SCUBA News - #159 - August 2013

SCUBA News ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ SCUBA News (ISSN 1476-8011) Issue 159 - August 2013 http://www.scubatravel.co.uk ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~ Welcome to SCUBA News. Thanks for subscribing - as always we welcome your trip reports and recommendations. E-mail news@scubatravel.co.uk. This month we're pleased to publicise an underwater photo competition, with diving prizes worth $75000 (US). Don't forget to visit the SCUBA Travel Community at Google+. We look forward to meeting you there. I hope you enjoy SCUBA News, but should you wish to cancel your subscription you can do so at http://www.scubatravel.co.uk/news.html. You can also download a pdf version of this newsletter. SCUBA News is published by SCUBA Travel Ltd. Contents: - What's new at SCUBA Travel? - Letters - Underwater Photo Competition: $75000 of Prizes - Diving News from Around the World What's New at SCUBA Travel? Diving Glossary We've updated our eclectic diving, ocean and marine life dictionary: from ABLJ to Zooxanthellae. http://www.scubatravel.co.uk/glossary.html Diving Sierra Leone Sierra Leone is not the first place you might consider for a SCUBA diving holiday, which guarantees that the dive sites will not be crowded. In September 2010 the UN Security Council lifted the last remaining sanctions against the Republic, eight years after the end of the civil war, saying that the government had fully re-established control over its territory. Sierra Leone, with its miles of beaches, hopes to emulate Gambia in attracting tourists. One for the adventurous divers. http://www.scubatravel.co.uk/africa.html#Sierra-Leone Diving Ustica, Italy Ustica's dive sites are among the best in the Mediterranean. We've updated our list of dive centres in Ustica, with divers' ratings and reviews at http://www.scubatravel.co.uk/italy/ustica-diving.html For regular announcements of what's new at the SCUBA Travel site see our Twitter feed, Google+ or Facebook pages. Letters Crossover Qualifications This table (at http://www.scubatravel.co.uk/training/qualifications.html) is very useful for roughly equivalent qualifications, however, I have found that the maximum depth ratings can vary. Has anyone compiled a table with depth limits between the differing qualifications? Thanks Theresa Murphy Good question Theresa, we'll try adding the depth information to the table. Ocean Art Underwater Photo Competition Announced: over $75,000 in Prizes Our friends at the Underwater Photography Guide are now accepting images for the Ocean Art Underwater Photo Competition 2013. There are over $75,000 worth of prizes, including over 35 liveaboard and scuba diving resort packages. Winners will be able to rank the prizes they would like to receive, making it more likely for winners to receive a prize they want. The competition has 12 categories, including a Novice dSLR category and 3 compact camera categories, giving underwater photographers of all levels a chance to win a great prize. Unique categories include SuperMacro, Cold/ Temperate Water, Nudibranchs, and Divers/ Fashion. The more traditional categories include Wide-Angle, Macro, Marine Life Portraits, and Marine Life Behaviour. Judges include world-renowned underwater photographers Martin Edge, Marty Snyderman, Tony Wu and Todd Winner. Photos must be submitted on or before the deadline of 10 November 2013. The cost for entry is $10 (US) per photo. If you enter 10 photos you get the 11th free. Photos must be in jpeg format and at least 2500 pixels at the longest length. The rules include directions about Photoshop (or similar imaging software) The organisers admit that Photoshop has become a necessary tool for processing images, but it’s not a substitute for good photography. They allow: Global changes; color temperature, brightness, contrast, dodge & burn, sharpening, saturation changes, tonal adjustments, color balance adjustments and changes that can be made using a Camera RAW converter. Rotation, flip and flop Limited removal of backscatter. This does not mean removing divers, fish, etc. Cropping is allowed, but judges often look down on significant cropping. The competition does not allow: Cutting and pasting sections of images from another part of an image or from another image. No cloning objects or composite images. For example, moving fish, reef or any other elements of a photo, adding a glow to simulate a flashlight, or adding a diver or animal silhouette in the background. Excessive blurring Double exposures. To enter see the Ocean Art Photo Competition webpage. More information... Diving News From Around the World For breaking news see our Twitter feed, RSS feed or Google+ page. Dolphins remember each other for decades Bottlenose dolphin's 20-year recollection sets record for long-term memory in animals. Between the ages of about 4 months and a year, every bottlenose dolphin settles on a whistle of its own that stays the same for the rest of the dolphin's life. Dolphins use these whistles in the same way as humans use names: they voice their own whistles to identify themselves to others, and they mimic others' whistles to call to them. Native Predators no Match for Invasive Lionfish on Caribbean Reefs New study surveying 71 reefs in Caribbean finds native predators, like grouper, don't lower the densities of invasive lionfish from the Pacific - Pterois volitans and Pterois miles. Watch Archaeologists Explore a Gulf of Mexico Shipwreck Follow researchers on a live feed as they investigate a 19th-century shipwreck armed with cannons in the Gulf of Mexico. New study gets its teeth into shark trade regulations A new TRAFFIC study examines how implementation of trade controls through CITES regulations can ensure that seven species of sharks and manta rays are only sourced sustainably and legally before entering international trade. NOAA proposes opening closed areas To help fishermen adjust to the new quota cuts for groundfish that have been effective since May, NOAA Fisheries has proposed to open approximately 33% of areas that have been closed for nearly 20 years. Ancient Underwater Forest: Found By Scuba Divers Scuba divers have discovered a primeval underwater forest off the coast of Alabama. The Bald Cypress forest was buried under ocean sediments, protected in an oxygen-free environment for more than 50,000 years, but was likely uncovered by Hurricane Katrina in 2005. Scientists uncover secrets of starfish's bizarre feeding mechanism Scientists have identified a molecule that enables starfish to carry out one of the most remarkable forms of feeding in the natural world. Starfish eyes are good enough to show them the way home If they stray from the reef, starfish can use the light-sensitive organs at the tips of their arms to form images, helping them find their way home NOAA reports discovery of table coral, Acropora cytherea, off O'ahu NOAA scientists report the discovery of the first known colony of table coral off of the south shore of O'ahu in Hawaii. Given its common name due to its flat-topped, table-like shape, table coral (Acropora cytherea) is one of the primary reef-building corals throughout most of the tropical Pacific, but it has never been observed in waters off O'ahu - until now, researchers said. The coral, estimated to be 14 years old, was found at a depth of 20 m during a training dive. * Copyright SCUBA Travel - http://www.scubatravel.co.uk/ * Reprinting permitted with this footer included. We are happy for you to copy and distribute this newsletter, and use parts of it on your own web site, providing the above copyright notice is included and a link back to our web site is in place. Photos copyright Tim Nicholson and Ocean Art Photo Competition. Previous editions of SCUBA News are archived at http://www.scubatravel.co.uk/news.html SUBSCRIBING AND UNSUBSCRIBING Visit this link and add or remove your e-mail address. To change whether your receive the newsletter in text or HTML (with pictures) format visit this link ADVERTISING Should you wish to advertise in SCUBA News, please see the special offers at http://www.scubatravel.co.uk/newsad.html Other advertising opportunities are at http://www.scubatravel.co.uk/advertising.html CONTACTING THE EDITOR Please send your letters or press releases to: Jill Studholme SCUBA News The Cliff Upper Mayfield DE6 2HR UK news@scubatravel.co.uk PUBLISHER SCUBA Travel Ltd

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Shark Week | Swimming with Whitetips | ScubaLab Fin Test | World's Best Shark Dives

2013 Shark Week!

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4th Night Free in Curacao at Lions Dive & Beach Resort Lions Dive is named one of the top 10 Caribbean dive resorts for 2013! Located on a beautiful white sandy beach, featuring Ocean Encounters, a PADI Five-Star IDC, and near historic downtown Willemstad. » Learn More Learn How to Dive When you Stay at the Bimini BIg Game Club Resort & Marina Free Resort Pool Dive Course by PADI Instructor for all guests. Dive from our 60 foot glass bottom dive boat with bathroom or smaller dive boats. » Learn More Save $1,000 Per Couple in Saint Lucia at Anse Chastanet A spectacular scenic hideaway on a 600-acre tropical estate with two beaches bordering pristine coral reefs, this resort features 49 rooms in a unique hillside/beachside setting, two restaurants/bars, boutiques, art gallery, 42" day sailing yacht and a full-service spa. » Learn More

2013 World's Best Diving & Resorts: Phocea Mexico on the Mayan Riviera Your dive vacation is one of the most important times of your year. You want it to be fun, carefree and exciting, and there's no better way to ensure that than by discovering the amazing dive destination of the Mayan Riviera. Watch this video to see the three reasons Phocea Mexico can make it happen. Watch Video Now » 2013 World's Best Diving & Resorts: Don Foster's Dive Cayman Don Foster's Dive Cayman has been an integral part of Grand Cayman's diving industry since the mid-80s. Their rock-solid reputation keeps current and new divers happy and coming back for more year after year. With six dive boats, an on-site training pool, fully-stocked dive shop, relaxing swimming pool and a beautiful waterfront location, Don Foster's Dive Cayman has the complete package for any dive vacation. Watch Video Now » Great Deals on Great Diving Need a break from the daily grind? Check out the Dive Deals section of ScubaDiving.com for the best deals on world-class diving vacations. Find a deal » Subscribe to Scuba Diving magazine Want More? Subscribe to Scuba diving magazine in either our print or digital version to get the best gear reviews, life-saving training information and the inside scoop on hot travel destinations for savvy divers.

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With water conditions at their prime (84°F to be exact), now's the time to plan your perfect Cayman Islands dive. Silverside season is upon us until October; dazzling schools are swarming local sites such as the Chub Hole and Eden Rock. After a bout beneath the waves, see what's abuzz on-island. From unbeatable deals to unforgettable events like Pirate's Week, there's a ton to enjoy beyond our sunken sights. YO-HO--HO & A WEEK OF FUN: All hands on deck! It's Pirates Week 2013, November 7-17. Calling all swashbucklers and wenches: now's the time to save on Pirates Week 2013 in the Cayman Islands. Both seafaring families and landlubbers alike will enjoy all the event has to offer. This year's revelry includes parades, costume contests, treasure hunts? each with an authentic Caymanian twist. Don't miss this spectacular display of Caribbean spirit, book today! With Travel packages starting at $800* per pirate. Includes 4-day/3-night stay (studio/double) at Comfort Suites & Resort, roundtrip airfare from Miami on Cayman Airways, roundtrip on-island airport transfers, hotel tax & service charges, free Wi-Fi and daily full breakfast. Only valid for 3-night stays between 11/7--11/17/13 To book your Pirates Week package today, visit caymanexpress.com or call 800.247.9900. For information on the event including schedules, please visit: www.caymanislands.ky/piratesweek *Prices are based on travel from select departure cities and may require travel on certain days and additional nights per air schedule availability. Rates are per person based on double, including all air taxes, fuel surcharges, airport transfers, hotel taxes, and service charges unless noted. Please see www.caradonna.com/baggage.aspx for fees. Blackout dates, holiday surcharges and other restrictions may apply. Availability of prices is limited, and at the time you purchase your tour, prices may be higher. (CSOT # 2063948--40 & Fla. Seller of Travel Ref. No. ST36173) STUNNING SITES: Stingrays Each year, thousands of divers and snorkelers flock to the Cayman Islands to swim with rays. How much do you know about the most popular species of rays found in the Cayman Islands? Southern Stingrays (Dasyatis americana) are the most commonly sighted ray in the Cayman Islands and are the famous residents of the destinations number 1 attraction Stingray City. These cartilaginous fish are brownish-gray with a white underside and are usually seen alone or in pairs in sandy areas. Southern Stingrays are often seen foraging along the bottom for crustaceans hiding in the sand. Although these large stingrays are not aggressive towards divers, they do have venomous spines at the base of their tail for self-defence. When snorkelling and diving, look for diamond shapes on the sandy bottom - it might be a hidden Southern Stingray that has buried itself in the sand! Brought to you by the Reef Environmental Education Foundation (REEF): www.reef.org. HALL OF FAME INDUCTEE PROFILE: Paul Bert The International Scuba Diving Hall of Fame has officially announced its 2013 inductees to be honoured in the Cayman Islands on November 12th. This month, we are pleased to feature pioneer Paul Bert. Paul Bert will be recognised for his work in the field of physiology, researching oxygen toxicity and decompression sickness. Whether they made significant strides in marine research and tourism or portrayed vivid scenes from the underwater world for the masses, each of the 2013 inductees have their own stories to be told. For more information, www.scubahalloffame.com. DID YOU KNOW?: Blue Iguanas Did you know that the Blue Iguana is indigenous to the Cayman Islands? In 2002, less than twenty-five wild Blue Iguanas remained bringing the species to the brink of extinction. Thanks to the efforts of the Blue Iguana Recovery Program (BIRP) to save these intriguing animals, hundreds of captive-bred Blue Iguanas have been released into a preserve on Grand Cayman. As of April 2013, there are an estimated 750 Blue Iguanas on the reserve equating to 75% of the BIRP's numeric goal for wild Blue Iguanas! With a further release planned for later this year by the program, it is expected that this number will rise over 800. For more information on the Blue Iguana Recovery Program and its progress, visit: www.blueiguana.ky. Red Sail Sports  www.redsailcayman.com | Reservations: 877-506-6368 | info@redsailcayman.com Grand Cayman Summer Spectacular - 5 Day Dive including Kittiwake Wreck Dive into Grand Cayman's warm clear waters this summer with Red Sail Sports new 5-day dive package. The Summer Spectacular also includes a two-tank shallow dive to the Kittiwake to satisfy the wreck enthusiast! Click Here for complete package details Price: $470.00 Package Validity - Start Date: April 13, 2013 Package Validity - End Date: November 23, 2013 Travel must be booked by: November 18, 2013 Little Cayman Beach Resort  www.littlecayman.com | Reservations: 800-327-3835 | little@reefseas.com Little Cayman Beach Resort's Autumn Cascades Packages  It's time to start planning your fall getaway now with these exclusive savings from the Little Cayman Beach Resort and Reef Divers. We are an excellent retreat for those seeking world class diving and relaxation. First class amenities provide our guests with exceptional service that also includes a boutique and day spa. Onsite Reef Divers provide our guests with valet style diving and the most incredible adventures to the famous Bloody Bay Wall. What are you waiting for?  Click Here for complete package details  Price: $1383.00 Package Validity - Start Date: August 1, 2013 Package Validity - End Date: October 31, 2013 Travel must be booked by: October 1, 2013 InDepth Watersports  www.indepthwatersports.com | Reservations 866-476-2195 | indepth@indepthwatersports.com Summer Specials with Indepth Watersports! When it comes to Cayman Islands diving, there's no boat like ours - a former Navy Seals RIB transformed into a custom built dive boat that can take you to any dive site - fast. Overnight diving excursions to the Sister Islands, North Wall dive-lunch-dive trips to Kaibo and East End safari's are only a few of the possibilities. Our staff of highly qualified instructors and instructor trainers is certified for multiple agencies and they love providing advice or training for all levels of divers, giving you as much or as little attention as you desire. Click Here for complete package details  Price: $984.00 Package Validity - Start Date: March 1, 2013 Package Validity - End Date: September 30, 2013 Travel must be booked by: September 30, 2013  Eden Rock Diving Center www.edenrockdive.com | Reservations: 345-949-7243 | edenrock@candw.ky   See the Best of the Best Reefs in Cayman Explore the caves and tunnels and see tropical fish, sponge and coral close up. The maximum depth is 45 feet two dives with equipment for the special price $100.00 per person. Starting times are 9:00 11:30 and 2:00 PM. If you have all your own equipment except for tanks and weights the cost is $80.00. Click Here for complete package details Price: $100.00 Package Validity - Start Date: August 1, 2013 Package Validity - End Date: November 31, 2013 Travel must be booked by: November 1, 2013   Don Foster's Dive Cayman www.donfosters.com | Reservations: 345-945-5132 | dfdresrevations@candw.ky Don Foster's Dive Cayman Summer Splash Special Don Foster's Dive is pleased to offer our 3rd annual SUMMER SPLASH SPECIAL through the end of September. This family-friendly offer gives 1/2 price diving to kids 12-17 with a full paying adult booking a minimum 3 2-tank dive package. The package also includes free unlimited shore diving at beautiful Casuarina Point Reef plus added discounts on Kittiwake shipwreck and Stingray City dives. Even if you don't have kids you can get a FREE baseball cap when booking any dive package with Don Foster's. Click Here for complete package details Price: $270.00 Package Validity - Start Date: June 1, 2013 Package Validity - End Date: September 30, 2013 Travel must be booked by: September 15, 2013 Divetech @ Cobalt Coast Dive Resort www.divetech.com www.cobaltcoast.com | Reservations: 888-946-5656 | info@cobaltcoast.com The warm, clear Caribbean sea awaits you this August with a special offer for you and the family! If you're traveling with kids, you can introduce them to diving with 25% off a Discover Scuba Diving or Junior Open Water course or referral, to explore the ocean and become the new ambassadors to the underwater world. What a 'show and tell' for back to school ~ I'm a scuba diver now:) For the adults, you will receive a $100 Cobalt Coast Resort Credit on the all inclusive package, plus free nitrox from Divetech, to fully take advantage of our daily boat trips and unlimited shore diving at 2 great locations! It's an all you can eat, dive, drink (5 premium drinks daily) and enjoy 10,000 Caribbean stars after the incredible sunsets from the pool deck. Click Here for complete package details Package Validity - Start Date: July 27, 2013 Package Validity - End Date: September 7, 2013 Travel must be booked by: September 1, 2013   Sunset House www.sunsethouse.com | Reservations: 800-854-4767 | reservations@sunsethouse.com Amazing Fall Dive Adventure Package at Sunset House Grand Cayman This Fall, receive your 5th night at Sunset House for FREE and your 4th day of Diving for FREE, but you also get to Dive the ex-USS Kittiwake and Stingray City for FREE*! Plus Unlimited Shore Diving, Breakfast, Transfers and Tax and Service Fees Click Here for complete package details Price: $1028.50 Package Validity - Start Date: September 4, 2013 Package Validity - End Date: December 15, 2013 Travel must be booked by: November 30, 2013 Southern Cross Club  www.southerncrossclub.com | Reservations 800-899-2582 | info@southerncrossclub.com Stay and Dive for Free at Southern Cross Club! From now until the end of the year: Book 6 nights and receive the 7th night FREE. Book 5 Two-Tank AM dives and receive the 6th Two-Tank AM dives FREE. Restrictions and Blackout dates apply. Click Here for complete package details Price: $2280.00 Package Validity - Start Date: July 1, 2013 Package Validity - End Date: December 31, 2013 Travel must be booked by: November 30, 2013  Site of the Month: Kittiwake This newest sunken site calls Grand Cayman home and is one of our islands most popular. Ladies and gentlemen, meet The Kittiwake. On January 5, 2011, after seven years of dedicated effort and planning, the former submarine rescue ship, USS Kittiwake was sunk in its final resting place off the northern end of the Cayman's famous Seven Mile Beach where it provides both a snorkeling and dive attraction. Since it's induction into our crystal blue waters, the Kittiwake has posed as an underwater escapade where sea creatures (and divers, too!) pose and play. For more information visit divecayman.ky Photo By: Ty Sawyer Site Name: Kittiwake Island: Grand Cayman Site: #365 For a complete list of specials, please visit www.onlyincayman.com

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