were seriously hassled by one of these angry critters. Do you have any stories to share with us about ornery triggers? Or any other fish, for that matter? Please let us know as we are putting a story together. E-mail me your stories at EditorBenD@undercurrent.org

The World's Most Unique Diving:

No doubt, the award for the most unique guided dive trips has got to go to Amos Nachoum, the superb underwater photographer, who for years has been taking experienced divers into the water with sailfish, polar bears, great whites ... animals you can only dream about. While his trips can be pricey, the diving experiences and photographic opportunities -- are unparalleled ... and you've got affable Amos there to help you raise your still shot and video skills to all new levels. To learn more about his upcoming trips see his latest newsletter and visit his website by going to www.biganimals.com. You're in for the thrill of a lifetime. Note: Nachoum will give Undercurrent readers a $1,000 discount for all trips booked thru 2012 -- as long as you mention "I want 2 c biganimals..." when making your reservations and do it by this August 31.

Ocean acidification, the decrease in pH levels brought about by increased carbon dioxide from burning fossil fuels being absorbed by the oceans, is raising havoc. We already know it can kill coral, thin the shells of many animals, and cause fish to lose their sense of smell, and now a new study shows that fish hearing is also compromised. British researchers reared baby clownfish at three different pH levels. After 17 to 20 days of rearing, fish reared in today's ocean conditions swam away from predator noise generated through underwater speakers, but those reared in the projected conditions of oceans in 2050 and 2100 showed no response. Lowered pH conditions may have a profound impact on the entire functioning of the sensory system. To learn more about ocean acidification, go to www.oceanacidification.net.

The dive training agency's eco-foundation just announced that it now plans to focus on just two ocean issues: sharks in peril and marine debris. Sign its shark petition to increase protection for endangered species and help close finning policy loopholes worldwide. Also, divers are encouraged to help battle ocean pollution by collecting marine data and debris underwater, and reporting their findings at Project AWARE's website.

The smartest and funniest people in the dive industry offer their opinions, stories and advice in frequent blog postings on our website, free for the reading. The latest: Margo Peyton, who runs Kids Sea Camps in the Caribbean, gives tips on teaching kids to dive and how to dive with them on trips; photographers Burt Jones and Maurine Shimlock talk about how erratic weather has affected Asia-Pacific diving; Papua New Guinea dive pioneer Bob Halstead asks whether it matters if fish feel pain or not; and guest blogger Duane Silverstein, executive director of Seacology, shares the tale of his "wruck" diving trip in the Philippines. Keep up with our bloggers at http://www.undercurrent.org/blog

We're now more optimistic about seeing more sharks during dives in the Yucatan. Mexico's Commission of Aquaculture and Fisheries decided earlier this month to ban the fishing of all shark species in federal waters on both coasts. It's not a permanent ban - according to the Fish Information & Services website, the ban will be only during the period of greatest reproductive intensity of the main species, typically between May and August. Still, it's the first such action taken in Latin America.

For years Sri Lanka's east coast was off limits due to civil war but now the region, home to a resident population of pygmy blue whales and the wreck of the first purpose-built aircraft carrier, is open to divers. Starting next year, the Maldives-based liveaboard Aquarius will operate out of Trincomalee in northeast Sri Lanka from April to August, when conditions are best. Highlights include snorkeling with the blue whales and diving the HMS Hermes, sunk near the town of Batticaloa by Japanese bombers during WWII and sitting upright at 175 feet (it's possible to dive the upper section on one air tank, while trained tech divers can go deeper). Prices for 2012 trips start at $3,200 and include flights and transfers; British dive travel agency Scuba Travel is handling bookings.

Andromeda, Sudan: Can diving the Red Sea with 25 other divers on board still make for a good trip? . . . the biggest influences on divers' behavior underwater . . . can dive travel agents score you discounts on excess baggage fees? . . . Diver Alert Network executives talk about the future of the organization . . . what's the term for a group of divers? . . . a dive equipment maker explains why litigation is the dive industry's biggest threat . . . a new gadget that lets divers talk with dolphins . . . and much, much more.

Ben Davison, editor/publisher
Contact Ben

 

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