Scubashooters net e mag issue n52 dec 2020

Tanya Houppermans

Portfolio

issue n°52

- dec 2020

Travels: Atlantis Puerto Galera

Contest: “Abissi” - City of Venice

Review: Amazing Nautismart Pro

Review: Easydive - Leosmart 3

Biology: Hawkfishes

Review: Nauticam Red Komodo

Dear readers, We’re all ready to leave another year behind and we’re all probably waiting, anxiously for that moment, on the 31st of December , bye bye 2020!

Been commented worldwide as one of the worst years in recent history , 2020 will be remembered as the year of the pandemic but also as the year of big economical crisis.

We’ve been talking about the diving industry crisis for months now , it’s been and still is severe leaving many companies stranded, many boats empty, many dive shops closed, forever.

But we have seen Ocean getting relief from less divers visiting its hot spots around the globe , we’ve seen diving and resorts re-setting their target customers re-discovering respective domestic tourism and underwater tourism.

In this way human beings have shown what they’re in the better at, resilience.

We are Scubashooters, and we made a big resilience exercise in 2020.

We finalized , tested ( deeply tested ) and started commercializing our biggest project so far , the Nautismart Pro , universal housing for smartphones.

Our intention is to enable underwater photography capability in any diver of the world, we need your support, we need you to show us that our resilience exercise wasn’t a waste of time and energy.

Read the article about our new housing later in this issue of our magazine and visit www.nautismart.net... you’re still on time for a nice Christmas gift.

Let me take this opportunity to wish you and your dears a wonderful Christmas and an amazing new year ahead!

Happy 2021 everyone!

Marino Palla Owner and Founder Scubashooters Network

Cover image by: Fabio Iardino

Contents

Issue

n°52

-

dec

2020

pag. 72

P ortfolio Tanya Houppermans Editorial:

by Marino Palla

Review: Nautismart Pro, The New Universal Housing For Smartphones pag. 50

pag. 3

Travels: Puerto Galera By: Gerald Novak

Review: Nauticam Red Komodo by: nauticam

Review: Leo Smart 3 by: Easydive

pag. 8 Review: Sparklight Action 7F by: Sparklight

pag. 24

Contest: “Abissi” City Of Venice

pag. 62 pag. 98

Biology: The Hawkfishes by: E. Mancuso & M. Bicciato

pag. 106

Dan: Overcoming Challenges By: DAN Europe

pag. 118

Editor: Fabio Strazzi Assistant Editor: Elisa Furlani

pag. 34

Scubashooters - Via Barucchi 37, 37139 Verona Graphic Design and Supervising: Elisa Furlani Layout: Elisa Furlani Alessandra Suppo Translations: Piera Pirini

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A New Partnership PADI and

We’re excited to be collaborating with

PADI to help share your incredible imagery with more divers across the globe!

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Travels

Puertogalera: The Colorful Island

Words and pictures: Gerald Novak

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Travels

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he Philippines have been a popular diing destination for more than thirty years, so the necessary infrastructure is just as good.

No wonder, because this is one of the areas with the highest biodiversity worldwide.

The Verde Island Passage runs between the main island of Luzon and Mindoro Island to

However, the dive sites had a long-standing reputation for being beautiful, but not very exciting.

the south.

This waterway connects the South China Sea with the island worlds in the interior of the Philippines and thus marine areas with very different living conditions for its inhabitants.

In the meantime it has become known what the country has to offer with unique fauna.

At the midpoint of the dive event are the Visayas. Diving tourism mainly takes place in this central island archipelago in the heart of the Philippines.

The passage is not only of economic importance to the country.

Above all, the Verde Island Passage is one of the world’s most productive ecosystems and

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the center of marine biodiversity of the entire Coral Triangle.

Describing this dive site as Lembeh Strait of the Philippines is almost an understatement.

In the north of Mindoro is the old port city of Puerto Galera, whose entertainment district Sabang extends on a peninsula in this water stream.

The tranquil Atlantis Dive Resort Puerto Galera rises in the midst of it, with its white buildings in the Spanish colonial style. It is thus very close to the lively happenings of the nutrient-rich underwater world.

Five dives are offered daily. For this to work, a tight organization is necessary and the dives are limited in time to one hour. Finally, you also want to enjoy the evening and the diner

in the hotel’s Toko’s restaurant not miss.

This is so good that also many guests from outside enjoy the daily changing dishes.

Around the peninsula Sabang there are numerous, very different dive sites but the focus is on the small reef beauties.

Already at the house reef one recognizes, what is to be expected here. A lot of macro!

The spots are more exposed to the currents than usual in the Philippines.

Especially on the cliffs in the east of Sabang.

You will be rewarded with large amounts of tropical swarm fish and dense vegetation.

The walls are densely covered with colorful soft corals and sponges, especially in the upper area.

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In between there are lots of nudibranchs on different terrain.

In the hydrozoans one can spot the bizarre Cuthonas, while Nembrothas, Chromodoris and Hypselodoris tend to gnaw on soft corals or drag across the ground.

Between the islets west of Sabang pronounced

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Muckdivingplätze extend.

On expansive sandy areas, we meet flamboyant cuttlefish hunting, as well as Bluering-octopus, the tiny Costasiella nudibranchs and various frogfish.

GAMMA

WATERPROOOF Flashlight

The essence of form + function now 60% brighter thanks to the latest LEDs and special light concentrating optics.

Each Gamma starts with aircraft grade aluminum, precision-machined into a supremely ergonomic, no-slip contour grip. Military-grade anodizing and a double o-ring seal provide corrosion-proof and waterproof operation up to 400ft (120m).

SPECIFICATIONS • • • • • • •

400 ft (120m) depth rating 350 lumen concentrated 10° beam Color temperature 6500K Over 10 hours run time Accepts 2 CR123 batteries Dimensions 5.6 x 1.4 in (142 x 36 mm) Weighs only 4 oz (113 g)

Review

Review

Sparklight Action 7F Mukltifunction Diving Light Website: www.sparklight.eu

Multifunction Diving light • 6 functions + SOS flash,4 levels of lights • High brightness LEDS • Small size • SECURE battery with UN 38.3 test report (24 Wh) • Rechargeable through external interface, with (1A) USB charger • Rechargeable, every smartphone or tablet charger • Can function without water, and below freezing point • Battery status indication • Practical accessories • Premium, unbreakable packaging • Durable aircraft-grade aluminum, surface is premium type anodizing , strong and flexible plastic • Waterproof: 100M • 115mm (length) *54mm (dia. of lamp head), weight: 285 gr, weight in water: 102 gr

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• European product • Combined White lights (max. 2500 lumen, 90°+10°, 4 x CREE 10W XM-L2 white LED’s) • Video-Photo light (max. 1900 lumen, 90°, 3 x CREE 10W XM-L2 white LED’s, Color t: 5500 K) • White Spot light (max. 600 lumen, 10°, 1 x 10W CREE XM-L2 white LED) • Red light (90°, 2 x 3 W CREE LED’s) • UV light ,biofluorescent (365 nm, 90°, 2x3 W LED’s) • Blue light ,biofluorescent (455 nm, 90°, 2x3 W LED’s) • Runtime hour(High/Low level): Video-Photo light-1/16 h; SOS-5h; Spot-3/48h; Red,UV,Blue-4/55.

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Review

Package contents: • 1 Sparklights Action 7F light • 1 Premium Storage Box • 1 pistol grip • 1 USB charging cable • 1 Hand strap • 1 Photo Mount • 1 pc USB wall adapter (EU) • 1 pcs Yellow mask filter with maskstrap

• With this product, you only have to take one lamp with you, but because of its functions it can replace many others.

• It can be used as a light source for action cameras.

• This lamp is waterproof, it does not have to be disassembled for charging. The Action Light 7F can be charged with any USB power supply (phone charger, cigarette lighter chargers with USB input, etc.) that is capable of min.

1A amperage, so there is no need to use any special kind of charger. Our product contains a battery that has the capacity of 5200 mAh, in order to be reliable, to have a longer run- and lifetime. It has excellent quality, and is also suitable for the prescriptions of the EU. • Our lamp has an indicator light that indicates the current status of the battery, while it

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is being used, or charged.

• The Action Light products are made of strong and flexible plastic components, and metal components that are used in the aircraft industry. The products have been tested for dropping from 1 meter high to concrete, at least 100 times and they passed these tests.

• High capacity: its capacity is equal to a lamp, which has the output of 200W. • 6 functions +SOS flash • Its Spotlight (that covers 10°) can be used as a searchlight.

• White Video-Photo light (that covers 90°) helps taking proper pictures and recording videos under the water, as it is able to fully cover what the human eye sees.

• Combined lights (10°+90°) there is no need to switch between the functions, either.

• As most of the sea animals are unable to see the red light, it does not bother them.

• With the Blue and UV lights you can see the biofluorescence.

• It operates in 7 different functions in order to fulfill every demand.

• Full function: (SPOT, SPOT +VIDEO-PHOTO, VIDEO-PHOTO, RED, BLUE, UV, SOS flash) • Basic functions: (SPOT, SPOT + VIDEO-PHOTO, VIDEO-PHOTO, SOS flash) • Combinations of the functions: (one optional function + SOS flash)

匀䤀吀䤀伀 䈀䄀䰀䄀䜀䈀䄀䜀 䈀䄀刀䄀一䜀䜀䄀夀 䈀䄀䜀䄀䰀䄀一䜀䤀吀 䴀䄀䈀䤀一䤀ⴀ倀䠀䤀䰀䤀倀倀䤀一䔀匀

• This diving lamp can be used at dry conditions, as well. On max. 25°C, it operates with 70% capacity. It can also be used, below freezing point, because of the formation of its switches, as they will not freeze in fresh water.

• It is extra small, it even fits in the palm of a ten-year-old child, thus it is comfortable to use

⬀㘀㌀ 㘀㌀ 㠀㄀ ㄀ 㐀 䀀䌀䄀匀䄀䈀䄀䠀䤀䄀

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Puerto Galera - Oriental Mindoro - Philippines

Share your passion for diving wishlist exploring the magical underwater world of Puerto Galera.

This fabulous destination offers the perfect mix of diving and culture, hiding surprises for even the most expert of divers in its unique biodiversity and colourful marine creatures.

An ideal destination for macro photographers.

www.fishermenscove.com

.

+63 917 533 2985

.

info@fishermenscove.com

Review

“Abissi”

City of Venice Words: Davide Barzazzi

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espite the pandemic situation that has affected the whole world, the cultural association Abissi Underwaterphoto Venice has decided to organize the thirteenth international underwater photography competition Abyss City of Venice.

The Organizing Committee, formed by Davide Barzazzi, Agnese Zane, Stefano Cerbai and Devy Narciso Mantovan, therefore wanted to continue the important collaborations with the Natural History Museum of Venice, DAN Europe, Lagunamare and Assonautica.

In order to realize this edition, Underwaterphoto-Venice has chosen a “lighter” set-up for this year since the lockdown has prevented many photographers around the world from diving.

Furthermore, it would not have been possible to organize the conferences, the opening and the award ceremonies.

The organizers have decided to operate without involving the approximately fifty sponsors who have supported the competition during the last recent years by offering many important prizes.

In fact many resorts, factories and companies have been closed due to the serious and dramatic economic situation created by the pandemic.

The competition was mainly carried out on the web.

The panel of judges was formed by Davide Lopresti, Marcello di Francesco and Fabio Iardi

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no who selected the winners of the eight categories dedicated to DSLR and Compact Cameras. Also this year the contest Abyss received entries from photographers from all over the world: Austria, Australia, Philippines, Germany, Greece, Italy, Taiwan, United States.

The photos of the winners were exhibited during the month of October in the Museum’s Cetaceans Gallery.

Melody Chuang from Taiwan, in addition to two silver medals in the Compact Tropical category, was awarded with the Special DAN Europe Card Prize, while the Italian Francesco Visintin received the DAN Dive Local Dive Safe Award.

Gabriella Luongo (Ita) obtained the Lagunamare Special Prize and Marco Fantin (Ita) the Audience Award while Steven Kovacs (USA) has been awarded by the Onlus 12Scatti Association and a photo of him will be published on the BELOW 2021 Calendar.

Davide Barzazzi and Agnese Zane, president and vice president of Underwaterphoto-Venice, are keen to underline the fact that the photos taking part in the contest can be used as always by the Natural History Museum for scientific and educational purposes with prior authorization from the authors.

What’s more even the photos of the winners of the Italian Underwater Photographer of the Year 2020 competition organized by Underwaterphoto Venice (winners Adriano Morettin / DSLR and Andrea Falcomatà / Compact) were shown as well at the Cetaceans Gallery as the exhibition and the award ceremony scheduled for the Eudi Show in Bologna last March had been canceled due to the epidemic.

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Review

The Amazing Nautismart Pro WWW.NAUTISMART.NET

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Review

I

n recent times one of the news that struck me more was when I read Olympus shutting down and completely dismantling the compact camera branch of the factory.

Wow, what a big news for a big event! Not many years ago the compact cameras was probably the most profitable market for cameras manufacturers like Olympus so

how come they came to such an halt on this production line?

The answer is very simple of course: smartphones! Soon after their launch on the market back in the 90s mobile phones have been equipped with on board cameras for messaging purpose and few less applications, but as years went by and smartphones started

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to peep on the market better performing cameras started to show up on these products. I still remember my first digital camera. It was of course a compact camera, a Sony DSCP1, 3mega pixels CMOS sensor, 16 Megabyte memory stick, and ... What a wonderful photos that small camera was able to deliver!

No wonder Olympus decided to shut the compact cameras branch down, no wonder at all.

I have been an underwater photographer since dive number one.

My dive number one after the OWD certification course took place in Sharm el Sheik in Egypt back in 2001 and yes, my Underwater photography gear was the Sony DSCP1 I mentioned before, in its Sony , specific Underwater camera housing, I remember I made terrible photos!

Now, in this very moment while I’m writing this article there’s a commercial on TV showing one of the latest Smartphone on the market... 108 mega pixels and 512 Gigabyte memory..

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So I have been observing this market since its beginning and when I noticed the great improvement smartphone cameras were going through I predicted the advent of the smartphones in underwater photography.

But I believed that so much that I developed the idea and asked for a Patent, later obtained , for this application; it was 2015. At that moment we were already running the scubashooters network so we envisioned a mission...

It was 2014 and when I started sharing my view on the future inside the world of UW photographers I was nearly bullied as no one believed this could ever become an option.

The mission is to enable underwater photography mode for everybody at an affordable price .

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Well , not only underwater photography but also any kind of activity involving some action and wet environment.As it has already been explained the Nautismart pro was first conceived we did it bearing in mind that nowadays smartphones are equivalent to compact cameras and will surely be better in the near future...

Action cams were also taken into consideration, especially their price, the need to update them and the lengthy process of transferring big size movies from the cam to another device... is totally un necessary as photos and videos are already resident in your device memory ready to be edited and shared.

When you use Nautismart in conjunction with your smartphone the transfer process

We also took into consideration the average time before upgrading a smartphone; it is slightly over one year and yes, with Nautismart Pro you can upgrade your smartphone as often as you wish and still be able to use it in conjunction with your Nautismart...

Or you can share Nautismart for use among the members of your family or with your friends. In other words Nautismart pro has been imagined for maximum safety, flexibility and economy.

Get it and you will not regret! Nautismart pro is the best Smart case for smartphones ant it’s made in Italy!

Last but not latest, there’s another positive outcome... UW photography is no doubt an amazing tool for scientists to monitor the health of the Ocean, the movements of alien species across the seven seas and the degree of pollution of the waters.

But unfortunately, there are few UW photographers compared to the number of divers around the world... With Nautismart Pro, nearly every diver, snorkeler, swimmer and sun bather has the potential to become an Ocean reporter.

One more, good , reason to get yourself a Nautismart Pro

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Review

Komodo Housing

For Red Komodo 6K WWW.NAUTICAM.COM

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Review

K

THE RED KOMODO

tor allowing a wide variety of focal lengths to be used.

Komodo is RED’s smallest form-factor and most economically priced camera to-date. The feature set is clearly aimed at those requiring professional level specs in a travel-friendly package, which accurately describes the majority of underwater filmmakers.

Key Camera Specifications:

The Komodo camera features a 6K Super 35 sensor with up to 16 stops of dynamic range.

R3D files (REDCODE RAW) can be recorded directly to CFast 2.0 cards, eliminating the need for expensive proprietary media. It also features Canon’s new RF mount with full support of the Canon EF to EOS R lens adap-

6K Super 35 Sensor (6144 x 3240) R3D Files (REDCODE RAW) Records to CFast 2.0 cards Canon RF Lens Mount Dual Battery Mount (Canon BP-955/975) 12G SDI Out Integrated LCD Screen with Touch Camera

omodo is RED’s smallest and most affordable camera to date.

With 6K resolution, 16 stops of dynamic range, and global shutter Komodo packs an incredible amount of power in the palm of your hand. When paired with the Nauticam housing, an easy to use and travel friendly cinema system is created.

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Control Wireless Control From a Smart Phone Global Shutter Mode Anamorphic Options Recording Formats: REDCODE RAW 6144 x 3240 at 40 fps 5120 x 2700 at 50 fps 4096 x 2160 at 60 fps 2048 x 1080 at 120 fps ProRes 422/ProRes 422HQ 4096 x 2160 up to 60 fps ProRes 422 2048 x 1080 up to 120 fps THE NAUTICAM KOMODO HOUSING The Nauticam Komodo housing is officially RED APPROVED. The housing is engineered in a similar fashion to previous Epic LT and DSMC2 LT housings, providing the most compact and travel friendly system possible.

Komodo offers seamless integration with DSLR lenses and the same N120 port system used in Nauticam DSLR and Cinema systems. Enjoy unmatched user friendly setup and intuitive operation including tool-less setup and tear down in minutes.

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Canon EF to EOS R Adaptor along with the Canon EF to EOS R Adaptor with Variable ND Filter.

The left side of the housing features an easily accessible command wheel for smooth ND changes. Once RED releases RF lens support, the Nauticam Komodo housing will be ready and fully compatible.

Regardless of EF or RF lens selection, changing lenses is quick, easy and doesn’t require any tools. Note that when changing between RF and EF lenses, the camera must be removed from the housing to remove or install the RF to EF adapter.

Batteries can be swapped without ever removing the camera from the housing, and lens changes can be accomplished in seconds.

The Nauticam Komodo housing uses the N120 Cinema port system, shared with Nauticam’s other N120 platform cameras which allows for easy transition to the Nauticam Komodo from other N120 Nauticam systems. The N120 system also provides access to Nauticam’s line of professional premium optics such as the WACP-1/2 and SMC-1/2.

Nauticam is constantly testing new lenses to provide optimized port and extension combinations. Large cinema-styled control wheels on the housing, located within easy reach of the handles, provide precise manual focus and zoom control with supported lenses when used with the corresponding lens gear set.

Not being limited to using DSLR lenses is crucial for cinema systems and the Nauticam Komodo housing, when used with the 16410 N120 to N200 Port Adapter can support the use of Cinema Lenses and the associated N200 Port System. Installation is quick, easy and requires no tools allowing seamless lens switching in the field - even when changing between DSLR and Cinema lenses.

The housing also features adjustable handles with easy access to the cinema style zoom and focus knobs. On top of the housing is a 1/4”-20 cheese plate which allows for a wide variety of accessory mounting points.

The Nauticam Komodo is also backed by Nauticam’s 2 year warranty.

INTERNAL MONITOR SUPPORT The Komodo has a built-in monitor on top of the camera. The Nauticam Komodo does feature a large window for using the Komodo’s built in monitor to be used for an extremely streamlined solution. If an additional monitoring option is required, the Atomos Shinobi SDI monitor is an ideal lightweight monitoring solution for the RED

LENS SUPPORT The Komodo features a Canon RF lens mount, but currently RED is only offering support of Canon EF lenses. The Nauticam Komodo housing offers full support of the

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Komodo.

The Shinobi Monitor Back option Komodo Housing supports the use of the Atomos Shinobi SDI monitor inside rear of the housing allowing the monitor to be viewed by the camera operator from a natural filming position. The monitor back features control buttons for the on-screen buttons of the Shinobi.

EXTERNAL MONITOR SUPPORT The Atomos Shinobi SDI monitor can also be mounted in the external Nauticam NA-Shinobi-S housing and connected via SDI bulkheads and cables allowing greater flexibility when positioning the monitor on the Nauticam Komodo housing.

SDI OUTPUT Required accessories for SDI Cable System 25058 M16 SDI Bulkhead 25060 SDI Cable in 0.3m Length Recommended monitor housing 17921 NA-502B-S Housing for SmallHD 502 Bright Monitor 17924 NA-Shinobi-S Housing for Atomos Shinobi 5.2” 4K HDMI Monitor with SDI input BATTERY COMPATIBILITY The system supports Canon BP- batteries and the housing will fit up to two Canon BP-975 batteries with the standard housing back. When using the Shinobi Monitor Back, dual BP-955 can be used. Swapping batteries in as simple as opening the housing as the camera does not need to be removed to access the batteries.

ETHERNET REMOTE CONTROL While the Nauticam Komodo housing is engineered to allow for full control by the operator, it also supports an ethernet sur-

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tection is built into the same circuit, so if there is water intrusion, an audible and visual indication will occur.

face feed in 5m (pole cam) and 45m (studio) lengths.

Within the housing, there is space to install a small ethernet router which would allow for full control of the camera at the surface through the RedControl App.

The Nauticam system is temperature com-

Recommended Ethernet Cables 16261 Ethernet Surface Cable Set in 45m length (Incl. housing lemo bulkhead with integrated internal cable and external Duracell cables) 16262 Replacement of Housing Lemo Bulkhead with Integrated Ethernet Cable 16263 Ethernet Surface Cable Set in 5 meter length (Incl. housing lemo bulkhead with integrated internal cable and external Duracell cables)

pensated, eliminating false alarms caused by a change in outside temperature, or from a camera heating up on an action packed dive.

VACUUM CHECK AND LEAK DETECTION SYSTEM The Nauticam Komodo housing features Nauticam’s field-tested Vacuum Check and Leak Detection System that provides constant updates on the water tight and safe-todive status of the housing.

By drawing a slight vacuum inside the housing using a reliable and compact manual hand-pump, the system is able to insure water-tightness before entering the water as well as throughout the dive.

A simple color-coded LED lighting system, easily visible at the rear of the housing lets the user know that the vacuum is solid, or that the housing is losing vacuum. Leak de-

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Crystal Blue Resort~Anilao

Dedicated to Underwater Photographers Worldwide • • • • • • • •

Nitrox 32 Chef Prepared Meals On-Sight Photo Pro Camera Room Workshops Highly Skilled Spotters 4:1 boat loads Rental Gear

Contact Mike@DiveCBR.com saltwaterphoto@live.com

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+39 335 537 8531

ficarelladivingclub@gmail.com

Ficarella-Diving-Club-Saline-Joniche-rc-Italy

Explore Cape Town’s top dive sites

Macro Life

Kelp Forests

Beautiful Reefs

Nudibranchs

www.indigoscuba.com

info@indigoscuba.com

+27 (0)83 268 1851

Tanya Houppermans Portfolio

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Tecnique

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began taking photos in 2014 because Iwanted to save sharks.

My goal was to one day take images that would dispel misconceptions about sharks and motivate the public to want to help these misunderstood animals whose populations were being depleted around the world, mainly due to overfishing by commercial fisheries and the use of their fins to make shark fin soup.

I never imagined that underwater photography would become my full-time job; I simply wanted to contribute to shark conservation efforts.

But by the next summer I had left the corporate world behind to concentrate full time on photography and conservation. This was one of the best decisions I have ever made.

In the more than five years since I changed careers, I have traveled to locations I had only previously dreamed of, and photographed incredible animals I had only read about in

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books or seen on television. And through it all I’ve refined my photography to include all manner of big things – sharks, shipwrecks, crocodiles, manatees, etc.

I truly love the process of wide-angle underwater photography, from the challenges of incorporating the various light sources, to bringing all of the elements in front of me together for a compelling composition that tells a story. And if through those images I can inspire people to want to protect the animals and environments that I photograph, then I have done my job.

I think the biggest highlight for me over the past few years has been combining my photography with my background in math and science to contribute to shark research. Back in 2017, along with the North Carolina Aquariums and the South-East Zoo Alliance for Reproduction and Conservation, I helped to develop Spot A Shark USA (www.spotasharkusa.com), a citizen science program to study sand tiger shark populations off the east coast of the United States utilizing photos of sand tigers uploaded by divers to identify individual sharks based on their unique spot patterns.

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Thanks to this program and the generosity of divers who submit their images, we are making huge strides in our understanding of the lives of sand tiger sharks. I have also had the honor of working with Dr. Neil Hammerschlag of the University of Miami Shark Research and Conservation Program, and Dr. James Sulikowski of the Sulikowski Shark and Fish Conservation Lab at Arizona State University to document their shark research off the coast of Grand Bahama. Partnering with two of the most renowned shark scientists in the world to further knowledge of these amazing creatures really is dream come true and one of the most fulfilling things I have done in my career so far.

I hope to continue taking images underwater as long as I can. There are still countless animals I want to photograph in marine environments around the world. But the goal is still what it was when I first picked up a camera – to motivate and inspire the public to protect our beautiful and fragile oceans and the creatures who live there.

www.blueelementsimaging.com

Review

Review

Easydive:

Leosmart3 www.easydive.com

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eo3 Smart is compatible with all models of smartphones iOS and most of Android Smartphones.

If you can not find your model in the list, please kindly send an email to info@easydive.it and request a compatibility test.

Included accessories: 1. Battery Pack 7800 mAh, 1 short cable for Smartphones, 1 Kit Lens Fish Eye and Wide angle* - Macro, 2 balls M6. * Kit supplied for Smartphone with Single Camera. For Smartphones already equipped with multiple cameras, the kit is not provided.

Leo 3 Smart is the first housing in the world, universal for all smartphone models, whether iOS or Android.

• The smartphone communicates with the housing through a wireless connection. All you need is the Easydive application (app) available in Apple Store or Google Store.

• Inside the housing there is a battery pack 7800 mAh. • The smartphone is connected by cable to a power supply system that keeps the phone battery always charged during your dive.

• The housing supports the use of the full potential of the camera phone (Adjust Time, ISO, HDR, White Balance, Focus Auto or Manual).

• It’s possible to switch between Photo Mode to Video mode by simply pressing one single button.

• The “Selfies” button allows you to use the front camera of your Smartphoneunderwater.

Finally you can take great pictures in the fore-

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ground, looking directly to the display, or record a video in which the user becomes the star.

• The display, in high definition and with the considerable size of the new Smartphone, provides incredible control of the shot during the diving.

• Made of a full aluminum block • Compatible with the vacuum system and hydrophone.

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• The housing is guaranteed up to 150 meters in depth. • Like all Easydive housings, we grant, also for Leo 3 Smart, a lifetime warranty.

Material - Body: Anticorodal aluminum, 40 micron anodized Dimensions: - Length: 25 cm - Height: 12,5 cm - Width: 6,5 cm Weights: - Weight on surface: 2,3kg - Weight in Sea Water: 400 gr Depht rating: 150 meters

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Leo3 Plus

Leo3 Wi

MAKE IT EASY

Leo3

Leo3 Smart

Enjoy your passion.

We make it possible.

Via Milano 177/B 37014 Castelnuovo d/G Verona - ITALY 0039 45 6450480 info@isotecnic.it

www.revistaaQua.com • aQua #18

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Biology

Hawkfishes

Or Gorgonian Falcon Fish

Words and Pictures: Emilio Mancuso and Massimo Bicciato

Biology

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BIOLOGY That of the Cirrhitidae, or hawkfish, is a family of tropical fish today represented by about 35 known species.

mimetic right between the branches of the large gorgonians or the black coral, is quite difficult to be found above 30 meters deep.

It is recognizable by the stocky body, averagely short, by the rays of the dorsal fin with small fringes at the tip and the expanded pectoral fins used to lean on the reef.

APPROACH AND OBSERVATION Another famous species that surely you have seen leaning “lurking” on the fire coral is Paracirrhites fosteri, Foster’s hawkfish, with its typical clear belly and dotted snout.

DEPTH Being predators of small fish and small crustaceans, in most cases they are found from the first meters of water up to about 30-40 meters deep, where the growth of the reef is more important.

For their nature and biological characteristics they are well suited to close-ups.

CURIOSITY Exception to the bathymetric distribution indicated above, is definitely one of the best known hawkfish in the Red Sea, Oxycirrhites typus, aka the gorgonian’s falcon fish, which having evolved a pattern that makes it highly

This means that observing it from afar and approaching it very gently you can reach a good distance of observation, and with a lot of patience and a bit of luck you could see it (and why not, even photograph it) while launching on its prey.

Their pectoral fins allow the hawkfish to lean on the corals to monitor the hunting area ... and then pounce as if it were a bird of prey on the prey.

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Biology

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匀 吀䄀夀 䤀 一 倀䄀 刀 䄀 䐀 䤀 匀 䔀

䄀 䜀 唀 匀 吀䄀 䤀 匀 䰀 䄀 一 䐀 Ⰰ 刀 䄀 䨀 䄀 䄀 䴀 倀䄀吀Ⰰ 䤀 一 䐀 伀 一 䔀 匀 䤀 䄀 䤀 一 䘀 伀 䀀 䄀 䜀 唀 匀 吀 䄀 刀 䔀 匀 伀 刀 吀⸀ 䌀 伀 䴀 䄀 䜀 唀 匀 吀 䄀 刀 䔀 匀 伀 刀 吀⸀ 䌀 伀 䴀

Review

Hollis

200lx dcx Regulator

www.hollis.uk

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he 200LX + DCX Regulator is our flagship regulator; designed for extreme environments. Every feature and detail of this new product provides you with the confidence of 40 years of manufacturing life support systems.

The 200LX can be converted from a right-handed to left-handed hose configuration, in a manner of minutes without the use of specialty tools or calibration. The valve and every other metal component of the 200LX is “PVD” Industrial Plated, added to outperform and outlast any other regulator finish.

Pneumatically balanced PVD plated brass valve results in smooth, easy breathing Reversible demand valve, can be converted from right-handed hose configuration to left-handed hose configuration Diver adjustable inhalation knob, allows diver to customize inhalation effort Adjustable Dive/Pre-Dive switch: Large Venturi lever has a soft rubber grip, which makes it easy to locate and use Ergonomic exhaust channels bubbles away from field of view and reduces exhaust effort

Improved orthodontic mouthpiece with dual color tabs

PVD plated stainless steel metal ring, adjustable knob and Dive/Pre-Dive end cap

MiFlex® braided hose

Din or Yoke options available

Paired with the new DCX 1st stage

Lifetime Warranty

Free Parts for Life

2-Year Service Interval with Inspection

All LX regulators come standard with Lifetime Warranty, 2 Year Service Interval and Free Parts for Life

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We are located exactly 74 km far from Trieste, near the small town of Kantrida, which is about 5 to 6 km before downtown Rijeka.

Our Diving Centre is right under the swimming pools area, directly in front of the open beach. On one side, we are overlooked by Mount Major (Ucka) and on the other, we face the beautiful islands of Krk and Cherso: in brief, we are right inside the Kvarnaro Gulf.

Our flagship is wreck diving by boat: three wrecks situated at different depths, each one no farther than maximum 20 minutes boat ride. And there’s more! Our shore dives directly from our Center’s beach offer an easy and colorful training ground for any kind of diving courses. Finally yet importantly, our diamond tip dedicated to macro photography lovers: a wide variety of critters to increase the pleasure of diving.

From our beach, with our boat... ...come with us and enjoy your dive!

www.diving-marcopolo.com

唀渀搀攀爀眀愀琀攀爀 攀砀瀀攀爀椀攀渀挀攀

挀⼀漀 匀琀愀戀椀氀椀洀攀渀琀漀 戀愀氀渀攀愀爀攀 ᰠ匀琀攀氀氀愀 䴀愀爀椀渀愀 渀⸀㜀ᴠ 一甀洀愀渀愀Ⰰ 䤀琀愀氀礀 吀攀氀⸀ ㌀㤀 ㌀㌀㔀 㘀㘀㈀㔀㌀㌀㤀 䔀洀愀椀氀⸀ 椀渀昀漀䀀挀攀渀琀爀漀猀甀戀洀漀渀琀攀挀漀渀攀爀漀⸀挀漀洀 眀眀眀⸀挀攀渀琀爀漀猀甀戀洀漀渀琀攀挀漀渀攀爀漀⸀挀漀洀

DAN Europe

Overcoming Challenges While Diving www.daneurope.org

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It all happened very fast.

ETTING LOST AT SEA: NIGHT DIVE IN THE GALAPAGOS Well, I nearly lost my life twice.

I remember I couldn’t see beyond my hand. I was being pushed from one side to the other.

One was a near drowning experience when three friends and I went diving in rough seas at Dwejra in Gozo, and the other was during a night-dive in the Galapagos.

About 10 minutes later we managed to make it through the tunnel and into the blue and, when we got there, we realised what a terrible idea it all was.

Both were due to me being silly or not taking the necessary precautions.

“The more you know before your dive, the easier it is to factor in the possibility of what could go wrong.”

Back then I was certainly younger and more naive — you always think it won’t happen to you or if it does, that you can get away with it. Luckily, I didn’t pay the ultimate price.

HYPERVENTILATING WATER: DROWNING IN ROUGH SEAS

I was leading the other two guys and we immediately decided we needed to head back.

I stopped to wait for them so we would surface together but unlucky for me, a wave broke, literally, all over me, yanking me into the other side of the inland sea, ripping off my mask and regulator.

ALMOST

Two of my friends and I decided to go for a dive at the inland sea in Dwejra, Gozo.

My tank was wedged into a crack and I was hyperventilating water.

It was the craziest thing we could do: the waves were breaking through that narrow passage, hitting the ceiling, but we had dived there the week before and we thought we’ll be fine.

Thankfully I didn’t hit my head, but I saw my whole childhood flash before me and it was then I realised: “I’m drowning, I’m dying”

When we eventually came to the rocks it was already way beyond what we imaged.

Instinctively, I reached for my regulator which was dangling at the side of my suit and started trying to breathe again.

The water was coming into the narrow passage through which we had to pass and then coming out at such an intense speed, it was basically sucking us in.

I then managed to get out from where I got stuck and started to surface.

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I then made it to hospital where I was treated. Looking back I was really lucky I had the necessary experience and reacted the way I did.

could go wrong.

My advice to divers is: 1. Know yourself.

2. Know your equipment.

3. Know your territory.

It’s easier to know what one can expect when diving in familiar territory.

Take all the necessary precautions and never, ever think you are about to ask a stupid question.

If I’m diving in a completely new environment, then I will take other precautions, even asking basic questions to ensure I’m completely aware of sea and weather conditions.

When in doubt, speak.

It’s better to go in for a dive feeling assured than feeling helpless in a crisis situation.

ADVICE TO DIVERS The more you know before your dive, the easier it is to factor in the possibility of what

Don’t take anything for granted.

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Indonesia MOYO ISLAND

See it, Dive it, Love it A top natural wonderland A place where the beauty of nature exceeds expectation.

An exotic and luxuriant island paradise.

An extremely peaceful place where you can relax in tranquility.

A world-class diving destination.

info@bluemoceanresort.com www.bluemoceanresort.com +62 813.3794.6294