ISSUE
N°17 J U L 2016
PORTFOLIO
DAVIDE LOPRESTI
REVILLAGIGEDO ARCHIPELAGO by S. Riccardo
SISTIANA Muck diving by F. De Lorenzi
AMAZING MEDITERRANEAN by R. Livornese
NIMAR & PHASE ONE Housing review
REPORTAGE: SEA SLAVES by I. Urbino
MONTLY CONTEST Stefano Scortegagna wins “Anemonefish”
Dear Scubashooters, You might have noticed that our network is very vast and comprehensive. Among all the interesting photos, datas, articles and information you can find around navigating our flagship website, you will notice there is a manufacturer and a resort section. These are among my favorite places to visit simply because only those companies truly into diving industry and especially into UW photography industry will be able to make it to those pages and show the world what they are really good at; innovation when we talk about manufacturers and customer care and service when we talk about divings and resorts. As I said , only selected companies will be able to join the parnership with scubashooters.net as since the beginning our only goal has been to bring respect, beauty and quality to you dear scubashooters, this is why you can trust us and our partners. One last thing in this month’s agenda , have you started watching out for your ticket to join us @ DRT Singapore February next year? You can’t miss our party there, we’ll be waiting for you! Marino Palla Owner and Founder Scubashooters
Cover image
“Purple streetr” by Davide Lopresti
Extreme Special Rate
2016
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MACRO MEETING @ Lembeh Discover Dabirahe
Join the 1st international Scubashooters.net Macro Meeting in Lembeh ( Indonesia )
3 - 10 October proudly hosted by Dabirahe Resort. Extremely special rate, for information :
info@scubashooters.net proudly hosted by
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Info:
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EDITORIAL by Marino Palla
21° MONTHLY CONTEST : “Clownfishes”
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SEA SLAVES Ian Urbina
SISTIANA Muck diving italian style by Franco De Lorenzi
OXYGEN Dan Europe
PORTFOLIO Davide Lopresti
BANCO OF SANTA CROCE Amazing Mediterranean by Raffaele Livornese
REVILLAGIGEDO ARCHIPELAGO: The mexican Galapagos by Francesca Romana Reinero and Sergio Riccardo
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120PHASE ONE XF up to -80m withNIXF NIMAR DIVE HOUSING
CRITTER CORNER: “Shrimps” by John Fifer
Editor: FABIO STRAZZI Verein Scubashooters, 8952 Schlieren - Switzerland
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Enjoy your passion. We make it possible.
Via Milano 177/B 37014 Castelnuovo d/G Verona - ITALY 0039 45 6450480 info@isotecnic.it
SISTIANA
MUCK DIVING ITALIAN STYLE
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Diving in the northern Adriatic have always been a source of great divergence of opinion and this article would like to depose in their favor. It is a rich sea to discover and always underestimated and that is why we were created by many organizations and initiatives that aim to inform and make the most of this marine ecosystem, which in effect is a Bio-marine resource. Few know that the Gulf of Trieste, for its structure, receives highly oxygenated waters due to the currents that originate from Croatia and revolve within it and then push the Venetian and beyond. If we consider that Trieste is a port that receives ships from around the world that run every day of the bilge water emptying, it is easy to see that an eco-system thus conformed is the place for new contamination that can easily settle in the form of new especially by ensuring them a consolidated adaptation. The low depth, moreover, favor the propagation velocity of these egg masses. To take full advantage of this biodiversity invasion, Sistiana is one of the places recommended and, while not promising deep water and colorful, it will surely bring home unique and special shots. The entire bay is surrounded by cliff walls that anticipate an evolutionary and biological history dating back millions of years ago. Suffice to say that a 10-minute drive towards Duino is a field where they were discovered at least two dinosaurs and numerous fossils of shellfish remains, echinoderms, molluscs and much more.
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achable ; echinoderms , with considerable concentrations of brittle stars , well camouflaged pecten star, urchins and many different kinds , but many sea cucumbers in many times of the year they have generously with everted tentacles . If you had to move to the left of Castelreggio, you will not fail to meet spectacular clusters of worms that settle the tops of the floats that support the neighboring mussel farms. You do not think that the limo that will cross between a concretion and a group of boulders is the desert .... Rather! On the sediment meet big cerianthi and a huge number of sand anemones, sometimes with amazing colors; Frequently are anemonie viridis and sulcata with its guests. Less obvious, but no less frequent, many types of shellfish, including various macropodia, Ilia nucleus and gradually a plethora of shrimp infossatori and not up to the field Peliclimenes amethisteus, they really like to photographers. No shortage of sponges, by encrusting forms to the more “ medicinal “. Very similar structures are confused with sponges, but in reality are nothing but ascidians that abound on the smooth rocks of the area. Whether it sponges or colonial ascidians, it is worth keeping gaze longer, as they often are finding interesting places of nudibranchs.
Sistiana offers two accesses to the beach: Castelreggio and Ex Caravella Wherever you decide to go into the water, be prepared for an exciting muck dive. You could start with a visit to the wreck of the Molch, which is a piece of history: the famous Molch, a submarine car of 8 meters which lies at a depth of 6. If you decide for this subject is superfluous to say that the choice of target it is not irrelevant, but even more so is the weather which, apart from that day, preceded the dive date. In my experience the months between winter and spring are preferable ... but you know how the sea ... do not take orders! If you do not decide for the wreck and your goal is macro photography, Castelrezzo, as well as the Ex Caravella, lend themselves to stimulate the shutter button! Becoming , with time , a little ‘ more practical in the area are discovered several directions to be addressed to reach areas , in addition to the muddy bottom , concretion abounding tunicates , among which is not unusual to find planarians , the squat lobsters meetings d ‘ winter seem more appro-
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In this regard it is worth spending a few more words. In Sistiana area they were found dozens and dozens of species of sea slugs, many considered rare and here, however, endemic: some examples are DICATA odhneri, Tethys fimbria, Discodoris rosi and a long list of sightings in recent years is increasing. The seabed well described continues to grow to the opposite side of the bay, Ex Caravella, where the diving. A change, however, is done with the meeting of large boulders and landslides full of ravines that spacing out silt and Scoglietti, leading to the cliff wall that extends up to Duino and beyond. The entry into the water here is in the area where the Sistiana Diving Center, operated by Andrea Sauro and underwater photographer known, Barbara Camassa. The sea access is easy or between boulders, or walking from the pebble beach, which quickly degrades to some meter deep. Deciding to plunge toward the cliff or to the part that looks at the wider you make two very different choices In the first case boulders of various sizes and agglomerates of small rocks ranging in the form of differences in height from a minimum of 1-meter-de-
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ep, up to sweet drops that reach to 9 meters, to find greater depths must proceed towards the wide area in the middle of silt and boats passing zone. Too bad the coastal guard is more attentive to punish the sub without the ball that the vessel does not meet the balloons and the distances from the shore ... but I think it’s an old story. ďżź Returning to our underwater islands, more experienced photographers will have already guessed that one of the places to beat are these, though not always go well, according to the laws of the sea, for that matter! But if the meeting takes place, then the fortune can be of a very high level. Surely the meeting with seahorses is ensured, both Mediterranean species, as well as one with their fellow fish large needle. Jellyfish lately are almost home, including a new species came from a couple of years. No shortage cuttlefish, seppiole and their eggs that offer great opportunities to snap embryos. And it‘s difficult, in short, to list everything, because the effect of weather sealing of the Mediterranean waters is being felt here too with continuous
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surprises. What to remember: the diver signal buoy, to avoid misguided boats and heavy fines of captaincy. A compass, needed more than ever to navigate the sedimentosa area and beyond. buoyancy control, decided not to fog definitely your shooting area.
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Why dive in Sistiana? Because there is a wide variety of subjects. Because it is shallow diving and low risk virtually no time limits. Because logistics is also convenient for large groups.
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What to visit? Miramare castle, beneath which there is also a marine reserve. The paleontological site Fisherman’s Village, where it was found the largest and most complete dinosaur skeleton of Italy .
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THE UNDERWATER ARCHAEOLOGY PARK OF
BAIA
This guide aims to accompany the reader on an emotional journey into the submerged city of Baiae by means of the experience of the author, who trained as a professional diver in these waters, and through the power of images taken by a photographer’s expert hand. It is not intended to be a scientific, historic or archaeological volume given that illustrious authors have already provided excellent works. Instead, it is a guide for those who, intrigued by the magnificent treasures that the sea preserves at these sites, want to discover its archaeological routes and naturalistic backdrops, both as divers and from the sea’s surface. The first guide to the depths of the Underwater Archaeology Park of Baia: a valuable aid for those who decide to plan a vacation in this area or for those who want a keepsake of their experience in one of the most fascinating, unique sites in the world. The history, the archaeology and the biological characteristics of the Phlegraean Fields frame the Underwater Archaeology Park of Baia, a Marine Protected Area of inestimable value. Take a plunge into history and allow yourself to be led by the author’s hand, along the routes between statues, mosaics, villas’ spas and imperial palaces in which the patricians and illustrious personages were accustomed to retreat from the frenetic pace of city life to relax in pleasant Baiae.
www.revistaaQua.com • aQua #18
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OXYGEN Oxygen has long been recognized as the primary first aid for scuba diving injuries, specifically decompression sickness (DCS) and arterial gas embolism (AGE). Inhalation of 100 percent oxygen works by accelerating the diffusion and elimination of the excess nitrogen absorbed during diving, improving circulation (thereby promoting reoxygenation of tissues) and reducing swelling and associated inflammatory responses. For oxygen first aid to be most effective, the patient needs to breathe 100 percent oxygen delivered by a certified oxygen provider at an appropriate flow rate and with a good mask fit. A Brief History of Oxygen Use in Diving First Aid In 1878 French physiologist Paul Bert, while treating compressed-air divers and caisson workers, began using oxygen to relieve symptoms of what is now recognized as DCS. His experimental research on animals corroborated his clinical findings, which led him to be the first to propose using pressurized oxygen to treat “caisson disease.” Despite the fact that surface-pressure oxygen long remained the only available treatment for decompression, it was nearly a century before its use became widespread. In the early 1960s the expansion of recreational scuba diving led to the use of hyperbaric oxygen to treat dive injuries. It was still another decade before oxygen was recommended while transporting an injured diver to medical care. The use of oxygen first aid for diving injuries increased over the years, but implementation was slow. A review of DAN dive accident data in 1987 revealed that only 37 percent of injured divers received oxygen first aid and that oxygen use in first aid actually dropped between 1987 and 1990. To promote oxygen use, DAN introduced the DAN Oxygen First Aid Program in 1991, which has evolved over the years as understanding of treatment and equipment has grown. DAN’s Mission In light of compelling evidence in favor of oxygen first aid, one of DAN’s stated missions is to ensure that oxygen first aid equipment and people trained in its use are at every dive site, which means dive instructors and even divers may need to own their own oxygen units, which they care for and maintain.
Storage and Maintenance of Oxygen Equipment Oxygen units should be stored assembled but depressurized in protective cases. This ensures the equipment is ready to use and protects it not only from damage but also from exposure to oils and grease, which increases the risk of fire. To further reduce the fire hazard, the equipment should also be kept away from open flames or people smoking. Oxygen units should not be exposed to temperatures higher than 51°C, so they should not be stored in motorized vehicles on hot days. When transporting units to and from dive sites, the equipment should be secured such that it will not fall or roll. Note that oxygen cylinders are regulated by the same laws as scuba cylinders and thus should periodically undergo hydrostatic testing. The standard procedure for oxygen-regulator maintenance involves service every two years or as the manufacturer recommends. Along with the regulator service, check the oxygen washer to ensure it is free of cracks, dirt, grease and oil. If any of these are present, change the washer. When reseating the regulator, confirm that the pins are aligned with the oxygen tank valve, and test for leaks by turning on the system. As always, remember to depressurize the system before storing it. Service the oxygen-delivery mechanism (demand valve or manually triggered ventilator [MTV]) every two years or as recommended by the manufacturer. In addition, test MTVs and verify their function before each use. Test the demand valve by inhaling through the mask and exhaling away from it. Check the MTV by depressing the activation button then covering the ventilation outlet with the palm of your hand. It should automatically shut off. If it doesn’t, don’t use it, and send it in for servicing. Visually check hoses and tubes for cracks or stress marks before each outing and when the system is serviced. Replace these as necessary. Finally, inspect masks for cleanliness and signs of age. After each use, clean the system using the following procedure: 1. Wipe down the cylinder and hoses to remove sand or dirt. 2. Disassemble the demand valve or MTV. 3. Soak plastic parts in a mild bleach solution for 10 minutes, rinse with fresh water, and allow to air dry. 4. Do the same with the oronasal mask (Pocket Mask), but discard the chimney. 5. When all parts are dry, place a new chimney on the oronasal mask, reassemble the system, and store it in its protective case. Non-rebreather masks and bag-valve masks are single-use items and should be discarded after use.
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For detailed information and hands-on practice, sign up for a DAN Oxygen First Aid for Scuba Diving Injuries course. Filling Oxygen Cylinders There are two primary methods of getting oxygen fills: 1. with a prescription 2. with documentation of training (must be current) In the past, a prescription was not required in European countries and a proof of training represented all that was needed to obtain Oxygen fills. The DAN Oxygen First Aid for Scuba Diving Injuries course helps divers meet those training requirements. Unfortunately, the EU and, as a result, some European countries, now require a prescription in order to purchase Medical Oxygen fills. In a few countries, it is even required to rent oxygen cylinders from authorised gas companies instead of owning an oxygen cylinder. Many divers obtain prescriptions from dive physicians or personal physicians who understand the need for emergency oxygen at dive sites; however, the prescription technically limits the administration of the prescribed drug (oxygen in this case) to the person for whom the prescription is written. Some doctors may be willing to write a prospective prescription authorizing dispensing emergency oxygen, although they are not obligated to comply with such a request. Although in most European countries it still is relatively easy to obtain oxygen fills, there are countries where it becomes challenging to get your oxygen cylinder filled without the help of a doctor who agrees to issue a prescription.
DAN Training - Oxygen First Aid for Scuba Diving Injuries course DAN Oxygen First Aid for Scuba Diving Injuries course represents entry-level training designed to educate divers and interested non-divers (such as a charter boat captain) to recognise scuba diving injuries and to provide emergency oxygen first aid.
Fotosub Shop offers to its customers only the best underwater photography equipment since 2009. ALL THE MAJOR INTERNATIONAL BRANDS such as Nauticam, Inon, Sea & Sea, Reefnet, ULCS, GATES, Retra, etc. are available. Via Milano 15 - 00065 Fiano Romano (RM) Tel. 3939517299
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PORTFOLIO
Davide Lopresti
PORTFOLIO
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I started as a child my relationship with the water, being born in Fezzano, a small town overlooking the sea in the province of La Spezia, and to me that element has always represented an anchor in my life, even by practicing swimming at a competitive level for several years.
The big discovery, instead, was the photography, a passion that literally conquered me and never left me ever since, started a bit for fun and a bit by chance, and that has now become a fundamental part of who I am and what I do, since I’m running a photo studio with my wife and the Aquapixel workshop with Marcello, my snack partner since ever.
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I started taking pictures under water in 2010 and, starting directly in digital, I was immediately at ease with the various files development and post production programs, but without ever forgetting that the post production is just a part (fundamental and unavoidable) of the production process of a photograph. It all starts from the study and preparation during shooting, the search for the best light, the best shot and the perfect color scheme. It is a process that takes place in many ways and dismiss it only to post-production is quite reductive. I was fortunate to emerge rather quickly in underwater photography through various contests and magazines, managing to put myself out right away. More difficult instead it was searching and creating my own style, always without forgetting to experiment and try new techniques that have a strong value and are not misrepresented as art to conceal their weakness. A good photo should arrive straight, must amaze and surprise. If this does not happen, it means that something is not working... In my career as an underwater photographer, had obviously a very important role the travels almost entirely devoted to photography searching for locations not so obvious, yet also more common destinations, looking for a different and innovative point of view and trying to photograph the most common subjects with special techniques or devices.
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And it is precisely this approach and this mentality that allowed me to make the photo “Gold�, a mixture of technical skills and research, which allowed me to win the title of Underwater Photographer of the Year 2016 at UpY London last February. I used an underwater snoot and a long shutter time so to have a motion effect in the background without losing detail and impact on the main subject, also playing on the seahorse’s blue and yellow tonal contrast, with a composition focused on the rule of thirds and the negative spaces that makes it all very harmonious. I am oddly satisfied with this picture... There are lots of projects and new partnerships in progress that are refining these days and that will give a new thrust and lifeblood for this and next year, without forgetting the key part for every underwater photographer: putting the head underwater and photograph...
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WHALE SHARK & MANTA ADVENTURE CANCUN MEXICO 2016 During the summer months (June - September), whale sharks migrate to the tip of the Yucatan Peninsula and form the largest whale shark (Rhincodon typus) aggregation in their natural habitat. Cancun is the perfect staging point for trips to the whale shark feeding grounds because it is easily accessible, close to the sharks and surrounded by warm blue water that make whale shark encounters that much more enjoyable and your images that much more spectacular! In addition to these colossal creatures, we also have the chance to see mantas, mobula rays,schools of golden rays. We stay at a comfortable and quiet hotel situated close the jetties where we embark each day. We can supply a variety of accommodation options whit additional price. Please note that these are snorkelling trips
LOCATION : Cancun - 6 guests per boat Dates August 2016
Included: - 3 days at the boat charter (7:00am - 2:00pm ) with experienced instructor and photograph Raffaella Schlegel and Dietmar Posch - 4 nights in Hotel Accommodations (double occupancy) in Cancun - Breakfast - Lunch onboard and soft drinks - Transfers to/from Cancun International Airport - Single occupancy rooms are available at an additional cost NOT Included: - Airfare - Crew tips - Dinner and Drinks - Other activities For more details contact us today : bluerush@me.com
BANCO OF SANTA CROCE: AMAZING MEDITERRANEAN Words and Pictures R AFFAELE L IVORNESE
Gulf of Naples, southern end, near the Sorrento peninsula. This is where there is something magical, about a half mile from the coast. But let’s start from the beginning. As usual, I meet my friends directly at the Bikini Diving, on the small harbor quay, in Castellammare di Stabia. The warm hospitality of Pasquale Manzi and his staff make the effort of unloading the equipment from the car definitely lighter. However, once greeted all my friends and the others, we all do not wait any longer and start to get dressed. As a Swiss watch, we are ready at the scheduled time and move to the dive site. The day is crisp but sunny, and the journey, lasting fifteen minutes from the port to the site, flies in a moment. We finish
to get dressed on board the zodiac wearing our equipment, and after a double check with our buddy, we dive into the water. Looking down I can see sharply the top of the shoal, about 12 meters deep. The water then is quite clear, and this gives us a great pleasure. We begin our descent
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along the buoy chain up to 18 meters, where we check again our equipment and exchange the OK signal with the other buddies.Then, we begin to turn around the main shoal, enjoying the color spectacle of the gorgonians (Paramuricea clavata), while the sponges and the yellow cluster anemone (Parazoanthus axinellae) cover the rock walls around us. We do the first stop near a branch of false black coral (Savalia savaglia), to make the first photos with a decent backlight against the sun. Then we enjoy the various sea fans, lush and with open polyps, surrounded by the countless, tireless and colorful anthias. But in addition to the colors and small fishes, we are lucky enough to make some more interesting encounter, such as groupers and eagle rays. The various crevices are often inhabited by moray eels and conger eels, and occasionally you can meet some squat lobster. Deeper, we may find also those fishes for which the Banco di Santa Croce has now become famous: the small spotted cat-sharks. They are small sharks, with spotted coloring,
76 and difficult to detect at daytime since they remain hidden in their dens and hunt at night. Their diffusion is constantly monitored by the MedSharks association, which controls the life cycle from the laying of the eggs, which are attached to sea-fans, until hatching. We continue our dive by crossing the cave, which on the inside is full of sponges and coral formations. Polychaete worms, white and yellow sea fans, snappers, damsels, breams and many blennies cover the rock formation that rises from a depth of 43 meters up to the top. A unique show in a little area, that leaves you breathless. Looking at the computer and the pressure gauge, we realize that it is time to start our ascent, with a safety stop at 5 meters before reaching the surface, and then back on boat. On the way back we make our usual comments and exchange enthusiastically information on our sightings. Very happy with our dive, we take care of the cleaning of our equipment, already with a hint of nostalgia in our hearts, and our minds waiting for the next round at the Banco di Santa Croce.
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Haybols Scuba Hub is a homey, comfortably furnished, bed & breakfast inn that offers scuba diving courses, rentals and services. Bauan-Mabini RoadAnilao, Batangas, Philippines +63 917 856 6887
www.facebook.com/HaybolsScubaHub
21° “CLOWNFISHES”
MONTHLY CONTEST:
FIRST PLACE
STEFANO SCORTEGAGNA
MONTHLY CONTEST
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THIRD PLACE
GIANLUCA AFFLITTI
SECOND PLACE
STEFANO SCORTEGAGNA
Located in the center of the Gulf of Kvarner - Croatia, our diving center is in the ideal location for countless different dive sites. Three wrecks, colorful walls and ideal sites for macrophotography. We offer the opportunity to dive for every level.
From our beach, with our boat... ...come with us and enjoy your dive!
www.diving-marcopolo.com
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AEROTECNICA COLTRI® S.p.A.
via dei Colli Storici 177 25010 San Martino della Battaglia Brescia - ITALY Tel: +39.030.99.103.01 +39.030.99.102.97 Fax: +39.030.99.10.283 www.aerotecnicacoltri.it
FOLLOW ME
SEA SLAVES A great reportage by:
Ian Urbina (New York Times)
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94 SONGKHLA, Thailand — Lang Long’s ordeal began in the back of a truck. After watching his younger siblings go hungry because their family’s rice patch in Cambodia could not provide for everyone, he accepted a trafficker’s offer to travel across the Thai border for a construction job. It was his chance to start over. But when he arrived, Mr. Long was kept for days by armed men in a room near the port at Samut Prakan, more than a dozen miles southeast of Bangkok. He was then herded with six other migrants up a gangway onto a shoddy wooden ship. It was the start of three brutal years in captivity at sea. “I cried,” said Mr. Long, 30, recounting how he was resold twice between fishing boats. After repeated escape attempts, one captain shackled him by the neck whenever other boats neared. Mr. Long’s crews trawled primarily for forage fish, which are small and cheaply priced. Much of this catch comes from the waters off Thailand, where Mr. Long was held, and is sold to the United States, typically for canned cat and dog food or feed for poultry, pigs and farm-raised fish that Americans consume. The misery endured by Mr. Long, who was eventually rescued by an aid group, is not uncommon in the maritime world. Labor abuse at sea can be so severe that the boys and men who are its victims might as well be captives from a bygone era. In interviews, those who fled recounted horrific violence: the sick cast overboard, the defiant beheaded, the insubordinate sealed for days below deck in a dark, fetid fishing hold.
The harsh practices have intensified in recent years, a review of hundreds of accounts from escaped deckhands provided to police, immigration and human rights workers shows. That is because of lax maritime labor laws and an insatiable global demand for seafood even as fishing stocks are depleted. Shipping records, customs data and dozens of interviews with government and maritime officials point to a greater reliance on long-haul fishing, in which vessels stay at sea, sometimes for years, far from the reach of authorities. With rising fuel prices and fewer fish close to shore, fisheries experts predict that more boats will resort to venturing out farther, exacerbating the potential for mistreatment. “Life at sea is cheap,” said Phil Robertson, deputy director of Human Rights Watch’s Asia division. “And conditions out there keep getting worse.” While forced labor exists throughout the world, nowhere is the problem more pronounced than here in the South China Sea, especially in the Thai fishing fleet, which faces an annual shortage of about 50,000 mariners, based on United Nations estimates. The shortfall is primarily filled by using migrants, mostly from Cambodia and Myanmar. Many of them, like Mr. Long, are lured across the border by traffickers only to become so-called sea slaves in floating labor camps. Often they are beaten for the smallest transgressions, like stitching a torn net too slowly or mistakenly placing a mackerel into a bucket for herring, according to a United Nations sur-
96 vey of about 50 Cambodian men and boys sold to Thai fishing boats. Of those interviewed in the 2009 survey, 29 said they had witnessed their captain or other officers kill a worker. To read the whole story: http://www.nytimes.com/2015/07/27/world/out-
law-ocean-thailand-fishing-sea-slaves-pets.html?_r=0
The Blue Marlin Diving Center is since more than twenty years a focal point of attraction for diving activities for Rome and its coast. Logistically it is inserted within the magnificent structure of the Tourist Port of Rome, located on the waterfront Duca Degli Abruzzi at Ostia Lido. The Diving Center, designed for diving “on a human scale,” is an ideal reference point for all divers of the capital and beyond, who will enjoy all the conveniences and amenities offered by the marina. Even divers accompanied by their families will find for them an excellent point of reference to their enjoyment. Its strategic position allows to provide to enthusiasts divers a series of first-rate services, such as cylinders transportation by electric carts, departure to the diving spots from the dock right in front the headquarter, changing rooms, hot and cold showers, as well as complete equipments for hire. To reach the dive sites is used a fiberglass boat 9,30 meters long, that can accommodate 12 persons plus three crew members, and can be covered in winter for a further comfort. The Blue Marlin D.C is accredited as authorized center to effect dives in the Protected Marine Area “Secche di Tor Paterno” (Tor Paterno shoals), located in the sea of Rome, in front of Ostia. This is a protected area located 4.5 miles from the coast, a real submerged island in the middle of the surrounding absolute desert, mainly composed by sand. The highest point is 18 meters below the sea surface. This island, or better this huge series of shoals, has been circumscribed at the surface by four large yellow marker buoys that delimit an area of 1200 hectares, thus offering a wide choice of diving spots, each one different from the other. The Marine Protected Area of the Tor Paterno Shoals is undoubtedly a real “city” underwater. Consisting of a rocky bank, it is one of the few places in the Mediterranean where you can find a surprising amount of vegetable and animal life.
Owner: Sabrina Macchioni Contacts: Mobile +39/339/6644286 Shop 06/56030293 Address: Lungomare Duca Degli Abruzzi 84, 00121 Ostia Lido neg.851 Porto Turistico Di Roma Free parking inside the Port of Rome Requested level: Advanced
REVILLAGIGEDO ARCHIPELAGO : THE MEXICAN GALAPAGOS
Words:
Francesca Romana Reinero Pictures:
Sergio Riccardo
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104 February 12, 2016, ... just a word echoes in our ears: Revillagigedo Archipelago. We are at the Rome Fiumicino Airport, looking forward for the 15-hour journey ahead of us to get to La Paz, Mexico. Time seems rowing against us, threatening to make us lose our connecting flight to Mexico City from the Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris! After a timeless race, we are finally in La Paz, our first destination on the Mexican coast of Baja California. After a well-deserved rest, struggling with our first boat outings, the exhausting wait to see the humpback whales is becoming harder: under our bodies, we only feel the scent of the sea while we observe astonished the beautiful desert landscape surrounding us. The pinkish mountains and blue sea encourage photographers to seize their cameras, ready to catch indelible memories of this holiday. And here they go ... the first breath of a whale and then another one and another... Humpback whales, with their sinuous swimming, open and close the big mouth swallowing tons of plankton, gracefully dancing and showing their fins encrusted by barnacles. Photographing is not easy because the water is green, but the whales’ singing guides us through the waves, searching for the long-awaited perfect shot, those using a go-pro or a camcorder and those with cameras. Later, we decide to go searching for the whale sharks, the largest fish in the world. Finally we see, just below the water surface, the shark’s funny white dots. They are not much big in size, but their slowness in swimming and their tranquility in our presence allow us to film and photograph them at their best. Satisfied with your first day, we take our road back, while a fiery red sun sets behind us. Unaware about what was going to happen, we put back our camera gear but, gee, the humpback whales began to jump out of the water as dancers, showing all their
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majesty! Splashes raised for several meters out of the water and could be seen everywhere, on each side of the boat. How many emotions! The next day we went a little further to the North, still in the Sea of Cortez, to see the sea lions. Ready to dive, we hear the calls of some pinnipeds lounging on the rocks, in the sun, while others dive in search of prey and leisure. A few meters deep, we meet two cute lion cubs playing and having fun with our bubbles … they turn and turn over on themselves darting as wonderful sirens, grabbing, to nibble, our colored fins and our snorkel! It is now time to leave for the long-awaited expedition toward the Revillagigedo Archipelago: “only” 24 hours by boat await us from the port of San Jose del Cabo, a small town about a hundred kilometers south of La Paz. At the port, we embark on the “Southern Sport”, an excellent boat equip-
ped for diving. We are thrilled with the desire to reach the islands at the earliest. The wind and the sea are in our favor, driving us to destination. After a day sailing, here we are towards our first island, San Benedicto, a huge active volcano that rises from the sea in all its solemnity. Not even the time to drop the rubber dinghy at the sea that the first sharks come toward to us, magnificent specimens of Carcharhinus falciformis, best known under the name of silky sharks. Eager to cross their eyes underwater, we plunge with our diving equipment and cameras watching behind, below and in front of us the sharks, getting closer, accompanied by other smaller species such as white tip sharks (Triaenodon obesus). The biodiversity of this place is amazing: we find enormous jackfishes in schools, giant moray eels, lobsters, tunas and much more. The next day is time to go deeply into the heart of this journey, and we reach the island of Roca Partida ... all of you will think that it is an island of normal size … but no ... it is a rock of 80 meters in length and ten in height in the middle of the Pacific: an ancient volcano, now almost entirely collapsed. Surprised by the modesty of this little island, aware of the current that we would met and the undertow of several meters, we left for our 3 daily dives. Once we put our heads under water, along the volcano wall, we saw a series of rocky niches that attracted our curiosity. Along these “terraces” we observed dozens of white tip reef sharks, piled on each other, males and females, pregnant or not. Many of them sleep peacefully or rest after an exhausting hunt. Suddenly the current grabbed us, carrying us as “tourists” on a bus along the coast of the tiny rock of Roca Partida, and made us bump into Galapagos sharks (Carcharhinus galapagensis), silky sharks, silver-tip shark (Carcharhinus albimarginatus) and, last but not least ... in a school of a hundred hammerhead sharks (Sphyrna lewini). It’s impressive how all move at the same rhythm and maintain all the same distance. But more surprises came unexpected: shoals of jacks, tunas sized often more than sharks and, finally, we had the chance to enjoy the presence of 3 or 4 manta rays (Manta birostris) several meters large, that obscured the sun over our head. These giants of the sea, however, were not alone, but accompanied by remoras of considerable size. All the while, they
108 danced and twirled around us, channeling food with their big cephalic fins located at the end of the head. These have been the gifts that Roca Partida made us for three amazing days. At the weekend, we decided to go to Socorro, the largest island of the archipelago, inhabited only by a military base. Here too there was no lack of surprises and, at end of our dive, a cute dolphin greeted us by jumping all the time under the rubber dinghy, guiding us back to the boat. Still not satisfied, we spent our last day again in San Benedicto where, as usual, once the anchor dropped 3 or 4 silky sharks swam for hours around our boat. We dived at Boyler, a shoal off the island where we could enjoy the dance of the giant manta rays and, finally, at Canyon, where we first dived when we arrived, at the beginning of our cruise. The time comes to return, facing again the Pacific to the mainland ... except this time it’s different: adverse winds and sea do not favor our cruise. Still, we are pleased to have captured unique shots of those places so remote as well as fascinating. Exhausted by the journey and unhappy, we spent the last night ashore in Cabo San Lucas, a village a few kilometers from San Jose del Cabo. The joy and satisfaction of our marine encounters was crowned by an excellent dinner at the San Lucas Marina harbor accompanied, as usual, by an exquisite salt-and-lemon Mexican tequila ... and by a lot of shopping! The wakeup call of Tuesday, February 23 closed our 12 days expedition. We are all a bit heartbroken, but happy to have visited one of the most remote, exciting and unique places in the world: the Revillagigedo Archipelago, the “Mexican Galapagos.”
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For more information: DIVING TOUR ITALY: 081-8789115
www.divingtour.it info@divingtour.it
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From 1992 Diving & S.P.A
Nature
&
Archeology.
The magic of
’
men s art and
’
nature s art
in a wonderful place to be discovered
Via Miliscola, 163 80078 Pozzuoli (NA) - Italia Cell.: +39 3292155239 - tel./fax: +39 081 853 1563 from Tuesday to Sunday from 9.00 a.m to 8.00 p.m.- (monday we’re close) Email: info@centrosubcampiflegrei.it Web site: www.centrosubcampiflegrei.it
PHASE ONE XF up to -80m with NIXF NIMAR DIVE HOUSING
REVIEW
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By collaboration between Phase One, the world’s leader in digital Medium Format photography and NiMAR, Italian leader manufacturer of underwater housings for more than 30 years, born NIXF, the new underwater housing dedicated to PhaseOne XF 100MP. NIXF waterproof housing is designed with the photographer’s in water experience in mind. Built for durability, it is made from black Delrin, excellent material with high mechanical strenght and toughness properties . Compared to aluminum alloys this polymer offers excellent behavior in saline without oxidation problems. It is waterproof thanks to 3 hooks in stainless steel AISI 316 with safety clip so as to assure a proper closing. The practical mechanical controls in chrome-plated brass allow to manage intuitively and effectively all camera functions. A removable, anodized aluminum tray/bracket with grip handles is included, offering 3 practical adjustable positions, comfort and improved handling beneath the surface. T-mounts on top of the handles provide mounting points for lighting and strobe arms. Despite a thickness of ca. 17 mm the housing size and weight are kept to the minimum in order to facilitate the use underwater. On the top an external Flip Diopter Holder with magnifyer wet lens allow a better vision from camera waist level finder
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The front bayonet mount grants the installation of portholes and domes so as to use the most suitable lenses for underwater photography shooting. On the back cover a Pre-dive vacuum check system enables the photographer to perform a vacuum test prior to entering the water. This test will indicate whether the housing has been closed properly, and whether the housings’ O-rings are in good condition. In addiction a red led Moisture alarm alerts to any breach in the waterproof seal. Moreover, the NiMAR catalogue includes a wide range of compatible accessories like arms, lens holders, strobes, lights etc. The paper User’s Mounting Instructions and the tutorial online video, available on the NiMAR YouTube channel, rapidly and directly provide the user with all the information in order to use and mount the equipment properly. NIXF Technical Features: Housing material: Black Delrin acetal resin Depth rating: 80m / 262’ Overall dimensions body: L W H = 213mm (8,38”) 207mm (8,15”) 176mm (6,92”) Weight with side handles: 5,26kg (11,59lb) not including camera, lens, or port Set-up in water: Slightly negative 3 Aisi 316 S/S fasteners with clip catch Ergonomic side grip handles afford comfort and stability while maintaining access to controls Removable lens port in black Delrin with bayonet coupling Mechanical push-buttons 5 pin sync Flash Bulkhead Tripod mount Moisture Alarm Electrical Vacuum Pump
SHRIMPS
Words:
John Fifer
The word shrimp used in a derogatory manner can be used to identify someone as small or puny. Although these sea creatures are rather small, the role they play in our oceans is massive and their intricate behaviors and characteristics are just as big. With over 2000 different species, shrimp is a generic term that covers a wide spread and abundant group. Under the broader definition, shrimp may be synonymous with the name prawn even though these animals are slightly different. These names generally cover stalk-eyed swimming crustaceans with narrow muscular tails, long whisker like antenna and slender, spider like legs. Adult shrimp are filter feeding benthic animals that live close to the bottom. They are omnivorous and feed mainly on algae and other plant particles along with tiny fish and plankton in the water. Ever wonder what that crackling noise you hear underwater while diving is? One species of shrimp is known to stun its prey by making a loud noise with one of its claws making an audible snapping sound through the water. Shrimp are eaten by fish, crabs, sea urchins, sea stars, sea -birds, whales, dolphins, sharks and of course humans in addition to many other animal species as well. Unfortunately for their predators, shrimp are known to have a high tolerance to toxins and may actually contribute to high toxin levels in them. To escape their predators, some species flip off the seafloor and dive into the sediment while others use the protection of other animal species. Whether it’s getting an alert from a fish to scurry back into a hole, using the spikes of a sea urchin or chilling with a poisonous nudibranch, the shrimp knows how to make friends for protection. One of their coolest attributes and one of the most interesting things to observe are the relationships some shrimps have with other sea creatures. They can
be found in the tentacles of anemones, on sea stars and nudibranchs, on sea urchins, on corals and in and around the mouths of fish in addition to other interesting spots. Many shrimp have even adapted their coloration and shape to closely mimic the host they are residing on with to camouflage themselves. Needless to say, this can often times make them very tough to spot. Probably one of the most widely recognized shrimp behaviors is their cleaning station performances. Some species of shrimp perform a dance like movement by waving their antennae and scurrying around in a specific location to attract fish. This operation entices fish, including sharks and eels, to slowly come in and allow the shrimp to maneuver in and around the animal’s mouth and gills to pick off parasites without being eaten themselves. In this deal, the shrimp gets a meal and the fish gets a much needed cleaning.
CRITTER CORNER
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g n i t e e M
SMART
a Baia (NA)
Photographers by Scubashooters:
Isabella Maffei, Matteo Visconti From
29/9/2016 to 2/10/2016 During the festival
Location: Lido Montenuovo, Pozzuoli (Napoli) Special rate starting from 260 euros for person: 3 nights b&b and 4 dives in the best dive spot on the ancient submerged area of Baia.
vations r e se r & fo in info@pasqualevassallo.com tel +39 3393697793 For reservations: H2O +39 06 87451911 info@h2oviaggi.it
In collaboration with:
Laboratory for Digital Underwater Photography
CENTER OF iNTElligENCE. EDGE OF PERFORMANCE. • Crystal clear-scratch resistant mineral glass display • 4 dive modes: air-nitrox-bottom timer and freedive • Multi-gas for decompression diving • Backlight on demand • Replaceable battery Be intelligent. Take the edge of performance.
photo credits: Pasquale Vassallo
mares.com
A journey in and around Capodacqua - Pictures and text by David Salvatori Publisher Punta Campanella Diving
Reflections from the past “Reflections from the Past” is a photographic journey in the heart of Tirino valley in Italy, ending in the crystal clear waters of the Capodacqua lake, at the culmination of a journey in which the places visited by the author stimulated fascination and personal reflections. “Reflections from the Past” is an obvious line that connects all the photographic work, those of reflections of the images on the separate surfaces of water and air. In the end, Reflection is an instrument “of reflection”, a mirror to past fears and troubles, for which the exploration of Capodacqua and its surrounding areas is a “journey” whose powers of suggestion become encapsulated and processed in a symbolic way to represent an experience of personal growth of the author. The final goal is the achievement of a positive thought, peaceful, calm and as clear as the lake’s water; the communion with water being the road to rescue, the map to discovery of what is true and real in life.
www.reflectionsfromthepast.com
www.facebook.com/ReflectionsFromThePastTheBook
BigAnimals Expeditions | SNORKELING WITH ORCAS Nov 1 -2 , 201
BigAnimals Expeditions | SNORKELING WITH ORCAS Nov 1 -2 , 201
Snorkeling with orcaS Join us on one of the most exciting of our BigAnimals Expeditions in one of the world’s most beautiful locations. Orcas, more popularly known as Killer Whales, PGUFO UISJMM PVS HVFTUT JO B TJHOBUVSF Amos Nachoum “Big Animal� Adventure &YQFSJFODF.
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Join us on one of the most exciting of our Biganimals expeditions in one of the world’s most beautiful locations.
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As the majestic Arctic coastline and stunning fjords come into view, we will become captivated by the warm, brief photographic sunlight rising and lowering over snow-covered peaks. Our Orca adventure begins as we board Miss Sula, a 90-foot retro-fitted trawler that has spent years plying Norway’s fjords. Once aboard, its quarters become part of the experience, one that creates a special bond with new friends sharing a totally unique wildlife experience. One where we will view massive schools of herring chased by orcas, as well as humpbacks that have modified their primary diet of krill to include herring. This is just the tip of the iceberg. There is a lot of action to squeeze into a four hour day when the sun rises around 10am and darkness is upon us by 3pm. Light is limited at this time of year, but the frigid waters of the North Sea are exceedingy clear, boasting horizontal visibility up to 50 feet, and vertical visibility up to 100 feet.
We begin cruising through the majestic fjords early in the morning as the light is just starting to shine. As soon as we spot the Orca pods, which can sometimes take up to two hours, we split the team into two so that each Zodiac carries only four divers.
M/V Sula
M/V Sula offers a lounge, equipment and drying room. It is fully heated with five cabins (four doubles and one quad) equipped with washbasins, but we keep the ship feeling spacious by limiting the trip to 8 divers. The boat has shared toilets and a shower. It’s cozy, offering a unique charm to view incredible Norway sights. Six enthusiastic crew members are committed to assist us. A professional chef will see that we are well fed. All food and soft drinks are included in the trip.
During Norway’s frigid winter, its majestic Arctic coastline and stunning fjords attract voluminous schools of herring, which in turn attract pods of Orcas. After determining the direction baitfish are being chased by resident Orcas, we will pursue these magnificent mammals until we can slip silently into the water for close up views and photographs of these magnificent mammals satiating their huge appetites. The trip is greater enhanced by the pod’s social behavior. Not unlike the humpback whales unique “bubbling� feeding technique, Orcas display an activity called “carouseling.� Swimming under schools of herring, they exhale volumes of air bubbles to separate herring schools. Separated and carried helplessly towards the surface, smaller bait balls make easy pickings for hungry pods. An activity witnessed by only a handful of snorkelers allows you the privilege to view the whale during its unique feeding behavior. Quietly, two of us at a time will slip into the water to observe the pod feeding. While we are snorkeling and free-diving, Orcas, curious by nature, will amaze us with very close encounters. You can count on my photographic experience to help make this nine-day trip one of a lifetime. BigAnimals.com | info@biganimals.com | 189 Evans Ave #A, Pacific Grove, CA 93950 | Phone 831.241.6657 | Š AMOS NACHOUM PHOTOGRAPHY
BigAnimals.com | info@biganimals.com | 189 Evans Ave #A, Pacific Grove, CA 93950 | Phone 831.241.6657 | Š AMOS NACHOUM PHOTOGRAPHY
BigAnimals Expeditions | SNORKELING WITH ORCAS Nov 1 -2 , 201
BigAnimals Expeditions | SNORKELING WITH ORCAS Nov 1 -2 , 201
Lofoten Islands, Norway /PW Space Very Limited (8 guest maximum) Two Zodiacs – 4 divers for more action NORWAY EXPERIENCE: 2 years WHERE: Lofoten IslandT, Norway DATES: /PW
AMOS NACHOUM Expedition Leader Amos, twice recognized as BBC’s Wildlife Photographer of the Year, has been featured on National Geographic, the BBC, and Discovery Channel showcasing his adventurous worldwide explorations. He has spent more than 22 years studying, experiencing, and snorkeling with Norway’s Orcas. There is no one who can meet his talent in sharing the use of wide-angle lens and ambient-light photography in a one on one situation, along with other techniques required for getting the best resolution, imagery, and color throughout the trip. Amos uses his leadership and photography skills to artfully capture the lives of Ocean Giants whose existence is under threat, but whose hope of survival is linked to us communicating the truth. BigAnimals Expeditions are designed to add value to your life experience, to generate attention for endangered species, to aid in their preservation and to provoke public awareness and opinion.
DURATION: 9 days MAX NO. OF GUESTS:
AMANDA COTTON Expedition Leader /PWFNCFS
Amanda is a professional underwater photographer, an avid scuba diver and ocean enthusiast. Her goal is to help the general public embrace the beauty below the waves, in hopes that with awareness comes concern. Amanda runs a design /media company, A COTTON PHOTO Creative Works LLC, and also enjoys working with like-minded organizations that genuinely care about the planet and its inhabitants. Amanda is a member of many prestigious organizations and has received numerous photography awards with her images being featured in major publications and news sources worldwide. Amanda is a wide-angle specialist with many years of experience photographing sharks and other big marine animals.
Enhance your photographic skills with Amos and Amanda. The Experience is Priceless! BigAnimals’ Unique Services – raising the bar of services in every adventure we operate around the world is our policy. We lead by example with an immaculate safety record for 35 years. Each wildlife expedition is carefully scouted before offered to the public and we schedule departures only during peak animal presence and behavior displays. Orca expeditions are strictly limited to only 8 privileged guests. This is with consideration of the Orca welfare and feeding behavior, for your safety and to provides you with room to move comfortably on the mother boat and on the zodiac, ample space in which to photograph and film, with personalized attention and advice.
PRICING: $ per person, based on double occupancy REGISTRATION: Deposit of $ , 00 VESSEL: 100’ M/V Sula ACTIVITIES: Snorkeling and photography TEMPERATURE: Daytime 32-40°F. Water temperature 34-38°F TRIP PRICE INCLUDES: • 6 day and 6 nights on Board the Sula • All meals on board • All diving services, two zodiacs • Only 8 guests – on 12 beds vessel • Fuel and taxes • Amos & Amanda leadership and photo coaching TRIP PRICE EXCLUDES: • International and domestic airfare • Overnight hotels when required schedules at Radisson Blu • Additional transfers and meals • Overweight or excess baggage • Personal charges such as laundry, bar, and telecommunication charges • Insurance–it is mandatory you purchase travel, health, and diving insurance • Loss of gear and equipment • Drysuit rental is available • Gratuities
BigAnimals.com | info@biganimals.com | 189 Evans Ave #A, Pacific Grove, CA 93950 | Phone 831.241.6657 | Š AMOS NACHOUM PHOTOGRAPHY
orcaS trip itinerary - NOV 18-26, 2016
day 1 – departure /07 , 201 – This day is for travelers departing from the USA on a flight to Oslo. Arrives the next day. /07 – This is a travel day for guests arriving from Europe. After clearing Oslo customs, we proceed to connecting flight to Tromso where the vessel is waiting our boarding on the next day. Upon arrival, take a taxi to the Radisson Blu, were we all meet after 8 pm. More specific information will be included in your travel preparation information.
day 2
/07 , 201 – Morning free, we meet again at 2pm. and make plan to board the vessel.
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day 3-8 /07 , 201 – At first light each day, we begin our search for Orcas. The following six days will be spent in cold, clear Norwegian winter water surrounded by a spectacular Arctic landscape, and the probability of seeing awesome displays of the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis.) We’ll cruise in the protection of the fjords as other whale watching vessels, fishermen, and ferries radio information to help our search for Orca pods.
day 9 /07 , 201 – After a day at sea, we depart M/V Sula in the early evening around 6pm and spend our last night at the Radisson Blu hotel.
return /07 201 – The first morning flight to Oslo allows us to connect to our flights home.
/07 , 201 OR +"/ 'FC , 201
PAYMENT POLICY AND DEPOSIT: A non-refundable deposit of 33% of total trip price is required. Once deposit is received, a comprehensive and detailed trip preparation confirmation will be sent to you. Prior to reservation confirmation, BigAnimals reserves the right to change trip costs without prior notice. Full payment is due no later than 90 days before departure. Space not paid in full 60 days prior to departure will be offered to those on waiting list. If a written cancelation and refund is requested, and if that space can be filled, unrecoverable sales including administration and special promotions, will be deducted. If cancellation is made 180 days prior to departure, deposits are non-refundable including any unused part of the itinerary. Destination circumstances may make dates and prices subject to change without prior notice. These policies afford the best possible adventure for the few who are able to secure our limited space.
BigAnimals.com | info@biganimals.com | 189 Evans Ave #A, Pacific Grove, CA 93950 | Phone 831.241.6657 | Š AMOS NACHOUM PHOTOGRAPHY
N O LL II M M I IT T N O
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