diving
No. 18 6(18)/2021
freediving
passion
knowledge
UNDERWATER CROATIA
NOVEMBER/DECEMBER
Price 12,50 € Tax included
MY TAKE ON THE ”TORPEDOWNIA” RITUAL SLAUGHTER THE TRADITION OF PILOT WHALE HUNTING IN THE FAROE ISLANDS
1
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3 OPERATING MODES:
the foreword
WOJCIECH ZGOŁA
Editor-in-Chief
T
he weather is getting colder. Some are happy about it; others are waiting for spring to come or are flying off to warmer places. The summer holidays have become
a memory, so I encourage you to admire the cover made by Mariusz Czajka, because it is fantastic, and to look deeper into the text about Croatia by Michal Štros. And that's just the beginning of our virtual dive into the last issue of Perfect Diver Magazine this year. We have not written about the Sea of Cortés before. The topic is brought closer to you by Katarzyna Cieślawska, and the whole text is enriched by beautiful, as it is in our editions, photographs. We do not run away from difficult subjects. From the very beginning, we have been concerned about Planet Earth. Inside, you will find a powerful and substantive text by Prof. Hanna Mamzer on the ritual slaughter of the long-finned pilot whales... You will find an amazing article by Agata Turowicz-Cybula about sharks in the Baltic Sea, and in our interview, Laura Kazi asks Siân Williams about turtles... Please note the fantastic pictures by Karola Takes Photos. I can't reveal everything, but there is also a summary of the Clean up the World, and at the very end, as it is already customary in our magazine, we have a very practical article about diving torches. Wojtek A. Filip asks if power is the most important. In your hands lies another quality issue of the Perfect Diver Magazine. We close the year 2021 and look forward to 2022. What will it bring to the world, to our planet, to ourselves? I wish you a wonderful and peaceful Christmas. And in the New Year, make all your dreams come true.
PERFECTDIVER No. 6(18)/2021
3
ta b l e o f co n t e n t s
12 20
TRAVELS 12
Underwater Croatia
20
Vámonos! The Sea of Córtes...
40 EVENTS
WRECKS 56 28
40
4
The first edition of the Diving Talks – International Diving
My take on the "Torpedownia" torpedo testing station
Congress
OUR CONVERSATION
EQUIPMENT
At a turtle’s pace
58
Underwater Decathlon
PLANET EARTH Publisher PERFECT DIVER WOJCIECH ZGOŁA
36
Why is the Baltic Sea void of sharks?
46
Ritual slaughter. The tradition of pilot whale hunting in
62
Harriers from the marsh
66
Underwater cleanup
ul. Folwarczna 37, 62-081 Przeźmierowo redakcja@perfectdiver.com
the Faroe Islands
ISSN 2545-3319
editor in chief
Wojciech Zgoła
underwater archaeology
Mateusz Popek
publicist, photographer marketing
&
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TIPS & CURIOSITIES 70
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cover photo
Mariusz Czajka place
SS Lina Wreck, Croatia
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5
e d i to r i a l t e a m
WOJCIECH ZGOŁA
HUBERT REISS
He often repeats that he travels by diving and that is his motto. In 1985
An IT specialist by profession, but a flesh and blood salesman who is not
he obtained a yacht sailor's license, and only in 2006 began to dive. In the
afraid of any job. Diving has always been my big dream. At the beginning
following years he improved his skills by obtaining the Dive Master degree.
it was supposed to be a challenge, a short episode but it turned out to be
He completed nearly 650 dives in various climatic conditions. Since 2007, he
a passion for the end of the world and one day longer. Under water I react
has been taking photographs underwater, and since 2008 he has also been
and rest. As a Divemaster, sidemount Razor diver, and recently also a pho-
filming. As an independent journalist, he published dozens of articles, mainly
tographer, I realize my dreams by admiring and immortalizing the beauty of
in journals dedicated to diving, but not only. Co-author of photo exhibitions in
the underwater world. "Passion breeds professionalism, professionalism gives
Poland and abroad. He is passionate about and propagator of diving.
quality, and quality is a luxury in life. Nowadays, especially..."
Since 2008 he has been running his own website www.dive-adventure.eu. On the basis of extensive experience, in August 2018 he created the new Perfect Diver Magazine.
MATEUSZ POPEK
BARTOSZ PSZCZÓŁKOWSKI
”My passion, work and life are under water.” He has been diving since 2009.
That's my name and I come from Poznań. I have been associated with water
Since 2008, he's walking in caves. Underwater archeologist by education.
practically from birth and with diving since I learned to walk. My grandfather
He participated in numerous projects in Poland and abroad. He has been
instilled my passion for the underwater world, a CMAS*** instructor taking
engaged in professional diving since 2011. In 2013 he obtained the quali-
me to the lakes at any free time. I obtained my first qualifications in 1996.
fications of a 2nd class diver. Has experience in underwater work both at
A year later I went to Croatia and literally went crazy at the sight of blue water,
sea and inland. Since 2013 he has been diving in caves, especially in the
octopus and colorful fish;) I bought my first underwater camera – Olympus
mountains, and since 2014 he is a diving instructor CMAS M1. In June 2020,
5060 and started the adventure with underwater photography. I acquired my
he obtained a doctoral degree in underwater archeology.
diving experience in the Canary Islands, Sardinia, Norway, Maldives and in Polish lakes. I am currently a Padi and ESA instructor, I train diving enthusiasts in Europe and pass my passion on to others. I invite all lovers of the underwater world and photography to Beediver (FB) – see you soon.
co n s ta n t coo p e r at i o n
WOJCIECH A. FILIP
ANNA SOŁODUCHA
SYLWIA KOSMALSKA-JURIEWICZ
Has more than 8000 dives on his account. He
A graduate of Geography faculty at the University
A traveller and a photographer of wild nature.
has been diving for over 30 years, including over
of Wrocław and an incurable optimist… with a per-
A graduate of journalism and a lover of good liter-
20 years as a technical diver. He is a professional
manent smile on her lips! It was probably Destiny
ature. She lives in harmony with nature, promotes
with great theoretical and practical knowledge. He
that led her to Activtour… and she's been here
a healthy lifestyle: she is a yogini and a vegetarian.
is an instructor of many federations: GUE Instruc-
on permanent basis. She passionately fulfils the
Also engaged in ecological projects. Sharks and
tor Mentor, CMAS**, IANTD nTMX, IDCS PADI, EFR,
dreams of many, organizing diving trips around the
their protection are especially close to her heart.
TMX Gas Blender. He participated in many diving
world, and she has already been diving for more
She writes about the subject in numerous articles
projects and conferences as a leader, explorer,
than half of her life. Each year she explores a dif-
and on her blog www.divingandtravel.pl. She be-
originator or lecturer. These included the Britan-
ferent ‘piece of the ocean’, pinning another pin to
gan her adventure with diving fifteen years ago
nic Expedition 2016, Morpheus Cave Scientific
her diving world map. In winter she changes fins
by total coincidence. Today she is a Divemaster,
Project on Croatia caves, GROM Expedition in
into her beloved skis and gets away into the Alps.
she visited over 60 countries and dived on 5 con-
Narvik, Tuna Mine Deep Dive, Glavas Cave in Croa-
A recipe for life? ”The only a dead trunk flows with
tinents. She invites us for a joint journey with the
tia, NOA-MARINE. Professionally, he is a technical
the current – the explorer's canoe flows up the river!”
travel agency www.dive-away.pl, of which she is
director at TecLine in Scubatech, and a director of
anna@activtour.pl
a co-founder.
training at TecLine Academy.
activtour.pl; travel.activtour.pl; 2bieguny.com
KAROLA TAKES PHOTOS
JAKUB DEGEE
MICHAL ČERNÝ
Karolina Sztaba, and professionally Karola Takes
Polish photographer, winner of awards and dis-
"Wet photos" – He has photographed since he
Photos, is a photographer by education and pas-
tinctions in world underwater photography com-
remembers. After several years of experience as
sion. She is currently working at the Trawangan
petitions, has already dived all over the world: with
a diver, he wanted to keep memories of underwa-
Dive Center on a tiny island in Indonesia – Gili
sharks and whales in South Africa, with orcs be-
ter dives. He bought his first compact camera with
Trawangan, where she moved to live four years
hind the Arctic Circle, on Galapagos with hundreds
an underwater housing. Over time, however, the
ago. She photographs above and below the wa-
of hammerhead sharks and humpback whales in
desire to have the best photo began to dominate,
ter. In addition, she creates photographic proj-
the Tonga Islands. He participates in specialist
which was not quite possible with the compact
ects against littering the oceans and polluting
photographic workshops. He has been diving for
he used. That's why he switched to the Olympus
our planet with plastic ("Trapped", "Trashion").
27 years, he started at the age of 12 – as soon as
PEN E-PL 5 reflex camera, which allows the use of
She cooperates with NBO organizations dealing
it was formally possible. He was the first in the
several different lenses. He uses a combination
with environmental protection and actively partic-
world to use the Hasselblad X1d-50c camera for
of underwater flashes and lights. He focuses on
ipates in pro-ecological actions (coral protection,
underwater macro photography. Recently, in the
wildlife photography, not arrangement. He photo-
coral planting, cleaning the world, protection of
remote Chincorro archipelago on the border be-
graphs in fresh domestic waters as well as in the
endangered species). She is also the official pho-
tween Mexico and Belize, he did it again, taking
seas and oceans of the world.
tographer of Ocean Mimic – a brand that creates
a successful attempt to photograph the eye of
He has already won numerous awards at Czech
swimwear and surfwear from rubbish collected
a crocodile with a macro lens with an additional
and foreign photography competitions. More
on the beaches of Bali. She cooperated with many
magnifying lens, which is the world's largest photo
photos can be found on his website, where you
brands of diving equipment for which she created
of the crocodile's eye living in the wild (in terms of
can also buy them not only as photos, but also as
advertising campaigns. In 2019, she became the
pixel count, print size, quality).
photos printed on canvas or on another medium.
ambassador of the Polish company Tecline.
www.mokrefotky.cz
She has been a technical diver for two years.
www.facebook.com/MichalCernyPhotography www.instagram.com/michalcerny_photography/
co n s ta n t coo p e r at i o n
WOJCIECH JAROSZ
AGNIESZKA KALSKA
LAURA KAZIMIERSKA
A graduate of two Poznan universities, the Acad-
”I can't imagine living without water, where in a free
Laura Kazimierska is currently working as PADI
emy of Physical Education (coaching specializa-
body I experience freedom of the spirit.”
Course Director at TrawanganDive Center on the
tion – handball) and the University of A.Mickiewicz, Faculty of Biology (specialty of experimental biology). He connected his professional life with this first university trying to influence the direction of development of future professionals on the one hand, and on the other planning and implement-
• founder of the first freediving and swimming school in Poland – FREEBODY, • Apnea Academia International and PADI Master Freediver freediving instructor, • world record holder in freediving (DYN 253 m),
Indonesian island of Gili Trawangan. Founder of the Divemastergilis portal. www.divemastergilis.com @divemastergilis For over 7 years she has lived and discovered the underwater world of Indonesia. She is not only an avid technical diver, but also the face of the
ing research, pushing laboriously in the right di-
• record holder and Polish champion, member
Planet Heroes platform and the ambassador of
rection of the stroller called science. In his free
of the national team in freediving 2013–2019,
the Ocean Mimic brand. She actively contributes
time he spends his time actively – his main pas-
• winner of the World Championships in freed-
to the promotion of the protection of corals and
sions are sailing (sea helmsman), skiing (downhill
iving 2013, 2015, 2016 and 2018,
the natural environment of fish and marine an-
skiing instructor), riding a motorcycle, recreational
• multimedalist of the Polish Championships
imals by taking part in scientific projects, cam-
diving and many other activities, as well as pho-
and a member of the national team in swim-
paigns against ocean littering and cooperating
tography, mainly nature.
ming in the years 1998–2003,
with NGOs in Indonesia.
• passionate about freediving and swimming.
@laura_kazi
AGATA TUROWICZ-CYBULA
ADRIAN JURIEWICZ
IRENA KOSOWSKA
Since I was a child, I had dreamed of becoming
A traveler, photographer and the underwater
Regional Manager Divers Alert Network Polska,
a marine biologist and I managed to fulfill that
world filmmaker, an Asian cuisine enthusiast
diving and first aid instructor, technical diver and
dream. I did a degree in oceanography, where
and a PADI diving instructor. He visited over
cave diver. In love with all flooded, dark, cold,
I recently started my doctoral studies. My diving
70 countries and dived on 5 continents (the
tight places and invariably from the beginning
adventure began when I was 12 years old. I love
other two are planned for next year's expedi-
of the diving route – in the Baltic. Implementing
observing the underwater life up close and I try to
tions). For several years he has also been an
the DAN mission, he conducts a series of lectures
show other divers how fascinating the underwa-
instructor and trainer of the unmanned aircraft
”Dive safely” and Diving Safety Laboratory, so field
ter, Baltic creatures are.
flights. A co-author of a travel agency for divers
research of divers for scientific purposes.
www.dive-away.pl. He documents his expeditions with photos and descriptions of his journeys on his blog www.divingandtravel.pl
o u r au t h o r s
KATARZYNA CIEŚLAWSKA
MICHAL ŠTROS
TOMEK RAMUTKOWSKI
MA in tourism and economics. She dives from
The author is biologist by profession, involved in
He has always been fascinated by the underwater
the cradle, she grew up in diving camps. She
cancer research at the Czech Academy of Scienc-
world, and from the very beginning of his diving
managed to combine her professional work with
es in Brno. His profession enabled him to travel
journey, he has been associated with the wrecks
a great passion for diving and travel – for over
around the globe and to visit places which are
of the Baltic Sea. Currently, he has completed
10 years she has been running the diving travel
also regarded as the best dive sites. Underwater
several thousand dives in various places around
agency Activtour.pl, which deals with professional
photography became a part of his life since he
the world. He dives mainly technically, wreck and
organization of diving trips around the world (also
dove the Great Barrier Reef of Australia. His ”pet“
cave. Fascinated by rebreathers and underwater
in the Arctic areas: to Antarctica and the Arctic).
is Canon 80D (Ikelite housing, ”fish eye“, 60 mm
photography. Tomek is an Instructor Trainer,
More information at:
and 100mm macro lenses, Subsee diopters and
rebreather, technical, wreck and sidemount in-
www.activtour.pl
snoot RETRA), as well as the Photoshop editing
structor in several training organizations. For over
www.activtour24.pl
software. He received an “Honorary Mention” on
10 years, he has been sharing his knowledge with
www.safari-nurkowe.pl
one of the most the prestigious underwater photo
others, focusing on high quality training. Founder
contest, Ocean Art 2020 (Underwater Art). Some
of the 4baltic Association, owner of Deepbusters
of his underwater photos are processed by cre-
and Wreckbusters.
ative tools, by combination of underwater pho-
www.4baltic.pl
tography and digital software to create captivating
www.deepbusters.pl
– sometime even surrealist – images.
www.wreckbusters.pl
His photos are regularly published in scuba diving
www.facebook.com/tomekramutkowskitechnical
magazines and presented at exhibitions. He believes that exhibiting of underwater photos to the public could increase social awareness towards marine conservation. More underwater photos, as well as information about the author, are to be found on his website http://michalstros.cz
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+48 502 138 403 http://www.deepdivingslesin.pl/ baza-nurkowa-honoratka/
DIVING CENTER DIVING SCHOOL
o u r au t h o r s
HANNA MAMZER
GRZEGORZ MIKOSZA
Professor at the Department of Sociology, Adam
programmes. She lectures in Poland and abroad
In the Foundation, he is the commander-in-chief
Mickiewicz University. A psychologist, sociologist,
and has extensive international cooperation with
of the Clean up the World – Poland Action and
and forensic expert in animal welfare, dog ethol-
the United States of America. She works towards
manages the works of strategic projects. Grze-
ogy, and human-dog relations. She initiated the
understanding animal needs and promoting ani-
gorz realizes himself creatively in ideas for new
creation of the Inter-species Relations Section in
mal welfare in human social practice. In her aca-
campaigns and methods of promotion as part of
the Polish Sociological Association. Member of the
demic work, she pays great attention to making
the Foundation's Clean Up the World – Poland
Local Ethics Committee for Animal Testing. A two-
interdisciplinary connections between different
and Eco-education programs. Arranges strate-
time scholarship holder of the Fulbright Founda-
scientific fields in order to integrate activities
gies and coordinates the work so that everything
tion, British Council, Leibniz Institute for Regional
and information that promote an understand-
goes according to plan. During off-road activities,
Development and Structural Planning in Erkner
ing-based approach to human-nonhuman rela-
he wears yellow gloves and naturally carries kilo-
(Germany), Central European University in Buda-
tionships. She collaborates with law enforcement
grams of waste. He often takes the helm of the
pest, European University Institute in Florence,
agencies in Animal Welfare Act investigations. She
foundation's Facebook and Instagram profile
Stefan Batory Foundation, the winner of Polityka
also works with non-governmental organisations,
to talk about what we can do together for our im-
magazine scholarship campaign, and numerous
local authorities, and homeless animal shelters.
mediate surroundings. In his free time, he sails,
awards and distinctions. Multiple participant of
She runs a temporary home for anxious, with-
runs and traverses mountain trails.
Socrates Erasmus and Socrates Erasmus Mundus
drawn, and distrustful dogs.
A graduate of the Faculty of IT Management and Finance at the University of Economics in Wrocław and the Faculty of Journalism and Social Communication of the University of Lower Silesia in Wrocław. Certified specialist in the field of obtaining EU funds and communication on the Internet.
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2022
6
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t r av e l s
Underwater Croatia Text and photos MICHAL ŠTROS
Orange sponges on the walls of the headland Kaprije
After many years of traveling to remote and exotic destinations, together with a friend of mine, we decided to head to the nearby Croatia for a couple of days, visiting the Murter island and Kornati National Park.
F
or Europeans, Croatia is one of those countries with sea access where you don’t need to go by plane. Besides, remote exotic destinations won’t do for an ex-
tended weekend or even a week of vacation. I must admit
that after diving in Egypt, in the Caribbean, in Indonesia, Australia and other remote locations, I wasn’t expecting much from the Adriatic in terms of diversity of its underwater life. All the more was I surprised by the abundance of sea flora
12
travels
Diving boat in the bay of Tisno
Zadar
MURTER
KORNATI NATIONAL PARK
Šibenik
found accommodation a couple of minutes walk from each of our bases. DIVING OFF MURTER ISLAND There are plenty of diving sites around Murter island – lots of shipwrecks, brightly colored gorgonians, corals, sponges and large schools of fish which are a magnet for recreational and technical divers. As most dives in this area exceed 20 meters of depth, you need to be licensed to dive up to 30 meters, e.g. AOWD or CMAS P2. It is also a good idea to dive with nitrox (a license is absolutely required). Apart from a few exceptions, and fauna off Murter island and in the Kornati National Park.
there was no instructor to accompany us when descending
We took off for Croatia with our car packed with diving gear,
but – as it turned out – this is normal in Croatia. Before each
thick neoprene suits, underwater cameras, food and a case
dive there was always a detailed “briefing”, allowing us to quick-
of bottled beer. The way to the little coastal town of Tisno (on
ly find our way around underwater. The currents weren’t too
Murter island), driving on almost empty highways, took us
strong, so that I could focus entirely on photography. There are
about 10 hours. “Tramonto” (Tisno/Murter) and “Just Dive –
several shipwrecks near the Murter island, but our attention
Croatia” (Biograd na Moru) were our diving bases in Croatia.
was drawn by the German bomber Junkers 87 R-2 (Stuka) from
In order not to have to drag bulky diving gear around, we
the Second World War.
PERFECTDIVER No. 6(18)/2021
13
t r av e l s
Wreck of the German dive bomber Junkers 87 Stuka
14
JUNKERS 87 R-2 (STUKA) BOMBER
hitting the seabed. The discovery of a Stuka bomber in such
In the autumn of 2014, near the Croatian island Zirje, fisher-
a well-preserved condition is remarkable, as out of the 6000 ma-
men accidentally found a wreck of a German bomber Junkers
chines manufactured, only 3 have remained all over the world.
87 R-2. This is a single engine machine from the Second World
According to historians, on 12 April 1941 three Stuka
War period, with detachable wings, fixed undercarriage and
Ju 87 R-2 bombers piloted by Italians were attacked by two
a two-man crew (a pilot and a gunman). During the war, the
Yugoslavian war ships going near Šibenik. They managed
bomber was widely known as “Stuka” which is an abbreviation
to shoot down two of the machines. One of them is the already
for German “Sturzkampfbomber”, a diving bomber, which refrs
mentioned wreck. Nothing is known about the pilots’ fate but
to its flight path during bombing. The main Stuka strategy was
it is assumed they survived. The wreck was made available
to quickly climb above the target, then approach it headfirst and
for diving amateurs in April 2015 but only diving with licensed
drop bombs from a height of approximately 450 meters. Most
diving centers is allowed here. Approaching the plane wreck
Stuka bombers were fitted with so-called “Jericho trumpet” emit-
with a diving boat takes about 70 minutes. The site, where
ting a characteristic siren sound that induced dread and panic
the wreck lies, is not marked in any way so that unauthorized
among the civilians and the Ally troops. The wreck of the Junkers
persons can’t access it easily. A couple of floating plastic buoys
87 R-2 bomber sits at a depth of 28 meters, on a sandy seabed,
is attached to an anchor cable. Although we noticed a stronger
surrounded by grass. The machine is well preserved and looks
current when disembarking the boat, the attached rope led us
like it has just smoothly landed. Only the cockpit dome and the
safely to the wreck which we could see already at 15 meters
engine are missing, which most probably were torn away upon
of depth.
podróże
Ringneck blenny (Parablennius pilicornis) in deterrence posture
DIVING SITES NEAR MURTER ISLAND
the seabed closely, you will surely notice Ringneck blenny
Most sites around Murter island can be reached with a Zo-
(Parablennius pilicornis), and in the vegetation cover or near
diac within 30 minutes. Lesser-known locations in that area
yellow sponges beautifully colored nudibranch. Apart from
include Kukuljari, Kaprije, Kablinac and, a bit more remote,
other fish species, on the seabed you may notice schools of
Zirje island.
Dreamfish (Sarpa salpa) with their characteristic stripes along
Kukuljari (also known as Kukuljar) is a small rocky island
their bodies. Eating this fish evokes strong hallucinations in
with a lighthouse, located near Murter. The island stands out
humans, which is why the Romans called it a “fish that makes
only three meters above the sea surface and is flat, with slopes
dreams”. In shallow waters, you may also spot octopuses hid-
so steep that they are impossible to climb. On the west side, it
den among the rocks.
is shallow and the seabed covered with grass descends gently.
The ”Kaprije
point” is a site where a wall with two ter-
This is the place where the diving boat is usually moored. At
races begins. Its first edge lies at 8–12 meters and is dense-
first, you descend with a rope along sandy terraces to the
ly covered with sea grass. The terrace gradually descends
depth of 20–30 meters where the last terrace ends and
to 20 meters. The second edge reaches about 30 meters of
a vertical wall begins, descending straight down to the sandy
depth and is covered with sponge. The wall is a shelter for
seabed at 45 meters. There are numerous cracks along the
rock lobsters and octopuses. It is incredibly colorful, with or-
wall, where plenty sea creatures find their refuge. In shallow
ange and dark-brown sponges here and there, colorful corals,
waters, you may find coral, yellow, orange and dark-brown
anemones and red starfish Echinaster sepositus. Eye-catching
sponge, and winnowed anemones. If you watch the life on
coloring is the feature of a 15 mm sea slug Thuridilla hopei
PERFECTDIVER No. 6(18)/2021
15
t r av e l s A sea slug Thuridilla hopei feeding on yellow sponges
White-tufted worms dancing in the current
16
travels
Close-up of a bearded fireworm
Bearded fireworms on a gorgonian
– one of the common species in the Mediterranean Sea. It
Red starfish "under microscope"
Another diving site near Murter island is
Kablinac. This
feeds on algae that it uses for sourcing active chloroplasts,
is a tiny point at the North of Maly Tetovinjak island. The sea
obtaining additional feed through photosynthesis. Despite its
is shallow between Kablinac and Maly Tetovinjak, reaching
acidic secretion and bright colors to scare away any predators,
as little as 10 meters in the deepest place. Meeting an octo-
it is a favorite delicacy of the tube hermit crab. There are also
pus in this area is quite common. Shallow sea and schools of
beautiful, creamy white in color tentacles of the white-tufted
colorful fish make it a perfect snorkeling location. The rocky
worms (Protula tubularia) which look like “feathers” with regu-
point descends to 25 meters of depth and then steeply falls
lar spots up each tentacle. The wall descends vertically to the
to 55 meters on a sandy seabed covered with grass. You may
very bottom at a depth of 50–55 meters. In Croatia, it is quite
spot lobsters hiding in the cracks of the vertical wall covered
common underwater to spot a Bearded fireworm (Hermodice
with orange sponges and red sea fans, beautifully contrasting
carunculata), measuring about 15cm. Their rich coloring warns
with the blue of the sea. In order to appreciate their stunning
potential enemies against excessive intrusion. The fireworm
colors, you need a good flashlight.
moves with ease, and its body is covered with bristles that are empty inside and contain venom. You shouldn’t touch them, as
DIVING IN KORNATI NATIONAL PARK
stuck bristles cause burning and swelling of the skin. It is not
During our stay in Croatia, almost everyday we went for two
without a reason that these marine bristleworms are referred
dives and returned either early in the afternoon (Tisno/Murt-
to as „fireworms”.
er) or late in the afternoon. If we still had time after diving
PERFECTDIVER No. 6(18)/2021
17
t r av e l s Long-snouted seahorse and seagrass
Long-snouted seahorse with luxuriant "mane"
An aeolid nudibranch Cratena peregrina
18
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Sunset in Biograd na Moru
on Murter, we went to the nearby
er reluctantly. Not far away from
Vodica or Šibenik. Both resorts at-
this place, I took a picture of an ae-
tract with their unique charm of port
olid nudibranch Cratena peregrina
towns. Šibenik is also famous for
with beautifully colored outgrowths
romantic walks along moored sail-
called cerata, waving in the water.
ing vessels and loads of cafes and
From time to time, we could also
restaurants along the embankment.
see other nudibranch species, but
The nearby downtown may offer you
compared to other well-known loca-
the history of the town and lots of
tions for macrophotography, their
tourist attractions. After diving in
presence and diversity in Croatia is
Kornati National Park we hadn’t
rather poor. Nevertheless, through
much time left, so in the evenings
my camera viewfinder I managed
we usually took a walk on the town
to spot plenty of tiny sea critters,
of Biograd na Moru embankment,
and observing their “everyday” life
looking at the see and boats passing
was a remarkable experience for
by or wandering through the streets,
me. Kornati National Park delights
and absorbing the atmosphere of
not only with its rich and diverse un-
a coastal resort.
derwater life forms – their limestone
During diving in diverse loca-
and slate islands are a paradise for
tions within Kornati National Park
sailors. On the Kornati National Park
(near Balun and Borovnic islands)
islands there are no rivers or sources
we had several occasions to ad-
of fresh water, therefore they are un-
mire long-snouted seahorses (Hip-
inhabited for most part of the year.
pocampus guttulatus) which belong
The beauty of Kornati is best cap-
to the most charismatic sea crea-
tured in the quotation from Bernard
tures. During the day, the seahors-
Shaw: “On the last day of Creation
es were camouflaged in the grass
God desired to crown His work, and
and, and if they had to move, they
thus created the Kornati islands out of
were very slow and they did it rath-
tears, stars and breath.”
Technically … the best. Hollis gear stands up to any condition. So, how deep will you go?
www.nurkowanie-ecn.pl
t r av e l s
Vámonos! The Sea of Córtes… Text KATARZYNA CIEŚLAWSKA
20
travels
Photo Katarzyna Cieślawska, activtour.pl
Photo Katarzyna Cieślawska, activtour.pl
ra
no
So
GULF OF CALIFORNIA Mexico
Photo Katarzyna Cieślawska, activtour.pl
W
e are going to focus on the Mexican state of Sonora and the Gulf of California, places that are not as famous as the Mexican Yucatán Peninsula
only two or three dive boats, f magnificent walls covered with black coral forests,
or the Revillagigedo Archipelago, with its legendary dive sites
f home of hundreds, if not thousands, of sea lions that ac-
around the islands, including Socorro. Nevertheless, whoever
company during dives, showing their charm to our camaras'
has been there and had the opportunity to dive in Sonora will probably share my opinion about how unusual and charming this place is! The Gulf of California, also called The Sea of Cortés, has so much to offer to scuba divers that it will work up the appetite of many of you – especially underwater photographers! If we summarised all the attractions that await us here, I think that they would be:
lenses, f a meeting place for whale sharks, dolphins and even cetaceans (if you're lucky), f an amazing macro world with the most popular: jawfish, blennies, nudibranchs, f or by contrast, huge shoals of trevallers, sardines, tunas, barracudas and even devil fish... In a word, a place that works up an appetite for an under-
f an amazing marine life,
water adventure! There is a reason the Sea of Cortés is on the
f exoticism, one of the last strongholds missed by mass to-
UNESCO World Heritage List... The only one like that, unique,
urism,
f a secluded archipelago of islands, around which there are
inconspicuous...! It is squeezed between the mainland and the
Photo Mirek Gołaś Post-production Grzegorz Kajstura PERFECTDIVER No. 6(18)/2021
21
t r av e l s
Photo Mirek Gołaś, Post-production Grzegorz Kajstura
Baja California Peninsula, a world-famous dive site. Jacques Cousteau called the Sea of Cortés the "aquarium of the world", because over 600 species of animals live in it, ranging from representatives of the macro world: cute seahorses, groupers, anglers, nudibranchs; to numerous colonies of larger representatives of the fauna: Californian sea lions, dolphins, devil fish, sperm whales, fin whales, whale sharks, sharks and pilot whales. The Gulf of California is a real delicacy that opens up to diving safari boats only 3 months a year. In the summer months, where the largest Mexican desert, the Great Altar, lushly decorated with cacti meets the sea, it attracts the attention of diving enthusiasts from all over the Photo Andrzej Misiuk
world. The northern area of the Cortes Sea, called the Midriff Islands, consisting of a system of islands, pinnacles, and islets, becomes accessible to visitors thanks to the period of windless weather and slightly undulating water. At the northern end of the coast there is a small port town of Puerto Penasco, where we boarded our dive boat. The easiest way to get here is from the airport in Phoenix in the USA – approx. 2 hours drive or from the airport in Hermosillo in Mexico – approx. 5 hours drive. The Sea of Cortés is a breathtaking destination on the diving travel map, especially for fans of underwater photography and filming. The water temperature in the summer months ranges
Photo Katarzyna Cieślawska, activtour.pl
22
travels
Photo Mirek Gołaś, Post-production Grzegorz Kajstura
from 28 ° C to 29 ° C, the thermocline is a rare phenomenon, and the visibility we can count on reaches an average of 20– 30 meters. During the entire trip, the exception was 1–2 dives with cooler water reaching a temperature of 25 ° C and visibility below 5 meters. With three to four immersions a day, we will have the greatest thermal comfort in a 4–5 mm thick foam, and for those who are cold, I recommend that you pack insulation. The vast majority of dives are calm and do not pose any major problems even to beginner divers. The adopted limit of the depth ranged most often between 20 and 30 meters, the impetuous currents and tides occured maybe several times. We set off for our adventure on board on an extremely comfortable boat M / Y Rocio del Mar, dedicated to divers. It is an extremely spacious vessel, enriched with a rare system of
Photo Mirek Gołaś, Post-production Grzegorz Kajstura
side floats – ensuring stabilisation during waves, significantly improving the comfort of the cruise. The daily diving schedule filled our time from dawn to dusk, because every day we were at least three or four times underwater. Between the dives, it was a real pleasure to snorkel among colonies of sea lions, being interrupted from time to time by jelous males sending us clear signals that they do not want our company and interaction with their harem friends... A weekly cruise away from civilisation and GSM network coverage, the lack of the company of other boats, allowed
Photo Mirek Gołaś Post-production Grzegorz Kajstura PERFECTDIVER No. 6(18)/2021
23
podróże
Photo Andrzej Misiuk
us to immerse ourselves in the beauty of this place, feel the
mouths full of eggs (as typical of the species, males incubate
desert climate of the surrounding islands and of the animals
eggs in their mouths), many varieties of richly shaped blennies
inhabiting them. For a moment we moved to a world where
or colonies of many varieties of nudibranchs – shimmering
birds, sea lions, whales, devil fich reign... a place where cacti
oranges, beiges, violets...
look nostalgically from the sun-burnt slopes of the mountains. It is where the inky blue water invites you to the wonderful
Isla San Pedro Martur
underwater world in which we set off on board of zodiacs,
A small, uninhabited island located in the central part of the
called by the local "pangas", visiting the greatest attractions of
Cortes Sea. The surrounding peaks of the local islands bear
the Midriff Islands route.
the characteristic white traces of bird droppings – guano,
Angel Island
see. Interestingly, in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries,
This was the first destination on our diving safari route – ap-
collecting the local guano was a thriving business, which when
proximately 12 hours cruise from the port in Puerto Penasco.
exported to Europe was considered an excellent fertiliser.
It was here that we first met numerous colonies of Califor-
The local beaches and mountain slopes are home to one of
nian sea lions, we dived near the walls thickly covered with
the largest colonies of sea lions, willingly interacting with our
black coral and we discovered funny representatives of the
group. It is here, on the slopes of San Pedro Martur Island,
macro world. Midsummer is the peak of the breeding season
we had an unforgettable opportunity to plunge into a shoal
for many fish species around Angel Island. We were hypno-
of sardines, which aroused a lot of interest of the groupers
tised by the habits and antics of the inhabitants of the bottom
and barracudas hunting for them.
zone: fine-spotted jawfish looking out from their pits with wide
24
which are visible in virtually every point where the eye can
travels
Photo Mirek Gołaś, Post-production Grzegorz Kajstura
Photo Mirek Gołaś Post-production Grzegorz Kajstura
PERFECTDIVER No. 6(18)/2021
25
t r av e l s
Photo Mirek Gołaś, Post-production Grzegorz Kajstura
Photo Mirek Gołaś Post-production Grzegorz Kajstura
26
Photo Mirek Gołaś Post-production Grzegorz Kajstura
Bahía de Los Angeles
crowning achievement of the stay in this area was snorkelling
In other words, the Bay of Angels, surrounded by the bare peaks
with whale sharks feeding near the water surface. There were
of the San Pedro Martir mountains, is a beautiful area protected
a few of them, they gracefully swam along the hull of the fishing
from nearly 7-meter tides by the Angel de la Guarda Island.
boat, from the deck of which we tried to approach them. Gentle
The wide bay is inhabited by a population of adolescent whale
and calm, they allowed for several minutes of interaction.
sharks that feed on krill that occurs here. It is here, on the last
The culmination of the trip turned out to be a few days on
day of our safari, that we came across the coldest and least clear
land, which we spent travelling through the greatest attractions
water. However, we spent that day without moaning, as the
of the secluded state of Sonora – definitely underestimated
ADVERTISEMENT
Photo Katarzyna Cieślawska, activtour.pl
due to its location in a short distance from the American state of Arizona, with its most famous attractions, including canyons: Great Canyon and Antelope Canyon, Route 66 or the town of Sodon. Gloomy mountains, sun-scorched plains, huge cacti, beautiful beaches of Northern Mexico, the largest Mexican desert, lava-frozen formations, lunar and even unearthly crater landscapes of the Sierra de Pinacate Biosphere Reserve, dunes of the Altar desert – the Mexican part of the Sonoran Desert, cliffs and rocky coves flowing straight into the sea, the largest Mexican island of Tiburón – home of the Seri people cultivating old traditions, which was one of the last to open up to elements of European culture and Christianity, and ancient rock drawings – petroglyphs in the area of La Proveedora.
Photo Katarzyna Cieślawska, activtour.pl
Photo Katarzyna Cieślawska, activtour.pl
These are just a few promises of this extraordinary part of Mexico, completely forgotten by mass tourism. And, hopefully, this trend will continue as long as possible!
PERFECTDIVER No. 6(18)/2021
27
wrecks
My take on the ”Torpedownia” TORPEDO TESTING STATION Text and photos TOMEK RAMUTKOWSKI
There's a place on the Polish diving sites map that needs no further introduction. Probably anyone who dives in our beautiful country or at least anyone who is interested in diving here has heard about the "Torpedownia" torpedo testing station in Gdynia Babie Doły.
28
T
his site attracts many people, not only locals from the Tricity area. It is quite a curious place that attracts people due to the beautiful shoreline, characteristic
for this part of the Baltic Sea, with the remains of a post-German torpedo testing center, which the Germans called Torpedowaffenplatz Hexengrund. Constant human drive for destruction is what emanates from the ruins of the testing station, extending above the water surface some 300 meters from the shoreline, surrounded by beautiful wildlife.
wrecks
COORDINATES: 54° 35' 16" N 18° 32' 44" E
Photo Andżelika Więcek
remains of a building, a ruin that has become an indivisible part of the Gdynia Babie Doły landscape. The building itself has a stretched "U" shape, so you can swim past it from the outside, moving along the walls and stone embankment. This allows you to assess the building size, especially when you move slightly further away from the walls which, with good visibility, looks very impressive. This extraordinary combination is very appealing because
As time passed, a part of the building collapsed to the
of the landscape and is so attractive that many people choose
inside, creating a unique underwater landscape. Numerous
this place for surface photo sessions.
reinforced concrete slabs, metal structures, steel sheet piles (Larssen sheet piles) or floor elements (along with ceramic
Alright, I'm supposed to be talking about diving, so… :)
tiles), scattered like huge blocks or pick-up sticks, make you feel as if swimming through an underwater maze.
WHAT IS THERE TO SEE UNDERWATER?
Chaotically scattered structural elements, especially in the
Let's start with that the dictionary would tell you – the "Torpe-
central part of the building, surrounded with walls, are defi-
downia" torpedo testing station is actually not a wreck but the
nitely worth seeing.
PERFECTDIVER No. 6(18)/2021
29
This dive takes you to quite low depths – it ranges between
If you're interested in underwater fauna and flora, this place
3 meters at the most shallow place and 12 meters where the
might be your actual Eldorado! A watchful eye and spending
dive is the deepest. Divers usually swim at average depths of
some time underwater are enough to discover the multitude
5–6 meters. This ensures good lighting during the dive, which
of underwater lifeforms in the water surrounding this site.
makes this place even more appealing.
It's home to beautiful formations of sponges and other
On a sunny day, the sunlight penetrates under the water
plants, numerous bivalve molluscs and many fish species – e.g.
surface, creating picturesque light reflections, enhancing your
several species of Gobiidae, characteristic straightnose pipe-
perception of the underwater landscape.
fish and broadnosed pipefish, great sand eels and lesser sand
Because of all the above aspects, the torpedo testing station is often visited by fans of wide angle underwater photography.
eels hiding in the sand, flat European flounders and sometimes even cyclopterus lumpus or shorthorn sculpin.
You won't be disappointed taking your camera there to hunt
Besides, you can expect encounters with several species of
for the perfect shoot, especially between late fall till early
shrimps, which move in a specific manner like small androids,
spring, when underwater visibility is at its best, sometimes
often gathering in bigger groups. Not so far away from the
exceeding a dozen meters. Regardless of the season, visibility
shrimp herds, you can find a hidden dwarf crab; recently, there
is relatively good there because of the sandy seabed.
are a lot of them in the Bay. Crabs sometimes come out of hiding and wave their claws, glaring at you in an unfriendly man-
30
MACRO WORLD
ner :) if you swim too close. The crab is of course only several
Nature has its way when it comes to recovering from harm-
centimeters long, so this only brings a smile to the diver’s face :)
ful human interference. "Torpedownia" is yet another ex-
Even though some of the creatures found there are not
ample, providing refuge for many species of plants and
endemic (native) species, they became a part of our ecosystem,
animals among the remains of bygone Nazi glory from
so we need to treat them like a part of this ecosystem – look
World War II.
and admire.
wrecks
PERFECTDIVER No. 6(18)/2021
31
wrecks
32
wrecks
This entire underwater world of animals and plants, with all its inhabitants, is pure magic! SO WHO CAN DIVE AT THE "TORPEDOWNIA" TORPEDO TESTING STATION? The truth is that this site is open for any diver, starting from OWD to advanced rebreather divers, and everyone can find it appealing! If you want to visit, there are some important elements to consider, but on the whole, this place is relatively safe even for beginner divers. Interestingly, during the winter months, when wreck trips are not organized for obvious reasons, Torpedownia is really crowded with divers, often in technical setups or using rebreathers. Being a technical diver doesn't mean you have to dive deep and breathe trimix :) HOW TO GET THERE? Well, there's that. First, there are two options: ● by sea – when you dive from a diving boat, ● by land – when you get into the water from the shore. When you arrive by sea, you need to make arrangements with a local diving center. The advantage is that the boat takes you directly to the ruins and after your dive takes you back to the port conveniently. When diving from the shore, you are completely independent from the boat and less dependent on the weather, which allows diving there especially during the winter period. This however means that the logistics of such a dive are more complicated. Nevertheless, this is the most popular way of diving here, so I’ll focus on it. In order to dive this site from the shore, you need to: 1. Reach the entrance to the beach by car – you just need to type “Torpedownia Babie Doły – ruiny” into Google Maps and the navigation will smoothly direct you to your destination. 2. Unpack your equipment near the entrance to the beach and park the car at the parking lot at Zielona Street, several
the end, of it you must turn right and after a few meters find
dozen meters back.
a fixed rope, leading directly to the first elements scattered
3. Take the entire necessary equipment to the beach, where
off the building.
you will enter the water. You only need to walk a very short
5. If you swim, the time varies depending on your fin hard-
distance, considering that until quite recently, the only
ness, efficacy and swimming pace or the diver’s fitness and
way to reach the site was using steep stairs on the side of
the trip takes between 15 and 25 minutes one way. You
the cliff, several hundred meters back. At the time, it was
should account fir this when planning your gas reserves
a route for the really motivated diver. Now getting to the beach is not particularly difficult.
for the dive. 6. A DPV may be a good solution in case of shore trips, as it
4. You will need to swim some 300 meters in the direction of
will help your reach the destination efficiently. On the other
the ruins. You can swim on the surface (if that's what you
hand, swimming there allows you to observe everything
like :) ) or underwater. First, you need to swim along a pali-
that you pass along the way and this way you can surely
sade that is a remnant of the pier leading to the building. At
spot more details.
PERFECTDIVER No. 6(18)/2021
33
wrecks
Photo Andżelika Więcek
RISKS Even though diving this site is apparently easy, there are a few risks that should be taken into consideration when planning your dives here: 1. Protruding bars and concrete elements – there are many protruding elements in the ruins that you can accidentally bump your head against or catch your diving equipment on. When swimming inside, keep an eye out and maintain a safe distance from the protruding elements. 2. Ruptured fixed rope – before descending, settle a compass bearing on the building, as sometimes the fixed rope leading to the ruins is ruptured, so it's better to have an idea about how to get there, just in case. Having a compass and basic navigation skills is advisable. 3. Boats and scooters above your head – mainly in the summertime there is heavy small water craft traffic in the vicinity of the ruins. So it is highly recommended to have a decompression buoy and release it when surfacing. It is also advisable to stay sharp when you hear the engine of a boat passing by. 4. Currents – sometimes there is a strong current along the route to the site, which makes swimming difficult. You
34
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KURSY
TECHNICZNE I REKREACYJNE
SIDEMOUNT WRAKOWE INSTRUKTORSKIE
should be properly trimmed, swim in the appropriate position, have the appropriate amount of weight and proper training, using well-fitted equipment that does not increase resistance, moving with a flawless technique – this way swimming against the current will not be a problem :) 5. Waves – wind blowing toward the shore, i.e. from the north to the southeast, can cause some pretty burdensome waves, especially for those who are less fit, such as beginner divers, but swimming in such conditions becomes less pleasant also for the more advanced divers. High waves, combined with low depth along the way, greatly impair visibility. So if the wind is strong in any of the above-mentioned directions, consider a different place to dive :) SUMMARY Regardless of all, diving at the "Torpedownia" torpedo testing station will be worth your effort. Visiting this unique place is worthwhile, at best in sunny weather and with good visibility, which will allow you to feel its incredible atmosphere. The small ecosystem and permanent residents of the site, who we should treat with respect as guests, will make the trip even more exciting. Finally, I recommend going there and trying to see the place through my eyes, just as I see it.
WWW.DEEPBUSTERS.PL
planet earth
Why is the Baltic Sea void of sharks?
Text AGATA TUROWICZ-CYBULA Photos ŁUKASZ METRYCKI
The Baltic Sea is considered by scientists to be the sweetest sea on the planet, but what does this actually mean?
A 36
ccording to the Encyclopaedia of the World Geography:
The seas and oceans contain the same salts, and the wa-
Oceans and Seas, the salinity of seawater is “the con-
ter from each body of water differs only in its concentration,
centration of a mixture of sea salt ions measured in
meaning the ratio of salts to water. Scientists have estimated
conventional units of practical salinity scale”, or to put it simply:
that the average salinity of the seas and oceans is 35 PSU,
how many grams of salt are in one litre of water.
which means that there are on average 35 grams of salt in
planet earth
every litre of seawater. The saltiest sea on Earth is the Red
changes caused by differences in depth, fish must above all
Sea, which has a salinity of 42 PSU, while the saltiest bodies of
cope with so-called osmoregulation.
water include Lake Assal in Djibouti (348 PSU), Patience Lake
Osmoregulation is the set of processes in a living organism
in Canada (428 PSU) and Don Juan Pond in Antarctica (up to
that ensures that the correct concentration of an animal's body
402 PSU). The average salinity of the Baltic Sea is only 7.5 PSU.
fluids is maintained. In the same way that saltwater will mix
Ok, but why is there so much detailed information on sa-
with fresh water in a glass to have the same concentration of
linity in the article about the presence of sharks in the Baltic
salt throughout its volume, the water in which a fish swims
Sea? Because it is the salinity that prevents us from seeing
will want to "mix" with the body fluids of the fish to have the
sharks in our sea.
same concentration.
Sharks, unlike most fish that inhabit every body of water
Bony fish (e.g. perch) that live in freshwater, e.g. lakes, have
on the planet, belong to the cartilaginous fish (Chondrichthyes).
a higher concentration of salt ions inside their bodies than the
As the name suggests, they have a skeleton made of cartilagi-
concentration of salt ions in the surrounding water. We then
nous tissue, rather than bone as in most fish we know. Sharks'
say that the fish is hypertonic in relation to the surrounding
bodies are covered with specific, rough scales (called placoid
environment (hyper – meaning much, above). The water that
scales), commonly called dermal denticles. Cartilaginous fish
surrounds the fish will try to flow into the body, while the salt
do not have a swim bladder and they regulate their buoyancy
ions in the body fluids will try to escape from inside the fish
thanks to the fatty content of their liver, but some of them have
into the water. In order to maintain proper water-electrolyte
negative buoyancy throughout their lives, so they have to stay
balance, such a fish will excrete large amounts of very dilute
in motion all the time to stay at the right depth.
urine, actively take up mineral salts from the water through
As aquatic animals, all fish must cope with a number of
the gills to make up for their deficiency, and will not need to
difficulties that terrestrial animals do not have to face. In addi-
drink water because the water coming in through the skin is
tion to the greater resistance of the water, regulating pressure
sufficient for proper hydration.
PERFECTDIVER No. 6(18)/2021
37
planet earth
The situation is completely opposite in the case of bony fish (e.g. tuna) living in salty waters (e.g. Mediterranean Sea).
body through special salt cells in the gills that trap salt and remove it to the outside.
In such a situation the concentration of ions in the fish's body
Sharks deal with the process of osmoregulation in a com-
is lower than the concentration of salts in the surrounding
pletely different way. Well, they maintain practically the same
water. We then say that the fish is hypotonic in relation to
salt concentration in their body as in the surrounding environ-
its surrounding environment (hypo – meaning below). This
ment. This means that they are always isotonic with respect
means that the water in the body fluids of the tuna will try to
to the surrounding environment (iso – meaning equal). They
flow outwards and the ions from the surrounding water will
do this through their ability to maintain a high concentration
penetrate through the skin into the body. To maintain proper
of urea in their blood. Therefore, the process of osmoregula-
water and electrolyte balance, such a fish will excrete little
tion in their body does not actually occur, and water and ion
urine, which will be very concentrated, drink a lot of seawater
exchange does not take place.
to replenish its deficiencies, and remove excess salt from the
Sharks by nature are found in seas with full salinity. However, if such a shark were to enter the Baltic Sea, where the salinity is very low, it would find that the concentration of ions in its body fluids far exceeds the concentration of salt in Baltic water. Lacking the ability to efficiently perform the osmoregulation process, such a shark would simply not be able to cope with this inhospitable environment. Of course, as with every rule, there are exceptions. Very rarely, but sometimes we can record the presence of one of three shark species in the Baltic Sea: porbeagle (Lamna nasus), spiny dogfish (Squalus acanthias), or small-spotted catshark (Scyliorhinus canicula). If you are very lucky, you may encounter them in the Danish Straits, where the salinity is higher than in other parts of the Baltic Sea, ranging from 20–30 PSU. However, remember that they are only guests and not permanent residents of the Baltic Sea.
38
o u r co n v e r s at i o n
At a turtle’s pace Introduction & questions LAURA KAZIMIERSKA Photos KAROLA TAKES PHOTOS
40
our conversation
F
or centuries they have been carrying the burden of
Laura
this globe on their shoulders only to become a mili-
made you interested in the
tant icon of pop culture. They were my motivation
conservation of sea turtles in
to delve into the secrets of the underwater world. Our first
Kazimierska:
What
Indonesia?
They are a symbol of longevity and immortality, in Mesopotamia they were equated with the god of the ocean, and in the Chinese symbolism they are patrons of the universe.
meeting only confirmed what I have felt for a long time. I have had the feeling that I belong to this underwater
Siân Williams: My first environment con-
land and I want to protect it, and turtles will accompany
servation voluntary work was in Malaysia in 2007. We took care
me on my exciting escapades. We are talking about sea
of the protection of a huge beach, which is known as a turtle
turtles, of course!
nest. I got up late at night to check the traces of females go-
Their presence is evident in the mythology of many cultures.
ing to the beach, took measurements to identify them and
They are a symbol of longevity and immortality, in Mesopota-
carefully counted the eggs. Every minute of this project was
mia they were equated with the god of the ocean, and in the
incredibly exciting for me.
Chinese symbolism they are patrons of the universe. Despite
When I moved to Gili Trawangan, I noticed that there were
the fact that they have been roaming our planet for over 100
many more sea turtles on the reefs there than on the Ma-
million years, turtles have become a critically endangered spe-
laysian Perhentian Islands. The shocking thing is that there
cies in the last century.
was not even a proper species protection program here. The
Siân Williams, an eco-warrior
from Indonesia, will tell us about how to improve the situ-
locals just took their population for granted. The only turtle
ation of our beloved diving companions, about their amazing
"sanctuary" was a tourist trap located right on the beach. It
life cycle and Covid restrictions on a tropical island.
consisted of three reservoirs in which small turtles were kept
PERFECTDIVER No. 6(18)/2021
41
o u r co n v e r s at i o n
in shallow, cloudy water for over 6 months, offering tourists,
erous reef, where many predators await them, and get out
of course, for a fee, to release them into the sea. Today we
into the open ocean.
know that keeping young turtles in such conditions is an in-
For years, scientists have not been able to say what really hap-
effective and unethical way to protect their population. Ba-
pen to them shortly thereafter. Many "teenage" turtles do not
by-turtles released into open water have an extremely low
return to reefs until they are sexually mature. It can be from
survival rate.
7 to 20 years.
The sanctuary was closed after years of fighting, and our or-
Still little is known about the years they spend at sea known
ganisation Gili Eco Trust began to look closely at the situation
as "lost years." Most specialists believe that due to the fact
of turtles on the island. Until recently, we were notified of turtle
that young turtles are weak swimmers, they will drift in ocean
nests and enjoyed the support of the local community. In 1929,
currents, protecting themselves from predators under drifting
all that changed. The Gili Islands live only from tourism, and
debris, more and more often the debris made of plastic. Recent
when most of the inhabitants lost their income, we saw a rapid
research has shown that turtles use pelagic fish navigation
increase in poaching for turtle eggs.
to guide them to places where they can shelter and get food. We still have a wealth of interesting facts to discover about the
What's the most fascinating thing about turtles?
life cycle of sea turtles, which makes the protection of their
Certainly they are great travellers and we still don't really know
breeding habitat even more important.
where they spend most of their childhood.
42
Turtles go on one of the most difficult journeys in the animal
Since there is a huge turtle population around the Gili islets
kingdom. They spend only a few days with their siblings, dig-
and Indonesia in general, why do they need protection?
ging themselves out of their nests and scrambling across the
Two species of turtles that commonly occur on the Gili Is-
beach towards the lunar reflection on the surface of the ocean.
lands are the hawksbill turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata) and
Immediately after hatching, they accumulate energy that lasts
the green turtle (Chelonia mydas). Both are on the IUCN Red
only 72 hours. Every minute counts and the effort is enormous.
List under the category of the critically threatened species.
During this time, they must make their way through a treach-
As inhabitants of this part of the world, we are extremely
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lucky to witness these breathtaking creatures on almost any diving or snorkelling trip. This is why our islands should become a sanctuary for these species, where every
It is difficult to define the greatest single threat to the turtle population in this area, but undoubtedly each is based on human interference.
part of their life cycle is under protection. And this would serve for future generations and for local communities, as a means of earning money from diving and ecological tourism. Tell me about the turtle tracking project and who was involved? Due to the fact that the island is a popular destination for tourists watching the picturesque sunsets and spending time on the beaches until late at night, before the pandemic we often received messages and phone calls warning us about turtles nesting on the beach. At the beginning of the 2020 season, I realised that we had lost this method of reporting and collecting data, and consequently we lost the method of tracking, locating and protecting nests. I quickly started to create a team of volunteers. Since most of us wondered what to do with our free time during the island lockdown, I didn't have to look for volunteers very far. My new team consisted of diving instructors, hostel and restaurant owners who had lived on the island for years, travellers who had been "stuck" with us due to the pandemic, and the local community. I created a simple tracking and data collection program for any layman to join. In keeping with citizen science basics, I implemented the protocols that we tested and improved while monitoring and tracking female nesting females, taking the project from Malaysia as an example. Through a short training session (1.5 hours), the volunteers learned to recognise species, assess behaviour and record nesting sites, all based on the footprints left on the beach. Ideally, we would monitor the area every few hours throughout the night for more
PERFECTDIVER No. 6(18)/2021
43
o u r co n v e r s at i o n
Due to the relatively short time of the species observation, we lack precise data to be able to accurately compare them. We have certainly noticed an increase in the loss of coastal habitats. In places where females used to lay eggs frequently, no breeding grounds have been recorded in recent years due to making beaches available to restaurants and hotels. The government project to demolish all the buildings on the beaches gave us a lot of hope. However, the debris left behind and the lack of proper disposal of the remaining building materials, cluttered areas suitable for breeding grounds. How about the inactivity during COVID, has it affected the turtles? It has, immensely. During the last year of dives, we observe their increased presence on coral reefs, now they can be admired at all diving sites, we have also registered more breeding sites than in previous years. Decreased tourist activity is contributing to the recovery of many coral reefs that were usually overcrowded. For our turtles, the consequence of the lack of tourism is less risk of collision with a boat, no one rushes after them with a go-pro to have a fantastic selfie on Insta, an increase in the number of successful broods. This has its dark sides. The economic crisis has led local residents to return to poaching their eggs and baby turtles, selling them to pet stores. What is the main threat to the turtle population around Gilis? It is difficult to define the greatest single threat to the turtle population in this area, but undoubtedly each is based on human interference. Poaching, beach and ocean pollution, land erosion due to irresponsible management by local authorities, unethical diving or snorkelling trips where turtles are caught, blocked to the surface to breathe, and the constant pursuit of accurate data, but with 7 km of coastline and 9 permanent
a great photo. These problems threaten not only turtles but
volunteers, we wanted to do our best in the current situation.
many other species around the world.
The walk around the shoreline in search of the characteristic turtle tracks started at the crack of dawn. After a two-hour
From the point of view of an environmentalist living on
walk, our task was to record data such as location coordinates
a small Indonesian island, what is the biggest challenge?
and photos of any tracks or nests found. And this is how we
It is the feeling of helplessness in the face of global problems.
spent our mornings from mid-April to the end of October.
Climate change or ocean pollution cannot be solved on Gili Trawangan. Although we try very hard. We recently organised
44
Have you noticed any particular changes in turtle behavior
a mock protest with students from a local moentessori school.
in recent years?
As part of education about the climate crisis, we created post-
Our nesting turtles have always surprised me. They are very
ers, cleaned the beach and planted trees to educate and in-
resistant and adapted to risk, maybe less careful. Some are
spire the young generation of Gili Trawangan.
completely unconcerned with lights, noise and pollution on
There is no green without blue. We cannot clean the ocean and
beaches. In the past I was called to nest turtles not only in busy
rebuild the reefs locally without efficient waste management.
restaurants, but also those that crawled up to a bar and started
To achieve this, we must focus on land-based activities such
making a lair under the bar stool!
as daily garbage collection and disposal, recycling projects,
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sustainability training, to name just a few. This is a huge task for such a small NGO and we rely on donations and volunteers to keep our projects alive. How can you help? In September, we conducted a huge campaign to inform the public about the condition of our breeding turtles, especially after the closure and the lack of tourism. We launched a crowdfunding campaign to build one of Indonesia's first ethical hatcheries (one that doesn't use headstarting techniques). Not only were we able to complete the (currently ongoing) fundraiser, we also entered into an agreement with a local eco-resort on Gili Trawangan, which has the perfect plot to build a hatchery less than 50 meters from the beach. You can sponsor a nest turtle through our fundraiser or adopt a turtle every month to help financially and ensure that the great work of our turtle rangers continues next season!
support & donate: https://www.globalgiving.org/projects/save-gili-endangered-turtles/ contact: sian@giliecotrust.com
PERFECTDIVER No. 6(18)/2021
FOT: KAROLATAKESPHOTOS
insta: https://www.instagram.com/giliecotrust/
45
planet earth
RITUAL SLAUGHTER THE TRADITION OF PILOT WHALE HUNTING IN THE FAROE ISLANDS Text and photos HANNA MAMZER
46
planet earth
In the years 2017–2019 (until July 6, 2019), 2,330 long-finned pilot whales and 755 other cetaceans were killed in the Faroe Islands, mainly white-sided dolphins.
Thanks to the courtesy of Hanna Mamzer from Faculty of Sociology at Adam Mickiewicz University (mamzer@amu.edu. pl), we present excerpts from a wider publication on the'barbaric slaughter' of pilot whales in the Faroe Islands, which takes place year by year. You can read the entire article here: Ritual slaughter - the tradition of pilot whale hunting in the Faroe Islands.1, 2
ABSTRACT Hunting for pilot whales is treated by the Faroe Islands as a cultural heritage, despite the fact that this custom is no longer necessary to obtain food and fight for human survival. Its recreation fulfils other functions now. In public opinion outside the Faroe Islands, the custom is described very critically, usually in the convention of 'barbaric slaughter'. From the point of view of veterinary medicine and biology, the method of killing pilot whales is a form of ritual slaughter carried out with full consciousness of the animals. Pilot whales are highly social, intelligent animals with
Iceland
extensive communication systems. From this point of view,
FAROE ISLANDS
the traditional way of hunting pilot whales should be considered a procedure that exposes the animals to a high level of Norway
distress. In the light of the level of civilisation development and material well-being, the practice of pilot whale killing appears to be an inadequate relic of the past. Sociological concepts generalising the tendencies of social changes indicate that postmodern communities put very little
Great Britain Denmark Ireland
emphasis on tradition: it ceases to be an important element that binds the community together. It is also more and more common to generate neo-traditions, or rather a kind of individ-
1 I would like to thank Prof. Jan Marcin Węsławski, Ph.D., from the Institute of Oceanology of the Polish Academy of Sciences for enabling participation in the research project "Arctic benthic ecosystems under change: the impact of deglaciation and boreal species transportation by macroplastic" (ADAMANT), thanks to which this text was written. 2 The text is an abridged version of the article with the same title published elsewhere: Mamzer H., (2020). Ubój rytualny – tradycja polowania na grindwale na Wyspach Owczych (Ritual slaughter – the tradition of pilot whale hunting in the Faroe Islands) In H.Mamzer (ed.) (2020). Ubój rytualny – tradycja polowania na grindwale na Wyspach Owczych (Cultural differences in the treatment of animals). Atut. Wroclaw; Mamzer H. (2019). Ubój rytualny – tradycja polowania na grindwale na Wyspach Owczych (Ritual slaughter – the tradition of pilot whale hunting in the Faroe Islands) part 1. Życie Weterynaryjne • 2019 • 94(11), p.753-758; Mamzer H. (2019). Ubój rytualny – tradycja polowania na grindwale na Wyspach Owczych (Ritual slaughter – the tradition of pilot whale hunting in the Faroe Islands) part 2 in Życie Weterynaryjne • 2019 • 94(12), p.814-820
PERFECTDIVER No. 6(18)/2021
47
planet earth
ualised customs, which are modified based on the individual
justify abandoning the topic. In such circumstances, at least
choices and preferences of their participants (Giddens 2002),
an attempt should be made to define what is and what is not
and which fulfill the functions of group-shared traditions.
accepted in the context of cultural differences. Establishing
It is also a fact, however, that in the face of intense global-
one rule is a huge challenge. However, I propose to consider as
isation changes, there are trends aimed at the re-cultivation
a possible proposal to set a boundary based on whether the
of old traditions or selected customs, often modified in such
given practices assume a physical violation of the body of
a way as to constitute an adequate reference to social reality
a human or other animal against their will. This is a radical
(cf. Maffesoli 2008). Their socio-cultural function is the same
criterion, but its adoption would make it possible to objectify
as that of traditions cultivated in traditional societies: they are
the tool for assessing cultural practices. Pilot whales hunting
supposed to integrate, give a sense of belonging to a given
should be considered in this context. (…)
community, generate a sense of the predictability of the world and constitute some kind of reference points determining val-
48
A PILOT WHALE AS THE SUBJECT OF HUMAN (BUT NOT
ues that should be followed. Some of the various traditions still
HUMANE?) CULTURAL PRACTICES
cultivated take a purely symbolic form and have a very modest
Pilot whales (Globicephala) are mammals of the dolphin family
practical meaning (or even none at all). Hunting pilot whales in
(Delphinidae). Their name comes from the characteristic round
the Faroe Islands is such a tradition. (...)
shape of their head – the generic name is a combination of the
Defining the boundaries between what cultural practices
Latin word globus – ‘ball, sphere’, and the Greek word κεφαλη
are acceptable and what are not is controversial, because
kephalē – ‘head’. These animals live in all oceans and seas, at
most probably the proposed division will always be consid-
temperatures ranging from 0 to 25°C, and their prevalence cer-
ered unfair by some group of people. However, this cannot
tainly contributed to the hunting of these mammals, although
planet earth
Due to the strong social ties of pilot whales, other members of the herd do not leave the injured or killed animals, but follow them, and therefore also often die.
the exact size of the population and its growth force are not known. The total number of pilot whales is estimated at around 780,000 individuals living in the North Atlantic, but the inaccuracy of data means that in IUCN reports (International Union for Conservation of Nature), data indicating the number of pilot
described in 1809 by Thomas Stewart Traill (1809). It is one of
whales have the status of "missing data" (cf. Hay 1982). More-
the largest representatives of the dolphin family: males reach
over, studies indicate that in some regions the populations of
a length of 8.5 meters and a weight of 3.5 tons, and females up
long-finned pilot whales are very few – e.g. in the Gibraltar re-
to 6 m in length and 2.5 tons in weight. The coloration of the
gion, the developmental assessment of the current population
animals ranges from metallic grey to black, with light grey or
of 250 individuals showed an 85% probability of extinction of
white markings on the throat (anchor-shaped) and abdomen,
this population in the next 100 years, which is influenced by
in the form of a stripe behind the eye, and also around the dor-
viral diseases that decimated the population in 2006 and 2007
sal fin, forming the so-called "saddle patch". The thick dorsal
and factors resulting from human pressure: climate change, in-
fin is sickle-shaped and is located in a third of the length of the
creasing sea traffic, increasing environmental pollution and the
animal's back. Long-finned pilot whales are named after their
influence of the fishing industry (Verborgh, Gauffier, Esteban,
long, sickle-shaped pectoral fins that reach 18 to 27 percent
Giménez, Cañadas, Salazar-Sierra, de Stephanis 2016). Pilot
of the body's length (Jefferson, Webber, & Pitman, 2015). Pilot
whales are two distinct but very similar species: long-finned
whales have one blowhole.
and short-fined.
Long-finned pilot whales maintain very strong social bonds
Long-finned pilot whales (Globicephala molasses) are a sub-
and are social animals – they form groups consisting of sev-
ject of particular demand in the Faroe Islands. This species was
eral to a thousand individuals (cf. Bloch, Desportes, Mourit-
PERFECTDIVER No. 6(18)/2021
49
sen, Skaaning, Stefansson 1993), although the most common
Our inability to feel what it is like to be in their skin limits
groups consist of several dozen to a hundred dozen individu-
our ability to understand these fascinating and mysterious
als. Pilot whales feed on small fish and squids. Females mature
animals. This problem was outlined in 1974 by Thomas Nagel
at the age of 8, males at the age of 12. Gestation lasts up to 16
in his famous essay 'What is it like to be a bat?', in which he
months and the female gives birth to five young during her
pointed to the inability of man to experience the world as
life. Reproduction rarely occurs within one family group, most
other living species experience it. Based on the knowledge
often fertilisation occurs when two foreign groups meet – and
of cetaceans available to man, they should be treated very
it can be practically all year round, although it is most common
carefully as 'something', because there is a high probability
in spring and early summer. Calves are born when they are
that they are 'someone'.
about 2 meters long and weigh about 75 kg. (…) The fact that they are notoriously hunted in the same plac-
50
HUNTING FOR PILOT WHALES: HISTORICAL OUTLINE
es may indicate that female long-finned pilot whales do not
AND THE PRESENT OF THE GRIND
communicate information about threats to other school mem-
The largest documented hunting of pilot whales took place in
bers (or are unable to identify those threats). The process of
1918 in the Chatham Islands, an archipelago belonging to New
transmitting such knowledge is certainly hampered by the fact
Zealand, when a thousand animals were killed (cf. http://www.
that the Faroese try to kill entire herds, so there are rarely
doc.govt.nz/nature/habitats/offshore-islands/chatham-islands/
any survivors who would be able to pass the knowledge on
chatham-islands-marine-mammals/). The hunting of pilot whales
to other animals. (…)
in the Faroe Islands is referred to as grind or grindadrap – they
Undeniably, long-finned pilot whales, like other dolphin
are still cultivated. The most intense hunting takes place in
species, are highly developed animals, and human knowledge
summer, when cetaceans appear most frequently near the
of their lives and the way their senses function is very limited.
shores. Groups of up to 200 individuals are then killed.
planet earth
Whale hunt is basically a typical
water of the bay. The entire hunt took five hours, the process of killing 98 animals
group battue, taking place in such a way
alone – twelve minutes. The school leader (rather a female than male because of the
that when a school approaches the bay
matrilineal leadership pattern of pilot whales) is killed first. People make commu-
and someone notices it, they are obli-
nication difficult for the rest of the animals by generating noise: pounding wooden
gated to inform the public of this fact.
sticks against the water and hitting the sides of the boats.
Faroe Islanders stop all activities that they are doing at the moment and run to the motorboats, which then drive the animals towards the beach where they are to be killed. Animals are killed after being pulled out onto the sand, usually all of them because, being highly social, they cannot cope alone. Animals who survived do not swim away for long – they stay in a bay full of blood, trying to accompany slaughtered family members. After the hunt, which took place on August 27, 2019 in Vestmann, the 4 remaining pilot whales for at least an hour and a half after killing the remaining members of the school, swam in the
PERFECTDIVER No. 6(18)/2021
51
All animals killed know that the rest of the herd are killed as well: the animals communicate with each other vocally and behaviourally.
52
When the animals are herded
The meat and fat of pilot whales are shared by participants
to the beach, people enter the
in the hunt among all members of the community who took
water and hook on their blow-
part in the hunt. As a rule, raw meat is not sold, while dried
holes with special metal hooks with
meat can be found occasionally in INN and Miklagardur super-
a metal ball on one side and with
markets and in fish kiosks (e.g. in Klaksvik). The price depends
ropes attached to them on the other,
on the size of the dried piece, but usually the range is 50–
used to pull the animal onto the sand (which
100 DKK (about 5–10 Euros). However, the activist organisation
must be painful for the animals). There, after being relative-
'Sea Sheppherd' opposing pilot whale hunting argues that pilot
ly stabilised, the animal is killed by inserting a special kind
whale meat is sold to stores, pointing, for example, to a re-
of double-sided blade into the spinal canal (according to the
port from the local Faroese newspaper 'Dimmalaetting' of Au-
guidelines, the blade should be inserted between the skull and
gust 4, 2017, that pilot whales were sold to stores at a price of
atlas, so as to break the spinal cord, and then it should be
25,000 Faroese crowns each (about 2400 Euros) (cf. https://www.
moved to the right and left to cut the vessels supplying blood
seashepherd.org.uk/campaigns/operation-bloody-fjords/?fbclid=I-
into the animal's brain). The blade is 4.7 cm wide and the spi-
wAR3kEgHIucH3EPYpUAIf_5ZQQQE8p7zBGXD_5ZQQQE8p7AbPrX-
nal canal is about 5 cm in diameter. The animal does not lose
D_5ZQQQE017eQmPrXD_5ZQQQE8p7AbGXD). The idea of distrib-
consciousness and does not die from the severing of the spinal
uting meat for free among members of the community is an
cord, but from gradual bleeding out. The neck and sides of the
important argument used in justifying the sense of this type
animal's neck are also cut with a long knife in order to get rid
of hunting. (…)
of the blood (in order to increase the consumption value of
Due to the strong social ties of pilot whales, other members
the meat). Dead animals are often dragged in the water to the
of the herd do not leave the injured or killed animals, but fol-
harbour where they are kept. (…)
low them, and therefore also often die. About 400–1,000 pilot
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whales are killed in this way each year. Currently, these hunts do not have any economic justification, they are only an element of tradition. Faroese supporters of this tradition defend it as their own cultural heritage, but for many reasons it seems that this tradition should be revised. (…) In the years 2017–2019 (until July 6, 2019), 2,330 long-finned pilot whales and 755 other cetaceans were killed in the Faroe Islands, mainly white-sided dolphins (Lagenorhynchus acutus)3. (…) HARM TO ANIMALS The greatest, objective, and indisputable loss to pilot whales during the grind is the loss of life. What is more, the process comes with additional somatic and psychological suffering to animals, which is seldom addressed in the widespread debate on the subject. The current regulations specifying how pilot whales can be legally killed should be treated as rationalisation – a process aimed at suppressing the emotions that should accompany the killing. A precise description of procedures and tools creates an illusion of control over reality. It does not take into account the sensitivity of animals, it does not reduce their suffering. Writing down the procedures creates the IMPRESSION that the process is under control and that consideration is given to the animal's welfare. The argument that killing is controlled through guidelines is often used by advocates of these hunts. (…) All animals killed know that the rest of the herd are killed as well: the animals communicate with each other vocally and behaviourally. It is obvious that they understand what is happening (cf. Butterworth, Andrew & Brakes, Philippa & Vail, Courtney S. & Reiss, Diana 2013). Such practices, which put animals under stress, are unacceptable in the case of slaughterhouses and laboratory animals. (…) In the light of veterinary, zoological and psychological knowledge, hunting for pilot whales should be clearly treated as the abuse of non-human animals. Despite respect for cultural differences, I am convinced that especially this type of hunting should be prohibited by law due to the level 3 There is one more aspect of hunting for pilot whales that I do not elaborate on in this text. Namely, the issue of "ownership" of animals in the sea: according to the regulations of the Common Fisheries Policy of the EU, fish and other living resources are not owned by any state or person, but the European Community, which decides on the amount and method of catching. For this reason, fishermen who eat fish have no legal basis to claim compensation - until the fish is taken on board, it is the property of the EU community. Most pilot whales are schools that live in the waters of the European Union, to which neither Iceland, nor Norway, nor the Faroe Islands belong.
PERFECTDIVER No. 6(18)/2021
53
planet earth
of suffering their victims suffer. It is a kind of tradition that doesn't fit at all the time and situation of the affluent society of Western Europe. CONCLUSIONS In the light of the information presented, especially medical and veterinary, hunting for long-finned pilot whales should be
54
defined in terms of ritual slaughter due to: firstly – embedding
animals were driven to bays by the use of rowing boats, while
this method of killing animals in tradition and its perception as
today motor boats are used). In the past, grind participants
an important cultural element, and secondly – because of the
had to use everyday clothing to insulate themselves from the
mandatory killing technique used, whereby the animal remains
low temperature of water, today they use foam clothing that is
conscious and dies without stunning as a result of bleeding
better insulating. In 2014, regulations regarding the permitted
out. This is an extremely cruel way of killing animals – after
method of killing pilot whaling were introduced, which explicit-
breaking the spinal cord, its motor functions are disabled, so
ly excluded the legal possibility of using other methods (North
it cannot run or defend itself, but it remains aware of what is
Atlantic Marine Mammal Commission Instruction manual on Pilot
happening and what further actions it is subject to. This kind of
whaling). It indicates that the scope of the change is possible
killing of animals is ethically and morally unacceptable. Unfor-
and that determining how far they should to go is a matter of
tunately, the common knowledge about the process of killing
agreement between human societies. The lack of economic
animals is not deepened and it may seem to outside observers
justification for the need to kill pilot whales places this prac-
that paralysing an animal after a spinal cord rupture is tanta-
tice in the realm of traditional symbolic actions that are only
mount to its immediate death. It is not. Dying may take more
recreated on the basis of historically embedded conventions,
than 4 minutes ((cf. Butterworth, Andrew & Brakes, Philippa &
but which can be changed by 'social contract' – or a socially
Vail, Courtney S. & Reiss, Diana 2013). What seems to be very
generated redefinition of this practice. As I indicated earlier,
controversial is the inhumane process of hunting – taking sev-
the processual nature of changes in tradition may also include
eral hours to chase animals to a location that humans consider
intentional modifications. There are no obstacles to start such
appropriate for killing them.
a modification process with regard to grind.
On the other hand, it is a fact that the tradition itself is sub-
Public opinion outside the Faroe Islands seems to have
ject to transformations and modifications (e.g. back in 1927,
a negative opinion of pilot whale hunting, which is reflected in
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In the light of veterinary, zoological and psychological knowledge, hunting for pilot whales should be clearly treated as the abuse of non-human animals.
Survivors of the slaughter
the nature of media reports. In the Faroe Islands themselves, the opinion in this re-
spect is also not homogeneous. The perception of human relationships with the world of nonhuman animals, including humans and pilot whales, is directly dependent on the level of human awareness and empathy. Raising the level of these psychological competences seems to be the only method of improving the welfare of non-human animals and possibly of an effective influence on the prohibition of cetacean hunting. Cetaceans, on the other hand, as organisms very highly developed socially, psychologically and somatically, are aware of human actions they are subjected to. They feel it on the somatic and psychological levels and actively try to defend themselves against these actions. In the light of veterinary, zoological and psychological knowledge, hunting for pilot whales should be clearly treated as the abuse of non-human animals. Despite respect for cultural differences, I am convinced that especially this type of hunting should be prohibited by law due to the level of suffering their victims suffer. It is a kind of tradition that doesn't fit at all the time and situation of the affluent society of Western Europe. P.S. There were also attempts to pay for the cessation of pilot whale hunting in September 2018, and the Sea Sheppherd organisation made a financial offer
Don’t settle for less.
to the Faroese parliament. In return for ending pilot whale hunting, Parlia-
Elite design. Top performance.
ment was to receive £ 910,000 (ninety-ninety thousand British pounds) each
With Atomic Aquatics, the only
year for the next 10 years. (https://www.independent.co.uk/environment/whales-killed-faroe-islands-whal-
limits are your own.
ing-sea-shepherd-uk-photos-a9085396.html) The offer was rejected...
www.nurkowa nie -ecn.pl PERFECTDIVER No. 6(18)/2021
55
events
The first edition of the DIVING TALKS – International Diving Congress contributed to the restart of the diving scene. Above all, it was a great weekend with old friends and meeting new ones. Much to improve for the next edition, but the feedback immensely encourages the organizers to go on.
D
iving Talks aimed to bring Portugal an event to promote and share knowledge on the sub-
aquatic environment and diving. The Diving Talks Organization established four main objectives: 1. Hold an event with international attractiveness and visibility; 2. Bring to Portugal top players, explorers, divers, scientists, who are currently developing relevant and innovative initiatives, recognized as such by the international community; 3. Create an underwater skills hub in Portugal, which will enhance its development to exporting national capabilities; 4. Promote the sharing and debate of the most recent technological discoveries in the different fields of diving.
56
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We fully achieved these objectives: 1. The Diving Talks – Portugal 2021 had international visibility and was widely referred to as "the most important diving event in 2021"; 2. Gathered in Portugal more than 20 individuals from the international diving community; 3. Introduced local agents; divers, explorers, scientists that bare skills to be engaged in international projects: a relevant contribution to exporting national entrepreneurship, and; 4. Was the stage for several well-attended debates within the panels' framework and the presentations included in the program. The Congress had 202 participants – which fell short of the initial goal of 250 attendees. In addition to local assistance, its broadcast through the online platform, together with
DIVE STRONG. DIVE ZEAGLE. Every mission. In every condition. Zeagle has your back.
online promotion and dissemination initiatives, namely, the publication of the "Talks", contributes to reaching 50,000 views, which was the organization's objective. We know we have much to improve, but the feedback immensely
Freeze the dates: 2022 October 7 to 9 we have a meeting at the Tróia Peninsula. Not to be missed!
encourages us to go on. That's why Diving Talks – Portugal 2022 is definitely coming: October 7 to 9, there will be the second edition of the show we soon want to be a mandatory point of contact for every European diver or ocean lover.
www.nurkowanie-ecn.pl
PERFECTDIVER No. 6(18)/2021
57
equipment
As some of you, dear readers may have already noticed, in one of the previous releases of PD we announced the start of cooperation with Decathlon. It is about time to elaborate on this announcement
Two large packages have arrived at Perfect Diver's editorial office; our first thought — chain store quality. The large scale and the number of shops may indicate a basic offer, economically justified by the price. After unpacking everyone was pleasantly surprised and got more interested in the products. For the test we bought: ` BCD set – Wing type diving jacket SCD 500B size L/XL ` Regulator – Subea SCD 100 DIN with 1st stage unbalanced 300 B ` Octopus – Subea SCD 500 ` Scuba diving fins – Subea SCD 500 OH Adjustable ` Diving mask – Subea SCD 500 V2 Singe lens
A
` Subea SCD, 5 mm Neoprene scuba diving gloves
fter long discussions with the Decathlon brand, we decid-
` Subea SCD, Neoprene mask strap cover
ed that we would not test just one of the products that
` Subea SCD, Regulator bag/case
is available in the diving category. The article and test must contain information that for our readers and those starting
` Subea SCD, 90 L Scuba diving travel bag with rigid shell and wheels
their diving adventure will be a comprehensive answer, concerning the whole set of equipment needed for diving, and this
A hefty set indeed, but let's get straight to the point
is exactly what we did.
The first impression – each product is very aesthetically and
Each piece of equipment that comes to our editorial office is
thoroughly packed. Visual assessment of the quality of work-
a big highlight, because we have the opportunity to touch and
manship – good to very good. Although the offer also in-
test products very often not yet available on shop shelves, but waiting to be purchased and shipped from the central warehouse. Our criterion was to choose products from Decathlon's own brand under the Subea logo.
58
cludes a set of regulators with a pressure gauge, we decided to choose the version for self-assembly, to which we added our pressure gauge. Of course, looking at the diving equipment is not the best way to test it, so we
Decathlon's assortment also includes prod-
decided to take it with us on some diving
ucts of well-known manufacturers of diving
trips where we could test it in its desig-
equipment, yet we wanted to test what is
nated environment – underwater. We
unknown but potentially tempting with
tested the equipment in two different
its price, availability and well, is it also
water bodies and at different depths, so
quality?
we could reliably determine how it per-
equipment
forms in our Polish waters and at different temperatures. We
ment, which may not appeal to every diver. It is equipped with
dived in Niedacki Lake in Bory Tucholskie and in the Piechcin
1 high-pressure outlet (HP – 7/16") and 4 medium-pressure
Diving Base – Piechcin Quarry.
outlets (LP – 3/8). This gives the possibility of using it in a dry suit configuration, as there is a port for an additional hose sup-
To start with a pleasant piece of information, the WING is
plying the addition valve. The layout of the ports is designed in
very generously equipped with accessories. Standard equip-
the form of a rosette, which has a quite uncomfortable place-
ment includes two weight pockets with a quick-drop system,
ment of hoses on the respective sides of the jacket.
two trim pockets on the back strap, two handles for attaching the octopus and pressure gauge to the D-rings (there are 7
GLOVES – made of soft 5mm neoprene are a product that our
of them in total – 5 metal and 2 plastic), a whistle located
staff in the editorial office found attractive. Being an underwa-
in the chest buckle and a pocket mounted under the weight
ter photographer, it is not only important to be able to move
pocket to hide a spare mask, all packed in a transparent bag
your hands freely, but also your fingers. With these gloves,
for easy drying. The airbag is made of 420 polyamide which is
you can really feel that comfort. They are lined with additional
very durable. Although most of the manufacturers use double
reinforcing material on the inside. Very comfortable to put on
Cordura to protect the bag against punctures or abrasion,
and – most importantly – warm!
the wing we are testing is a light, economically priced version which could be a good investment for a person making sev-
FINS – each diver has their own opinion on which fins are bet-
eral dives a year or needing their own equipment for a trip
ter. The Decathlon version released under the Subea logo is
without having to rent it from diving centres. All structural elements are made of 600D polyester material, which gives a very pleasant impression of a solidly manufactured wing. There are three quick-release valves available. Two "flush valves" marked with yellow handles and one hidden in the inflator (it’s enough to pull the inflator). Thanks to the U-shaped arrangement of the flotation bag, we are able to move stably in a trim position underwater. REGULATOR SET – when deciding to buy one, remember that it meets EN250:2014 and is a standard regulator which is easy to maintain. The SUBEA unbalanced regulator works equally well in warm and cold waters. It only requires more breathing effort depending on depth. It has no air resistance adjust-
PERFECTDIVER No. 6(18)/2021
59
equipment
very well made and equipped with comfortable bungee rubber, adjustable, perfectly fitting either to a neoprene boot or a dry suit. The fins can be described as medium-hard, very comfortable to maneuver underwater and swim using the frog kick technique – they provide very good propulsion and precision of movement underwater. MASK – fits comfortably on the face, does not leak, after initial "hardening" the effect of evaporation occurred, but to a much lesser degree than in virgin use. Supplied with transport box. Single lens version with black silicone decorated from the front with neon lime green frame looks very modern and allows to comfortably see underwater. We also received a neoprene strap to secure the rubber and it is actually a very good solution, especially for people with long hair diving without a hood BAGS – useful and very solidly made. The regulator case is stiffened, which gives more confidence that the regulators will be safely stored and transported. Travel bag with a capacity of 90L is extremely functional. It has wheels and a telescopic handle which make it easier to transport heavy equipment. The bag allows you to transport wet equipment without worrying about flooding your car or other means of transport. Equipped with 3 pockets (two external and one internal, which is located in the flap). Stiffened from the bottom guarantees additional security for the transported equipment. The total price of the tested set is about 2700 PLN – so from the perspective of a recreational diver who has a few dives a year, it is a very reasonable price for your own equipment. The tested set fulfils its function and provides an opportunity to pursue one's passion. Text Hubert Reiss Photos in the water Editorial Team Photos of the equipment Decathlon Web page
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www.rehasport.pl PERFECTDIVER No. 6(18)/2021
61
planet earth
Harriers from the marsh Text and photos WOJCIECH JAROSZ
because although they hunt birds nesting in reeds themselves,
With the lightness inherent only in the best flyers, harriers glide low over the reeds, staring at the rushes. Not only do they look with their eagle eyes (by the way, they are distant cousins of falcons), but they also listen.
M
sure from predators. It is completely understandable and fits into the rule governing the world of living organisms, that it's better to be the hunter rather than the prey. Marsh harriers take care of their family basically just like we humans do. They look after the chicks carefully until they acquire the ability to fly. When the young birds learn to fly and leave the family nest, the parents find them ready to manage on their own and it is time for young people to start living on their own (à propos
arsh harriers have facial disc made of feathers
leaving the nest by young people, i.e. leaving the family home,
around their heads – not as well-developed as that
I recommend a beautiful song 'Je vole' by Michel Sardou, but
of owls (also their distant cousins), but still helping
necessarily performed by Louane from the movie 'La Famille
to determine the location of a potential prey. The aforementioned cousins leave no illusions – marsh harriers are birds of prey with all the attributes of sky predators.
62
they do not want to subject their own chicks to too much pres-
Bélier' – 'We understand each other without words'). Nests in the form of floating platforms are built by females, although males can help with carrying the material. In fact, for
Marsh harriers (Circus aeruginosus) are, according to their
everything that happens in the nest, the responsibility is brave-
generic and species name, birds of wet and open areas at the
ly taken by the harrier lady. Not only does she build the nest
same time. They feel best at the shores of stagnant waters cov-
herself, she also incubates the eggs herself, until the chicks
ered with reeds. Among the reeds, they not only look for food,
hatch. The male at this time provides food by passing it on
but also make their nests. They usually hide the nests carefully,
to the female during aerial acrobatics (such gifts in flight the
planet earth
male gives to the female also during the courtship displays
ten fall their prey. Rodents, and especially the aforementioned
preceding the breeding season). Interestingly, when food is
voles, become their main food during their mass appearances,
in abundance, the male can handle more than one female in
which take place every few years. Perhaps it should be writ-
this way, so we are dealing here with polygyny or more famil-
ten that they took place every few years, because in the era of
iar-sounding polygamy. This form of polygamy requires a lot
a warming climate, more and more often changes in the num-
of work from the male, because maintaining the incubating
ber of these animals are chaotic fluctuations, and not regularly
female, and after hatching also the young, is not an easy task.
occurring population peaks. Going back to the marsh harriers:
Therefore, this type of behaviour is observed in marsh har-
during the flight, when they search for candidates for the po-
riers only during the seasons when the availability of food is
sition of calorie provider during the next meal, they can hover
actually greater than usual. Then, loosing less energy, you can
in the air. Most likely, this ability was the inspiration for the
catch a sufficient number of bird chicks (and sometimes eggs),
engineers when they gave the name Harrier to the legendary jet
rodents, frogs and other available vertebrates. And inverte-
attack aircraft, whose most characteristic and at the same time
brates, too, but more often during wintering in tropical regions,
unique feature is the possibility of vertical take-off and landing.
where the basis of the me be orthopterous insects, including
The bird's ability to fly is exceptionally well adapted to the har-
locusts, especially when they enter the so-called swarming
riers' lifestyle and hunting mode (as only Mother Nature can
phase and there is no problem with their availability.
do using natural selection). They have long and narrow wings,
Harriers catch their prey in the claws, often falling from
a long tail and are very light – they have, for example, a three
a height of several meters to the target. Marsh harriers hunt not
times lower weight to wing area ratio compared to a peregrine
only within the coastal reeds, where they have their nests. They
falcon (by the way, also an unmatched flyer, although flying
are also found while patrolling adjacent fields and meadows,
in a completely different way). The silhouette itself in flight is
where voles, but also field mice and other rodents most of-
also very characteristic, with wings raised above the line of the
PERFECTDIVER No. 6(18)/2021
63
planet earth
body, which is often described as the shape of a wide letter V,
low-grey, the tail is bluish-grey, and the wings are of at least
and with a lowered head. Very often they fly against the wind,
three colours, i.e. grey, light grey and clearly marked black on
which allows them to effectively use the lift during a slow flight
the wing tips (primaries). The underside of the body is rusty
over the patrolled territory. The slender body and raised wings
brown. Females are larger than males, and their colour is
during flight are not the only features that allow the harrier
chocolate-brown with a pale yellow throat, the top of the head
to be distinguished from other birds of prey.
(quite a stylish cap) and the front edge of the wings. Juvenile
Male marsh harrier are interestingly coloured. Their backs
birds also have a coloration similar to females, and after they
are brown, the head and breast are yellow-white or yel-
reach sexual maturity after 2-3 years, they adapt the adult colouration. At this point it is worth adding that the marsh harrier, which this article concerns, is the most numerous, but not the only species of marsh harrier occurring in Central Europe. Its close relatives is the Montagu's harrier (C. pygargus) nesting in Poland, though less numerous, and the Hen harrier (C. cyaneus) which also used to breed in Poland – today it doesn't, unfortunately. There is also the pallid harrier (C. macrourus) visiting Poland, but it is a rather rare guest. These marsh harriers have many things in common, but also differences, mainly in terms of size and coloration. The European marsh harrier is the largest in the 'family', but the general silhouette in flight and the dark primaries of males is a trait present in all of the species mentioned. In addition to these, there are many more species of harriers in the world, as many as 15 altogether. The
64
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most interesting in terms of coloration, in my humble opinion, are: the black harrier (C. maurus) from South Africa, unfortunately at the danger of extinction, East Asian pied harrier (C. melanoleucos), which fortunately somehow holds up, as far as the population is concerned, and finally the already mentioned Eurasian pallid harrier, whose population is at risk. Finally, a word about the harrier's wanderings. Eurasian marsh harriers are with us only in the warm part of the year. During winter, following the example of many species of their bird relatives, they fly away to warmer places, where it is easier to find food. Although marsh harriers are rather loners outside the breeding season, they can form groups during migration and in wintering grounds. Birds nesting in central and northern Europe winter most often in Africa (northern populations can travel up to 5,000 km) and in the Mediterranean region. During the next dives, swims or just walks in the vicinity of reeds, look for harriers – they are really beautiful birds and meeting them always leaves an indelible impression!
www.nurkowanie-ecn.pl
planet earth
Underwater cleanup This year
300,000 people
cleaned up their bit of Poland as part of the Clean Up the World campaign. Among the cleaners were also volunteers – divers invited by the Perfect Diver Magazine who, in the final round, together with the Our Earth Foundation team, cleaned up Lake Ciecz in the Lubuskie Voivodeship.
66
planet earth
SEEK, AND YE SHALL FIND
SEPTEMBER IS TIME FOR CLEANING
Sometimes we don't notice the rubbish around us at first
Traditionally, during the third weekend of September, the
glance. But looking under some bushes is enough to find aban-
whole of Poland cleans up. We already know that such a large
doned bottles, cans, or other types of packaging. It's just that
involvement as this year’s has not been recorded for years.
sometimes we have to bend down to see what is hidden from
Over 3,500 registered groups from the Baltic Sea to the Tatra
us. We can also... go underwater.
Mountains cleaned up under the banners of the Clean up the
I must admit, my diving experience in comparison with
World – Poland campaign. We still have to wait for the official re-
Perfect Diver readers cannot be considered impressive in any
sults, but we can already estimate that 300,000 Poles took part
way. In fact, it is limited to a spontaneous dive in the Adriatic
in the action! This year, special attention was given to waste left
Sea during sailing trips. And yet, even my meagre experience
over from our leisure and recreational activities – we call this
is enough to notice that one of the "attractions" of the under-
'weekend waste'. And, as we all know, the weekend is a great
water world is the rubbish I know so well.
time to relax by the water. Therefore, since last year, under-
PERFECTDIVER No. 6(18)/2021
67
planet earth
...since last year, underwater cleaning has been permanently included in the Action's finals.
and underpants, but here everyone has to use their imagination and figure out how they got there. The second category was the unfortunate "weekend waste". It is no longer a coincidence that beer bottles from virtually every Polish brewery, cans, jars, and food wrappers were found in the bags they fished out. Out of sight, out of mind? Not this time, unfortunately, the waste fished out that day stung the eyes and was a visible testimony to what we want to change so much in the behaviour of Polish women and men – littering in nature. And the third category. This one hurts me the most. It's the bulky stuff. Leftovers from renovations, construction sites, water cleaning has been permanently included in the Action's
whole kitchen sets, plates, cups, pots, trolleys, chairs, and of
finals. And so, on the second day of this year's final, September
course tires. Did you think that wild dumps are only a problem
18, together with Perfect Diver magazine and the invited divers,
of rubbish being taken to the forests? Unfortunately not! Wild
we went to Łagów, to go underwater and clean up.
dumps are also a problem of Polish water bodies, only you can't see them and hardly anyone talks about them. Perhaps
UNDERWATER TREASURE
it is time to start?
You may wonder what we found at the bottom of the beau-
68
tiful Lake Ciecz? While observing and meticulously picking up
HARD WORK LIES AHEAD
raschel bags from divers emerging from the water, I had an
How much effort does it take to take a bag full of rubbish out
opportunity to take a closer look at them. I divided them into
of a forest? Every participant in the Clean Up the World cam-
three categories: The first was waste that found its way into the
paign knows that this is no easy task. But it's nothing compared
water by accident. Sunglasses that were on someone's nose
to the effort a diver makes whilst cleaning up underwater. In
a moment ago, only to land in the water through a moment
Łagów, bag after bag, more and more rubbish appeared in our
of carelessness. It includes mobile phones and walkie-talkies
Headquarters. In literally two hours a really impressive pile of
which nobody seemed to want to part with. I would also in-
rubbish accumulated, and at the end of the day, we closed
clude in this category all kinds of clothing, swimming trunks,
the whole action with the result of
534.1 kilograms
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of rubbish! For this huge effort and commitment, I would like to thank all the divers! A huge green heart for you! Unfortunately, even such an impressive result is just a drop in the ocean. And here enters our most important task, that each cleaning action should be accompanied by educational activities and promoting the attitude of not littering in nature. After all, it is not about cleaning up litter lying on the bottom all the time. I think you will all agree that there are definitely more interesting
28th campaign was held under the think, therefore I don't litter". The Clean Up the World – Po-
things to do underwater. This year's slogan "I
land campaign is primarily about a joint manifesto against littering in nature. This year, the manifesto resounded particularly loudly in the media, on the
IT’S A COLD WORLD OUT THERE.
Internet, and in the local community. And let it continue to do so! On land and, thanks to you and Perfect Diver magazine, underwater! Grzegorz Mikosza Chief coordinator of the Clean up the world – Poland campaign
BUT BARE KEEPS YOU WARM ON EVERY DIVE.
WWW.NURKOWANIE-ECN.PL
tips
& curiosities ACADEMY
How to select A DIVING TORCH? THIS ARTICLE WILL SHOW YOU
AN EFFECTIVE TEST THAT WILL LET YOU SELECT THE BEST TORCH FOR YOU
Text WOJCIECH A. FILIP
Everyone have heard that a certain type of torches is the best. Without specialized knowledge, we are often lured by commercials based on the “BESTs: highest amount of lumens, highest wattage, brightest light. Photo Tomasz Płociński
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tips & curiosities
ACADEMY
Photo Mariusz Czajka
Beginners may think that if something can output 10,000 lumens, it's better than the one with 1000 lumens. Well, not quite. It would be best if we got rid of all the advertisements, descriptions and choose the best one by trying out a few
● the torch will allow for effective communication and lighting up details during any type of diving ● you can use the torch to light up videos recorded with a small camera Cons:
models underwater, not knowing anything about various
● the torch is probably more expensive
types of torches.
● you should read the full article
Here are 3
methods that we usually apply when selecting
● you will not be among those who have a torch with the highest wattage and 100,000 xxx lumens output
a torch – check out which one you've applied to select your diving light. METHOD 1
Logical
METHOD 2
“Because everybody says so” Just listen to the advertisements What is this method all about?
You need to familiar with the basics of how light and torches
This one is based on accepting that the key elements for
work underwater and effectively resist advertisements: a high
a torch is to have the highest wattage, highest lumen (lm) out-
amount of lumens and a high wattage are the parameters that
put, highest lux (lx) value and other parameters, while leaving
will rarely prove useful underwater, but perfectly describe the
its actual performance underwater to sheer chance.
perfect torch to be used on land. What is this method all about? You focus on testing several torch models and selecting the one that meets the simple criteria described in the test that you will find listed in the second part of the article.
Pros: ● if your package says its the strongest torch out there, it must be the best one Cons: ● if this is the torch that you really wanted, there are no cons.
Pros: ● the torch will work well in waters with limited visibility
PERFECTDIVER No. 6(18)/2021
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ACADEMY
Since only a few of us have specialist knowledge about light combined with a lot of diving experience, we need a simple and effective method for torch assessment. Manufacturers take advantage of this, telling us that the higher the numbers describing the torch's parameters, the better the torch is. Seems legit, but it's not true in the case of a diving torch. When selecting a diving torch, you should avoid the most powerful ones. They will most probably be nothing much but obstructive when diving.
METHOD 3
“Because reasons” – or love at first sight We've all had this time when we wanted to buy something because we simply liked it. What is this method all about? You don't care about anything at all, you just buy the thing you've always dreamed of Pros: ● they're all there and if this purchase is connected with Method 1, then having made your dreams come true also means you've bought a really good torch Cons: ● it might be that you do not have a package that says it's the most powerful and thus the best torch Photo Mariusz Czajka
Photo Mariusz Czajka
72
tips & curiosities
ACADEMY
Photo Mariusz Czajka
EFFICIENT 3-STAGE DIVING TORCH LIGHT TEST What we'll need:
Stage 2. Is the torch suitable for communication?
● wetnotes or an underwater slate
Grab one end of the 6 m line and give the other one to your
● 6 m of line
partner who will swim 6 meters away from you, turning their
● a diving spot with a visibility typical for our dives
back on you. Agree in advance that once they notice a hori-
● bottom, platform or the deck of some nice wreck
zontally moving spot of light from your torch, they will extend
● several torches that we want to test
their hand to the side without turning. Then move the torch slowly up and down a few times. If the movement is visible,
Write ”BEST TORCH” on the slate with capital letters that would
your partner will raise their hand without turning.
be 1 cm high.
Stage 1. Is the torch suitable for diving in low visibility
Passed: your partner has no doubts as to the direction in which you are moving the torch – it has a beam of light
waters, such as in Poland:
narrow enough to enable communication.
Extend the slate with the text as far before you as possible,
Failed: your partner is doubtful or does not recognize the
draw the torch back slightly further than 0.5 m and shine on
direction of your light’s movement – the torch's beam is
the slate directly.
too wide. Failed x2: you cannot clearly see your partner, because the
Passed: you can read the writing right away – the torch will
light bouncing back against them blinds you – the torch has
work well in low-visibility water.
too much lumen output/wattage. It's best suited for lighting
Failed: you can see a a dazzling white spot – the torch will
up objects on the ground.
blind you.
PERFECTDIVER No. 6(18)/2021
73
ACADEMY
A good diving torch should easily pass all 3 stages of Photo Tomasz Płociński
Stage 3. Is the torch suitable for underwater exploration (lights up small objects sufficiently well)? Stop approximately 1 meter above the bottom or a wreck where you placed your slate or wetnotes. Keep shining forward. Look down towards the bottom through the light of your torch. Passed: you can see the bottom, the slate, wreck parts – the
the test. Were you precise when testing your torch? Follow the same principle when selecting your torch – it should be the perfect underwater tool, with as few drawbacks as possible. Reject those torches that you have any doubts about – invest in your own safety.
torch's lumen output/wattage is well-suited for exploration and wreck or cave dives.
74
Failed: you see a white, non-transparent stream of light
REMEMBER that it's up to you what you want to take under-
contact Luke Skywalker: you have mistakenly brought
water: if you don't care that your torch is not suitable for com-
a JEDI sword underwater instead of a torch. Such equip-
munication, wreck diving or rescue operations but it has a high
ment will only hinder you in advanced diving (too much
amount of lumen output, I have great news for you: do not
wattage/lumen output).
waste time for tests, as any torch will do for you
tips & curiosities
ACADEMY
Nine commandments for those in search of the perfect torch:
Summary I hope you're not bothered by the joking form used to talk about serious issues. This issue, as over the years little has changed when selecting
Light
torches: beginner divers are looking for a method to quickly
1. It cannot dazzle in low-transparency water
test torches and rely on advertisements, as they have nothing
2. It's light should allow for communication
better. Manufacturers seize the opportunity and sometimes
3. It should offer a wide beam (for filming)
offer us incredibly sturdy torches that dazzle more than actually illuminate anything and we think this must be the way...
Functionality
Really? It's all up to us!
4. Simple, easily accessible light mode switch
Do you have any doubts?
5. Suitable for use on land
Come to a practical underwater light use seminar at the Te-
6. Easy to use when riding a DPV
cline Academy. If you're short on time, try this: take 2 torch underwater and
Traveling
choose the one that will accurately light up small details from
7. Light
up close and the video that you record will allow you to see
8. Does not take up much space
those small details instead of a white spot.
9. Airlines allow for it to be transported on a plane
May the moderate force be with you WAF
Photo Tomasz Płociński
https://teclinediving.eu/tecline-academy/#/
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LATARKA TA KTYC Z N A TACTICAL AKCJ E SEARCH P O SZ U KI WAWC Z E RATOWNRESCUE I CTWO P O DWO D N E
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