Scuba News-Gazette
Here, we curate the latest news, discoveries, and conservation efforts from across the web, keeping you updated on everything scuba diving. From groundbreaking research and awe-inspiring dives to essential gear reviews and travel recommendations, Scuba News is your one-stop shop for all things scuba diving. So, gear up for knowledge, and stay informed about the ever-evolving world beneath the waves!
- The Blowfish on Chimaera
Chimaeras, also known as ghostsharks or ratfish, are unique and ancient relatives of sharks and rays. They have hard bony plates for crushing food, unlike sharks' replaceable teeth, and possess a venomous spine for defense. Mostly found in deep sea environments, these fascinating creatures have been around for over 450 million years, making them important to ocean ecosystems.
Read the full article at www.sharktrust.org
chimaeras deep-sea ghostsharks The Shark Trust
- The Blowfish on the World’s Fastest Shark
The Shortfin Mako is the fastest shark, swimming at speeds of up to 31 mph. It has unique physical features that allow it to thrive in colder waters and chase prey like tuna and swordfish. This shark can be found in British waters, and despite its fierce appearance, it poses little danger to humans.
Read the full article at www.sharktrust.org
scuba diving shark Shortfin Mako The Shark Trust
- Eggcase Hunting
Eggcase hunting is a fun way for people to help gather important information about sharks and skates in the UK. By searching beaches for empty eggcases, families can enjoy time together while contributing to shark conservation efforts. This activity is part of the Great Eggcase Hunt, which promotes awareness and education about these fascinating sea creatures.
Read the full article at www.sharktrust.org
conservation eggcases sharks The Shark Trust
- Shark Trust Managing Director runs London Marathon for Sharks
The Shark Trust's Managing Director, Paul, ran the London Marathon in a shark costume to raise funds for shark conservation. Despite initial nerves, the support from the crowd and the fun of wearing the costume turned the challenging 26.2-mile run into an unforgettable experience. His efforts not only helped him achieve a personal goal but also contributed significantly to shark protection causes.
Read the full article at www.sharktrust.org
conservation marine shark The Shark Trust
- Exclusive Red Sea Liveaboard Diving Packages: Premium Amenities Await
Explorer Ventures Fleet offers Red Sea liveaboard packages with premium amenities like daily dives, small groups, and 5-star dining experiences.
Read the entire article at scubadiverlife.com
Explorer Ventures Fleet liveaboard packages Red Sea Scuba Diver Life
- First International Mako Shark Quota Adopted
The International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT) has established the first global fishing quota for shortfin mako sharks in the South Atlantic. This quota aims to reduce the catch of these endangered sharks by 40-60% and responds to their vulnerability due to slow growth and overfishing. This significant step in shark conservation was influenced by various nations and aims to improve management strategies for oceanic shark populations.
Read the full article at www.sharktrust.org
conservation fishing quota mako sharks The Shark Trust
- Historic Shark & Ray Listings at CITES CoP19
At the CITES Conference of Parties in Panama, four proposals to list nearly 100 species of sharks and rays have been approved. This includes requiem sharks, hammerheads, guitarfishes, and freshwater stingrays, which will now be listed on CITES Appendix II. This listing is important because it helps control trade to prevent overfishing and supports efforts to conserve these vital marine species.
Read the full article at www.sharktrust.org
CITES conservation sharks The Shark Trust
- Gift Aid
Gift Aid allows UK taxpayers to donate to charities like The Shark Trust more effectively. For every pound donated, the charity can reclaim an additional 25 pence from the government. This means your contributions support marine conservation efforts, such as shark welfare and protection, making your donations go further without costing you anything extra.
Read the full article at www.sharktrust.org
donations Gift Aid sharks The Shark Trust
- Rally4Makos
The Rally4Makos campaign aims to address the decline of Atlantic Shortfin Mako sharks due to overfishing. These beautiful and fast sharks are at risk, and the Shark Trust is urging the EU and US to ban the retention of these endangered sharks to help their population recover. Support from government officials and the public is crucial to make this happen.
Read the full article at www.sharktrust.org
conservation Mako sharks The Shark Trust
- Campaign
The Big Shark Pledge is an important campaign focused on protecting oceanic sharks and rays, which are facing extinction from overfishing. This initiative aims to create a large community dedicated to advocating for change in government policies and fisheries management to help rebuild shark populations. By supporting this pledge, individuals can contribute to long-term efforts in shark conservation and recovery.
Read the full article at www.sharktrust.org
conservation Fishing sharks The Shark Trust
- Shark Trust – Mobile Application Terms & Conditions
The Shark Trust's mobile app allows users to engage with citizen science projects related to sharks. Users must agree to the terms of use, which include data protection measures for any personal information submitted. The app is available for iOS and Android devices, but may not always be operational due to factors outside of Shark Trust's control.
Read the full article at www.sharktrust.org
Citizen science mobile app Shark Trust The Shark Trust
- Shark Trust Mobile App – Privacy policy
The Shark Trust values the privacy of personal data collected through its mobile app. Users may provide personal details like name and email to log their shark finds. The Shark Trust only shares this information with third parties for service delivery and offers users access to their data upon request.
Read the full article at www.sharktrust.org
app privacy shark The Shark Trust
- Tombs, Temples, and Pyramids: Chasing Egypt’s Topside Treasures
Exploring Egypt's topside attractions like tombs, temples, and pyramids enriches a dive trip to the Red Sea, offering a deeper cultural experience.
Read the entire article at scubadiverlife.com
Egypt pyramids Scuba Diver Life temples tombs topside attractions
- News Digest – December
The December news digest highlights important shark news, including the discovery of two new species of six-gill sawsharks in Madagascar and Tanzania. Additionally, for the first time, a whale shark was reported in the Mediterranean Sea after being caught in a tuna trap and later released by scuba divers in the Strait of Gibraltar.
Read the full article at www.sharktrust.org
sawshark sharks The Shark Trust whale shark
- What Causes Post-Dive Headaches?
Post-dive headaches can ruin your diving experience. This article explores the causes and prevention of these headaches.
Read the entire article at scubadiverlife.com
Causes Post-dive headaches prevention Scuba Diver Life
- 2023 Liveaboard Deals on Explorer Ventures
Save up to $1000 per person on 2023 Explorer Ventures Liveaboard Deals!
Read the entire article at scubadiverlife.com
save Scuba Diver Life
- Stuck for Ideas this Easter?
This Easter, consider joining the Great Eggcase Hunt, a fun activity where you can search for shark and ray eggcases along the beach or inside your home. These leathery eggcases, also called 'mermaid's purses,' protect the embryos of sharks and skates. By participating and reporting your findings, you help researchers learn more about these species and how to protect them.
Read the full article at www.sharktrust.org
conservation eggcases sharks The Shark Trust
- Oceanic Founder and Industry Icon Bob Hollis Passes Away
Bob Hollis, the founder of Oceanic and an industry icon in the scuba diving world, passed away on January 4, 2023, in Salt Lake City, Utah, surrounded by family.
Read the entire article at scubadiverlife.com
Bob Hollis Oceanic Scuba Diver Life scuba diving
- ANGEL SHARK PROJECT: GREECE
The Angel Shark Project in Greece focuses on protecting three species of angel sharks found in the Aegean Sea. This collaborative effort aims to study their importance in the region and promote conservation strategies to help these endangered sharks thrive. The project aligns with broader conservation plans for Mediterranean angel sharks.
Read the full article at www.sharktrust.org
Aegean Sea angel sharks conservation The Shark Trust
- Five Reasons Indonesia is (Becoming) a Top Tech Diving Destination
Indonesia is emerging as a premier destination for technical diving due to various reasons.
Read the entire article at scubadiverlife.com
destination Indonesia Scuba Diver Life tech diving
- Shop Explorer Ventures Sneak Peek Sale for up to 30% OFF in 2023!
Explorer Ventures is having a sneak peek sale in 2023 with discounts of up to 30% off.
Read the entire article at scubadiverlife.com
Explorer Ventures sale Scuba Diver Life
- Scuba Dive the Rainbow Warrior
The Rainbow Warrior was intentionally sunk in Auckland Harbor and later moved to become an artificial reef at Matauri Bay, New Zealand.
Read the entire article at scubadiverlife.com
artificial reef Rainbow Warrior Scuba Dive Scuba Diver Life
- News Digest – November
In November, significant strides were made for shark conservation. The International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas set the first population-wide fishing quota for shortfin mako sharks. Meanwhile, technology called SharkGuard could potentially reduce shark bycatch by up to 90% in commercial fishing.
Read the full article at www.sharktrust.org
conservation Fishing shark The Shark Trust
- Press Releases 2022
The Shark Trust launched a new campaign called the Big Shark Pledge to address the overfishing of oceanic sharks. They also introduced the Great Shark Snapshot initiative, inviting divers and snorkelers to record shark sightings. The trust encourages the boating community to contribute data on Basking Shark sightings to improve understanding of these endangered species.
Read the full article at www.sharktrust.org
Basking Shark Overfishing Shark Trust The Shark Trust
- Oceanic+ App Released Today for Apple Watch Ultra
The Oceanic+ App for Apple Watch Ultra transforms it into a dive computer, as reviewed by SDL CEO Nadia Aly.
Read the entire article at scubadiverlife.com
Apple Watch Ultra dive computer Oceanic+ App Scuba Diver Life
- Will Marsh Sea Lion Boards
Sea Lion Boards, founded by William Marsh, focuses on creating high-quality and environmentally friendly inflatable SUP boards to promote sustainability within the SUP community. The brand aims to build a community of responsible paddlers and adventurers who care for the environment they play in.
podcast Sea Lion Boards SUP industry The BiG Scuba Podcast William Marsh
- In Search of Longimanus
The Red Sea offers more than just oceanic whitetip sharks.
Read the entire article at scubadiverlife.com
dive destination oceanic whitetips Red Sea Scuba Diver Life
- News Digest – September
In September, several important discoveries about sharks were reported. The endangered Maugean skate is now only found in Macquarie Harbour, Tasmania. Basking sharks in Ireland have been observed engaging in unique courtship behavior, likened to 'speed dating.' Additionally, the Greenland shark received historic international protections, ensuring its survival in international waters.
Read the full article at www.sharktrust.org
basking sharks Greenland shark Maugean skate The Shark Trust
- Can You Cross Over Between Tech Diving Training Agencies?
Moving between tech diving training agencies can be challenging due to variations in training standards and requirements.
Read the entire article at scubadiverlife.com
Scuba Diver Life tech diving training agencies
- News Digest – August
In August, several important shark news stories were highlighted. Ecuador's shark fin trade continues illegally as many sharks are caught as bycatch. Whale sharks have been identified as the largest omnivore in the world, consuming both plant and animal matter. Research on the megalodon revealed it could have eaten a killer whale in just a few bites, while new data from electronic tags is helping scientists understand how sharks and related species navigate the ocean depths.
Read the full article at www.sharktrust.org
elasmobranchs shark fin trade The Shark Trust whale shark
- News Digest – July
Recent news highlights include successful data collection on the critically endangered Angelshark in Wales, which involves local fishers. The UK government is pushing new legislation to strengthen bans on shark finning, while studies suggest that positive representations of sharks could improve public attitudes. A new species of Greenland shark was also discovered in the Caribbean, showing the diversity of shark habitats.
Read the full article at www.sharktrust.org
Angelshark Greenland shark shark finning The Shark Trust
- Shark Trust to host 2022 Sharks International Conference
The 2022 Sharks International Conference will be hosted in Valencia, Spain, by the Shark Trust. This event aims to unite shark researchers and advocates from around the world to discuss the status of sharks and rays. The conference will feature both in-person and digital formats, with opportunities for participants to engage through workshops and discussions on shark conservation.
Read the full article at www.sharktrust.org
ocean shark conservation sharks The Shark Trust
- News Digest – June
In June, news regarding sharks highlighted several interesting findings. A study suggested that the extinction of the megalodon may have been due to competition with great white sharks. Additionally, an extremely rare megamouth shark washed up in the Philippines, while researchers confirmed that tiger sharks avoided areas with killer whales in South Africa. These findings underline the complex and dynamic ecosystems that exist in our oceans.
Read the full article at www.sharktrust.org
megalodon megamouth shark The Shark Trust tiger sharks
- Miranda Miranda Krestovnikoff and David Kennard – Neptune’s Army of Rubbish Cleaners
Miranda Krestovnikoff and David Kennard work with Neptune's Army of Rubbish Cleaners (NARC) to clean seas by removing lost fishing gear to protect wildlife and habitats. They collaborate with the fishing community to identify and retrieve lost gear, building strong relationships with them. Miranda's son has also participated in dives with NARC.
diving habitats Neptune's Army of Rubbish Cleaners podcast The BiG Scuba Podcast
- CREATURE FEATURE: THE SPINNER SHARK
The Spinner Shark, known for its acrobatic abilities, is a slender shark that hunts by spinning and jumping out of the water. It primarily feeds on fish and occasionally other marine creatures. This species is considered Vulnerable due to overfishing and habitat loss in coastal areas.
Read the full article at www.sharktrust.org
marine Spinner Shark The Shark Trust vulnerable
- Samantha Howlett
Samantha Howlett discusses her new job in analyzing Environmental DNA and her diving experiences in Fuvahmulah Maldives, highlighting interactions with local Maldivian people.
Environmental DNA Maldives podcast Samantha Howlett The BiG Scuba Podcast
- News Digest – May
Recent discoveries highlight important conservation efforts in marine life. Rare white skate eggs found in the UK suggest conservation measures are working. Meanwhile, a new eagle ray species was identified in Abu Dhabi, and a study indicated vessel collisions could explain the declining whale shark population.
Read the full article at www.sharktrust.org
conservation eagle ray The Shark Trust whale shark
- Shark Attacks (Bite Incidents)
Shark bite incidents are very rare, with only a few species considered dangerous to humans. As more people live near coasts and engage in water sports, they enter marine environments where sharks also live. Proper awareness and respect for these environments can help minimize interactions with sharks.
Read the full article at www.sharktrust.org
marine environments shark bite The Shark Trust water sports
- News Digest – April
In April, news highlighted a rare Greenland shark found dead in Cornwall with meningitis, marking the first known case of its kind. Additionally, basking sharks, the second-largest fish in the ocean, are declining in California and the Eastern North Pacific. Costa Rica has declared Coco Island National Park a natural shark sanctuary, aiming to protect several endangered shark species.
Read the full article at www.sharktrust.org
Basking Shark sanctuary shark The Shark Trust
- CREATURE FEATURE: THE HOUNDSHARKS
Houndsharks are a diverse family of around 45 species, including the Leopard Shark and Common Smoothhound. These sharks are found in warm and temperate waters and have unique features, like large dorsal fins and nictitating eyelids for eye protection. They are important for divers to know, as the Leopard Shark is common along the Pacific coast, while the Common Smoothhound is endangered due to fishing pressures.
Read the full article at www.sharktrust.org
Common Smoothhound Houndsharks Leopard Shark The Shark Trust
- Salesforce’s Ocean Sustainability Initiative
June is National Ocean month in the U.S., and organizations globally make announcements for ocean-related initiatives on World Oceans Day. Salesforce's Ocean Sustainability director, Dr. Whitney Johnston discusses their efforts in this field.
June National Ocean month Ocean Science Radio podcast World Oceans Day
- CREATURE FEATURE: Angel Sharks
Angel sharks are fascinating creatures with flattened bodies and large fins that help them ambush prey by lying partially buried in the sand. They have excellent camouflage and can be found hunting mostly at night. Unfortunately, many angel shark species are threatened due to fishing practices, making it important for divers to understand their role in the ecosystem.
Read the full article at www.sharktrust.org
angel sharks camouflage ecosystems The Shark Trust
- Shark Diving
Shark diving can be an amazing experience for divers of all levels. It’s important to do research on dive operators to ensure they prioritize both the sharks' and the divers' safety. Always pay attention to the dive briefing, avoid touching or chasing any sharks or rays, and stay aware of your surroundings during the dive.
Read the full article at www.sharktrust.org
diving marine shark The Shark Trust
- Shark Feeding Dives
Shark feeding dives allow divers to experience sharks up close as they are fed in a controlled environment. While many support such activities for shark conservation and education, others raise concerns about safety and the potential for sharks to associate humans with food. Guidelines for safe feeding practices emphasize respect for wild sharks, limiting interactions, and protecting marine ecosystems.
Read the full article at www.sharktrust.org
conservation diving sharks The Shark Trust
- Snapshot redirect
The Shark Trust works to protect sharks and their habitats through various initiatives. They encourage public involvement in conservation efforts, such as the Great Eggcase Hunt, where individuals can find and record shark egg cases on beaches. By joining events and signing pledges, people can help ensure a future for sharks in our oceans.
Read the full article at www.sharktrust.org
conservation ocean sharks The Shark Trust
- The Mary Rose
Alexzandra Hildred is an archaeologist and key figure in the Mary Rose Trust project. She has led excavations and has extensive experience in underwater archaeology in various countries.
Alexzandra Hildred archaeologist Mary Rose Trust podcast The BiG Scuba Podcast
- Communities invited to help better understand rare shark species in Wales
A new project in Wales called Project SIARC invites local communities to help study rare shark species like the angel shark and common stingray. Supported by the Welsh Government and various organizations, this initiative will help participants learn about marine life and contribute to conservation efforts by engaging in activities like identifying shark eggcases and analyzing underwater video footage. The project aims to raise awareness and appreciation for the unique marine ecosystem along the Welsh coast.
Read the full article at www.sharktrust.org
elasmobranchs Marine Conservation sharks The Shark Trust
- Activities & Downloads
The blog offers various fun shark-related resources for people interested in learning about sharks. These include an A-Z of sharks slideshow, a poster, and an eggcase hunting activity that involves finding and recording shark eggcases on beaches. The aim is to raise awareness about shark conservation and the importance of protecting these marine creatures.
Read the full article at www.sharktrust.org
conservation eggcase sharks The Shark Trust
- Sirene Project
The Sirene Project connects female conservationists for inspiration and resource-sharing in ocean conservation. Social media links and related items are also discussed.
female conservationists ocean conservation. podcast The BiG Scuba Podcast The Sirene Project
- CREATURE FEATURE: Great White Shark
The Great White Shark is a powerful apex predator known for its incredible speed and unique adaptations. They can swim up to 25 mph and maintain a body temperature higher than the surrounding water, making them effective hunters. With their distinctive coloration, they camouflage well and are important for ocean health by controlling prey populations.
Read the full article at www.sharktrust.org
great white shark ocean scuba diving The Shark Trust
