Bubbles - November December 2014

ATLAM REUNION DIVE 2014 T HE A T LA M SUBA QUA C LUB E -M A G A Z I N E

NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2014

www.atlam.org

Photo by Joe Formosa

info@atlam.org

The Editorial Now towards the end of 2014, we can look back at our first full year in our new clubhouse. Strange sometimes it seems that we have been meeting at Bahar ic-Caghaq for a long time, actually the move from our previous club premises in Valletta was on the not so distant 28th September 2013. Apart from the staple Thursday club nights, where the members meet, and exchange diving ideas, there were numerous activity evenings throughout the year, and the rise in the standard of presentations could be seen and felt by all – including our guests and visitors.

During these last two months of the year for example, the following activities took place: Boat dives on the November 2nd at Ras ir-Raheb, 11th at Ta’ Cenc and on the 16th at Xatt l-Ahmar on the Karwela and Cominoland wrecks. Then on the 29th and the 30th the annual BA Atlam photographic competition was held. The first was a night dive which took place in St Elmo Bay in Valletta on the wreck of the HMS Maori, and the second dive at Cirkewwa. The results and presentation (including a super barbecue) were then held on the following Thursday 4th December at Bahar icCaghaq – Well done to the Winners – this year an Atlam hat trick – but please see the full results on page 3.

More activities... on the 11th December, globe-trotting member Paolo Marino, presented his excellent compilation of several years of local underwater sightings into a well edited and presented 45 minute video called Diving in Malta – very nice. On the 12th a first class Christmas Dinner was held at the Excelsior Hotel. The annual Atlam Reunion Dive was held on the 14th – this time due to weather conditions, it was held on the HMS Maori wreck once again. Visibility on the wreck, could have been better, but anyway, the club spirit was there, and afterwards, a super party was held at the BIC clubhouse – helped along no doubt by the culinary expertise of George Mugliette!

IN THIS ISSUE

page

• Note from the Editor

2

• 60th Atlam AGM

2

• BA-Atlam U/Water Photo Competition 3/10 • Species Page - Dentex - Edward Vella

11

• Dive Logs

Ras ir-Raheb - 02/09/14 - Tano Rolé

Ta’ Cenc - 09/11/14 - Edward Vella

14

Ix-Xatt l-Ahmar - 16/11/14 - Edward Vella

15

Dive Sites Location Map - Joe Formosa

16

12/13

Finally on the 18th, the preview of the first two episodes (out of 13), of the new TV documentary series ‘Mera ta’ Dinja Ohra.’ were shown by its producer Emi Farrugia. The first episode is scheduled for January 5th following the 8 o’clock news on TVM2. Not to be missed!

All active divers have now been surely made aware of the descending sea temperature – latest stood at 18˚C - and the decision has surely been taken to somehow thicken the neoprene. Dry suit divers now have a good excuse to put them on.

And finally, a word about this e-Magazine – Bubbles.

First of all, as surely most readers realise, Bubbles entails a lot of work, and comes out of the efforts of the subcommittee currently made up of myself as editor, Ivo Caruana, Tano Role and Joe Formosa. In addition, there are also regular contributors, foremost among which is Dorian Law, and others like Paolo Marino. But we like what we are doing, and know for sure that this is the foremost diving publication in Malta. An appeal is therefore made once again to all Atlam members to participate by sending articles (which must be their own work!), and also very important, to send photographs. Nothing gives more satisfaction to the sub-committee than to see members participating!

I close this Editorial wishing all our readers on behalf of the Editorial Sub Committee, all the Best Wishes for Christmas and the New Year.

Keep Diving.

Edward Vella evella@onvol.net

Atlam’s 60th AGM On the 26th of February club members are invited to attend for the 60th Annual General Meeting of our glorious Club, which is going to be held at our Club house – BC at 9pm sharp.

BA-ATLAM UW Photo Competition - November 2014

BA-ATLAM UW Photo Competition - November 2014 Ist Place:

Joseph Azzopardi Falzon

Best overall photo

These and the following photos are the entries of all the competitors in sets of three. The photos have not been retouched, cropped or enhanced in any way. They are being presented as the photographers shot them and oriented to the photographers wish.

Only 1st, 2nd and 3rd places have been announced the remaining photos are displayed according to the competition registration number.

2nd Place:

Mario Micallef

3rd Place:

Victor Fabri

(2) Reuben Borg

(4) William Hewitt

(5) Tano RolĂŠ

(6) George Mugliette

(8) Tom Cowan

(10) Edward Vella

(11) Veronica Busuttil

(12) Guzi Azzopardi

(14) David Aguis

(15) Anton Debattista

Species Page Research & photos by: Edward Vella

You do not come across a dentex (Dentex dentex) - Maletse: Denci during every dive, but when you do, the encounter will certainly be one to boast about back on the dive boat – better if it is a large grown one – like the metre sized ones that are often seen at Crocodile Rock at Dwejra in Gozo. In fact this is really the foremost location that comes to mind should anyone have asked where is the best place in Malta to see dentex (often in the company of mottled groupers (Myctroperca rubra) – Maltese: Cawlun).

Actually the topography at Crocodile Rock, would tally with the environment preferred by dentex – a slowly descending rocky sea bed with boulders.

Dentex of the above mentioned size are easily identified, mainly not only because of their silvery colour, or the well developed canine teeth (from where they get their name), but from their massive head – which give this fish an aggressive look.

In this case, it is not just looks – this fish is an aggressive hunter – feeding on smaller fish which it attacks at high speed and molluscs. They are especially in hunt mode at dusk or at dawn. This species is found all over the Mediterranean, as well as on Europe and Africa’s Atlantic coasts from the England’s south down to Mauritania.

Dentex

(Dençi)

Dentex tend to remain in groups when still juvenile – in the wild, it takes 3 to 4 years to get to a kilo, but then once they become older – and bigger – they become solitary, and at weights of up to 15 kilos, it does not get many marine predators especially in the relatively shallow depths (15 to 50 metres) close to shore which it likes to inhabit especially during summer.

Their problem comes from non-marine species, namely Homo sapiens, making this hunter become the hunted. Dentex is a much prized fish, and fetches good prices, and is therefore considered to be a prime food fish. There have also been studies done to evaluate the possibility of this fish being a candidate for aquaculture. Although there it has been successfully produced on a trial basis, there are apparently at present significant obstacles to overcome, such as high mortality rates in juveniles.

As previously stated coming across a large dentex is not an event which is forgotten in a hurry. I still remember

from a couple of years ago, a very large one swimming calmly around the Um el Faroud. That was a big one…

Photo: Mario Micallef

Jan-Feb :­ Crabs- Grancijiet PLEASE SEND PHOTOS

Ras ir-Raheb to Fomm ir-Rih It was an overcast day but there was a very slight breeze from the north east which ensured a flat calm sea at Rasir-Raheb; perfect conditions for this dive except for the missing sun.

The sea conditions were so calm that we decided to enter the cave at Ras ir-Raheb on the surface. This was the first time in my long diving career to attempt this sort of entry and, I must say that, it was well worth the effort. This cave is one of my favourites. I know that I say this about almost every cave around the Maltese islands but this case is quite unique. This is a typical vertical fissure cave developed around a distinct joint within the lower coralline limestone and it has two main openings. The top cave mouth extends above the waterline but it is possible to enter this opening while submerged at a depth of about 3-5 metres. In fact, it is advisable to do this when the sea surface conditions may not be flat calm.

- Malta 02.11.14

Article & Photos by Tano Rolé

refrain from diving deep while rounding the point; thus avoiding going into serious decompression and saving air.

We kept to a depth of about 15 to 20 metres – just deep enough to keep the dive interesting while allowing us to see down the sides of the cliff wall. This strategy worked very well and, after some 10 minutes finning, we could make out the shape of the Beneteau yacht below us. This yacht lies at a depth of 32 metres and rests, on the sand, right up against the boulders at the base of the cliff.

The top chamber is not large – rather elongated being some 10 metres long and about 6 metres wide. A vertical pot hole leads down to a larger chamber which is more circular in section and holds quite a few large boulders. It is safe to assume that these originated from a succession of roof collapse events. Some of these boulders rest against the straight southern faultline and allow restricted access to a progressively narrower shaft which leads inland for a distance of about 10 metres. This shaft often harbours some interesting marine life. I have seen some groupers here and quite a healthy population of Narval shrimp.

Once inside the larger lower chamber, it is easy to see the wide, lower exit. This lies at a depth of about 22 metres. The large boulders that litter the cave floor testify to the fact that much of the enlargement of the cave occurred through successive collapse – probably through wave action. The two openings and the relative lack of accumulated fine silt render it relatively easy and safe to explore.

The dive plan envisaged that we would head north from the headland and enter Fomm-ir-Rih bay. We planned to

I managed to take a few photos of the yacht’s cockpit and experimented with different strobe settings so I spent a slightly longer time period than I had planned. I also enjoyed seeing George Mugliette experimenting with his new Leo 3 housing and managed to take a few photos of him crouching at the bow of the wreck.

Of course, decompression time started accumulating quite rapidly and I had to reluctantly leave the wreck and proceeded along the cliff wall at shallower depths.

Healthy growth of Lithophyllum lichenoides (above) Probable necrotic patches on Lithophyllum lichenoides (below)

Fish life was rather weak along this stretch of coast and this is hardly surprising since we had seen a considerable amount of lost and active fishing gear. This provides some indication to the fishing pressure exerted in this area. This is supremely ironic when one considers that this site is the southernmost extension of the Rdum Majjiesa to Ras-ir-Raheb marine protected area. I wonder what, exactly, are we meant to be protecting here? If ever there was a global competition for a “marine paper park�, this must be one of the favourite candidates to bag the prize!

While we are on the subject of marine ecology, I did notice a curious phenomenon along the cliff wall. There were several cases of necrotic patches on colonies of the calcareous alga Lithophyllum lichenoides. These are normally a healthy-looking purple colour but several specimens were showing large patches of dead cells where the calcareous substructure was showing through. I guess that this may be caused more by some form of pathogen rather than active grazing. I am including a couple of photos of this malady. Of course, I shall be following this up during future dives since I have also noticed it in other areas of Malta.

Ta Cenc

- Gozo 09.11.14

Article by Edward Vella , photos by Joe Formosa

The announced dive for this Sunday was to be Fessej Rock, situated a couple of hundred metres out of the Mgarr ix-Xini creek. This site was chosen due to the North West wind making a nuisance of itself. When we got there however, there was considerable surge, which would have given the dive boat skipper a handful to maintain station while discharging the divers, and also during his waiting period, so in the interest of safety it was decided to move further West and dive the Ta’Cenc site.

This then was the fourth return to Ta’ Cenc. This time however it was not an entirely happy choice - Mgarr ix-Xini creek, next to which Ta’Cenc is situated, is the submerged end of a long and winding river valley, which collects and channels rain water to the sea, and since there had been some heavy showers during the week ….

As customary, the Atlantis II discharges the divers a couple of hundred metres to the West of the creek, to then collects them at its inlet. The NW had actually started to unwind, but anyway even if it had been stronger, beneath these cliffs, there would have been shelter. As soon as we plunged in however, as anticipated, visibility was quite low. Strangely enough it did get a bit better at the mouth of the creek.

Other divers who chose to descend onto the sand – which at the boat dive discharge point, lies at about 45 metres – on top of the low visibility reported a

ferocious head current. In fact these well seasoned divers said that at one point they literally had to use their arms to grab hold of and ascend up the reef.

The first part of the dive was therefore mostly taken up by finning towards the creek, and the bad visibility limited any real observation of the surroundings. Once back in the creek, as previously stated, it got a bit better – and the residents of this sand ruled environment encountered – octopus, a shoal of juvenile salema, well camouflaged flounders, starfish and large tube worms anchored onto rocks and boulders. Once at this point, a visit to the two caves on the left hand side of the creek (looking landwards), is of course not to be missed. In the cave environment, again the tubeworms along with hermit crabs and sea anemones are to be found – not to mention the multi-coloured sponges which line up the ‘swiss cheese’ walls of these caves.

So at the end of it all, and reading the above, one might be excused for getting the impression that this was not the best dive of the year – and I think that that is justified, but none the less enjoyable. In addition, on the way back we actually had the pleasure of tasting a full size chocolate cake – a surprise party celebrating the birthday of our beloved leader – Nader!

Many happy returns! Nothing tastes better than chocolate cake on the high seas!

Ix-Xatt l-Ahmar Wreck

- Gozo 16.11.14

Article by Edward Vella

Following the previous week’s strong North Westerly, which conditions normally mean a dive on the south coast of Gozo, when the intended dive site was announced as Reqqa Point, I am sure that for many, the rest of the week brightened up in anticipation of Sunday’s dive. However, as it not so infrequently happens, the developing weather forecast started to change (for the worst), and on the day, it was evident that a big question mark was hanging on Reqqa Point.

It was not clear if the wind direction had definitely changed, so the Atlantis II headed as planned, however upon rounding Qala Point, the wave height increased, and really we were hoping against hope, since the dive boat kept going until Reqqa Point was reached, but the sea was just too rough.

The skipper actually kept heading further North for a bit, but it was no go - we now had to turn tail and head for shelter – but where?

For a while, the Santa Marija Caves site was the prime contender, but then back at Qala Point, we turned right. (This felt like the work of the rebreather / twin tank lobby, who shudder in horror at the mere mention of Santa Marija Caves!) All was revealed as soon as we went past Mgarr Harbour, and then started slowing down abreast of ixXatt l-Ahmar – it was to be the Gozo Wrecks – the Karwela, the Cominoland and the Xlendi all lying in 42 metres on silty sand.

The wrecks are marked with makeshift marker buoys, which however serve their purpose, and after a slow 5 minute descent we were on the aft deck of the Karwela,

which is the ‘middle’ wreck. We could have spent some time on both the Karwela and the Cominoland, as indeed some divers did, but this time we opted to spend the time on just the Karwela.

This 50 metre sized wreck has become nicely colonised in the eight years which she has been sent to the bottom. During the descent we more or less headed towards her stern. Up to not so long ago, there was a VW Beetle shell there, but not anymore – probably disintegrated.

We then made our way slowly towards the bow, and consequently towards the reef wall. At about 38 metres depth, according to the computer download, decompression settled in after about just a touch over 13 minutes. However the reef is very close to the wreck, and ascending up its perpendicular wall to the top, soon starts eroding the decompression minutes.

On the day, visibility was not too good, but not bad either – I would say typical for this site. Well in the end it turned out to be a good idea to go and visit Karwela & company.

Base photo Joe Formosa

Photo: Edward Vella

Photo: Tano Rolé

Photo: Tano Rolé