Scuba Lifesaving Aid – RescuEAN Pod

Posted by admin on January 31, 2009

The RescuEAN Pod is a life-saving aid for the qualified diver finding themselves in a situation where an O2 kit is unavailable, already being used or exhausted. It has been designed for use with a dive accident patient whether conscious, semi-conscious or unconscious. The pod is easily recognisable, light and compact enough to carry at all times and is simple to use as it connects directly to the…

Cave Sponges: critical to the coral reef’s food chain

Posted by DiveBuddy.com on January 31, 2009 I’m sure you have heard about the challenges faced by our coral reefs. Researchers are saying that from 25% to 50% and more of our corals reefs are showing definite decline due to pollution, changes in water temperature, and other effects that can be attributed to man-made activities. Because of the low level of nutrients in tropical waters, coral reefs have often been described as oases in the desert. And we are still learning just how they are able to survive in such a beautiful but harsh environment. A recent report explores one component that contributes to the delicate web of a healthy reef: cave sponges. Marine biologist Jasper de Goeij has been studying the role that these basic multi-celled animals play in maintaining the nutritional cycle of the coral reef. His studies show that corals and algae dispense organic compounds that few creatures can use as food. The sponges, however, filter this particulate matter as part of its normal process in filtering vast amounts of water to extract what little nutrients are available. To protect and sustain itself against this intake of organic material (that can include viruses, bacteria, and other poisons) the sponge is continually rejuvenating cells and the dead cells it sheds form an organic material that can be utilized by many organisms on the reef. In this way, a cycle of mutual dependence is formed. While our attention is often focused on the most colorful of the basic reef builders, the coral, we must always remember that a coral reef is a complex system with many organisms, plant and animal, playing important roles - sometimes behind the scenes and out of view - in maintaining a healthy tropical ecosystem. Read article from Insciences Organisation. [ This is an external blog. Read complete blog here... ]...

Don’t forget the Tunas

Posted by DiveBuddy.com on January 31, 2009 Category: Educational

Hello All, Thanks to Greg for allowing us to insert external blog posts.  I know I am stepping on Greg’s toes when I write this next sentence, but, I am going to do it anyways:  Please don’t violate decorum by posting dozens of external blog posts on any issue, relevant or not, on this site.  Sorry Greg, but that is my opinion. I agree that sharks need worldwide management.  I also believe that the tunas need comprehensive world wide management also.  I wish that ICAT catch limits would be adhered to by all fisherman.  ICAT is an acronym for International Commision on Atlantic Tunas.  All of our tuna species are suffering to some degree.  But, the Bluefin tuna is in big trouble. Someday, I want to dive  in a school of tuna.  Big yellowfin tuna.  Huge bluefin tuna.  Bluefin have been caught that weighed 1,000 lbs.  Yellowfin tuna have been caught that weigh 380 lbs.  And they are all very fast swimmers; they are amazing.  I am willing to risk my life...

Shark Tourism Mabul Island, Minister Acts

Posted by DiveBuddy.com on January 31, 2009 Category: External Blogs

At DEMA this year we were discussing the state of shark tourism with a number of tourism representatives from all over the world.As we have long pointed out shark tourism enables local populations to sustainably manage sharks. The value of shark tourism in places like the Maldives is US$2.3 million a year-an estimated at 100 times more than the export value of that islands shark meat.This is an indust...

Hawaii Manta Bill Testimony Needed

Posted by DiveBuddy.com on January 31, 2009 State of Hawaii LegislatureDear House of Representatives,The Manta Network, its Manta Science Advisory Board and the more than 1,000 members worldwide would like to submit our support for House Bill 366. The Manta Network is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to research, education, conservation and protection of manta and mobula rays worldwide. TMN includes most [...] [ This is an external blog. Read complete blog here... ]...

Wildlife Tourism Expiration Date

Posted by DiveBuddy.com on January 31, 2009 Category: External Blogs

On a recent media swing through You Tube we came across this eco tourism "gem". It’s always important to keep a predators food source on top of your head when promoting wildlife tourism.This particular operation is set to expire any day now:[ This is an external blog. Read complete blog here... ]...

The Lighthouse, Sangalaki

Posted by Divetime.com | Divesites on January 31, 2009 The 'House Reef' for Sangalaki Dive Lodge.
Awesome corals in 2-9 metres. Slopes down to 30m to a sandy bottom patrolled by friendly White Tips!

Caro’s Cuttles, Sangalaki

Posted by Divetime.com | Divesites on January 31, 2009 Shallow sandy dive watching the Cuttlefish display their colours and lay their eggs in the corals!

Madeirense

Posted by Divetime.com | Divesites on January 31, 2009 Ship sunked express for diving in 2000, 70m long in the small island of Porto Santo in the Madeira Archipelago.