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For David Denson Whiteside (with username 'dwhitesi', exp: 2024-08-20, at dwhite95815@hotmail.com )

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December 22, 2021

Stay Away from those Thai Reefs. Because hordes of divers, especially from China, are flocking to Thailand's national park reefs, the government is banning large diving boats from getting too close to dive sites, requiring them to stay 100 to 200 meters away. They will have to transport their divers on smaller boats to dive sites, which not only keeps them away from churning propellors but also keeps anchors off the reefs. The government says this will put them in compliance with the International Maritime Organization's standard that calls for all boats to keep at least 50 meters away from any diving site. It's a $150 fine for the first offense, and for the third offense it's loss of license and a $3000 fine. The Phuket News

Getting Stiffed in the Time of Covid: Last month, we wrote about many divers finding that a liveaboard or resort kept their money, refused refunds (even if they canceled the trip), and at least one even had the gall to require more money to rebook them. We failed to mention that many credit cards offer refunds under some circumstances. For example, John Damico wrote: "We always use our American Express card when purchasing a trip. They have a clause that states if you did not receive what you paid for, they will refund your money. I have used this a few times and it works. One stipulation is you need to try getting a refund on your own first. If that fails, they will step in." There may be some small print you need to contend with, but keep in mind that AMEX and some other cards may come to your financial rescue.

Puff: Wonders of the Reef: Now free on Netflix, this charming and informative one-hour documentary follows a juvenile sharp-nosed puffer from his birth through adulthood on the Great Barrier Reef. He evades predators, witnesses all sort of coral configurations, explores the nooks and crannies, searches for food as he goes from an egg in blue water to a BB-sized critter arriving at his new home, all the while dodging critters that want to make him a meal. His is a unique and exciting journey, worth watching by even the most experienced diver -- and the entire family. Expertly filmed -- stunning macro and time-lapse shots -- and directed by Australian Nick Robinson, with Rose Byrne narrating, it is a bit anthropomorphic at times. Still, as you follow around this little guy through his journey of survival, he will win your heart. Think NEMO in real life.

Maui Bans Coral Killing Sunscreen. Maui officials have banned the sale of more than 80 types of sunscreen -- all of which contain ingredients believed to contribute to coral bleaching. Chemicals oxybenzone and octinoxate were first identified in 2015 as ingredients that cause coral bleaching, turning colorful corals into dead, white structures. Researchers have found oxybenzone concentrations in some Hawaiian waters at more than 30 times the level considered safe for corals. Daily Mail

Octopus and Lobsters Have Feelings. Being recognized as sentient means that the welfare of cephalopods and decapod crustaceans will have to be considered in any future decision-making processes, according to the UK government. It looks like it will soon be illegal to boil a lobster alive or tenderize an octopus by beating it to death in that country. Livescience.com

Rubbing Shoulders with Sharks. Before sandpaper was invented, people used dried sharkskin, called shagreen, to smooth and polish wood. What has been recently discovered is that some fish have known that forever. Sharkskin is covered in small tooth-like scales, giving it a rough sandpaper texture, making it ideal for a fish wanting to scrape off parasites and bacteria. Underwater drone footage by scientists at the University of Miami captured 47 examples of a frequent ritual performed by fish against the flanks of passing sharks at more than a dozen locations worldwide. Daily Mail

The Philippines Welcomes Divers Once More. The country's diving industry is ready to welcome foreign visitors as more than 95 percent of workers in accredited dive establishments have received their vaccines against COVID-19, the Philippines Department of Tourism (DOT) announced at the end of November. Manila Bulletin

Put Another Dollar In. PADI, which is taking a big financial hit due to the pandemic, has raised its annual instructor-member renewal fees to more than US$400 in its drive to stay profitable for its shareholders. Of course, it's a business decision based on the idea that their instructors have no other option but to pay. However, SSI, RAID, SDI/TDI, and the like are rubbing their hands with glee as they see their new membership figures swelling as a result. The folks at RAID International have gone one better and announced they are removing all membership fees permanently for recreational and professional divers (subject to some conditions) in what is a first for the diving industry. Could this threaten PADI dominance in the scuba training market?

Record Manatee Fatalities. More than one thousand manatees have died in Florida waters this year, most from starvation, and their primary food, seagrass, was wiped out by algae blooms and agricultural runoff. This month federal wildlife officials will undertake unprecedented action to slow the starvation by feeding the threatened species romaine lettuce, an acceptable substitute, in a limited trial to help them survive the winter.

Coming Up in Undercurrent: Big fish diving in the Maldives . . . . how divers use computers properly and improperly . . . . diving Maui . . . . a week in a tropical underwater photography workshop . . . . a researcher describers her work to quell the lionfish problem . . . . a resort review on South Caicos . . . . and much, much more.

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Ben Davison, editor/publisher
BenDDavison@undercurrent.org