Reviewing a book by Ila France Porcher inevitably comes with a certain awkwardness. She has long been one of X-Ray Magazine’s most thoughtful and prolific contributors, particularly on shark behaviour and marine animal cognition. Complete neutrality may therefore be difficult to claim outright. Still, Yes, Fish Feel Pain raises questions that deserve engagement regardless of familiarity with the author.

Simon Pridmore returns with Technically Speaking: Talks on Technical Diving, Volume 2, a new anthology of his popular dive-themed essays and stories. As one of the most prolific contributors to X-Ray Mag, Pridmore brings together 28 pieces—many previously published, others entirely new—that reflect his global experiences and deep engagement with the diving community.

Explore the underwater museums preserved in time through stunning photography from award-winning photographer, and X-Ray Magazine contributor, Brandi Mueller, and captivating firsthand stories of diving the wrecks and the history of how they came to rest at the bottom of the sea.

The book offers a deep dive into the various marine species inhabiting these waters, from the shallow coastal zones to the deeper offshore environments.

This guide is structured to cater to both casual observers and serious marine enthusiasts. It begins with a detailed introduction to the North Sea and English Channel, describing the physical and biological processes that define these marine environments. Wood discusses the impact of geographical changes over millennia on current marine habitats and elaborates on the influence of the Atlantic Ocean on local marine life.

From sunken planes near Guadalcanal and Sherman tanks off the shores of Saipan to forgotten medical bottles inside a ship meant for American soldiers in Vanuatu, WWII has left a wealth of underwater artefacts. The twisted remains of war—symbols of destruction and loss—now serve as vibrant coral reefs, bustling with marine life in the Pacific's depths.

Authored by seasoned divers and X-Ray Mag contributors Nigel Marsh and Andy Murch, Diving With Sharks delves into the fascinating world of sharks, offering readers expert advice on how to safely engage with these magnificent creatures. The book covers a wide range of topics, from understanding shark behaviour and biology to selecting the best gear and locations for shark diving.

On 7 December 1941, Japanese aircraft launched a surprise attack on Pearl Harbor, crippling the US Pacific Fleet. Eight battleships, along with several other vessels, were sunk or damaged, and 2,403 Americans lost their lives. Within a week, a major salvage operation began, quickly restoring battleships like Pennsylvania and Tennessee to service. Eventually, six of the eight battleships returned, upgraded with enhanced defenses. These ships played crucial roles in the reconquest of the Aleutians and the Philippines and in major battles like Leyte Gulf and Iwo Jima.

The Mediterranean has long been the most popular tourism destination for divers as the warm clear water is incredibly productive with marine life and it covers all of the area from Gibraltar to the shores of Israel and the Adriatic. 

Special mention has been made of the widening and dredging of the Suez Canal and how this has irrevocably altered the balance of marine life in the eastern Mediterranean.  

• A history of scuba diving, highlighting inventions, events, and pioneers.
   
• A decade-by-decade account of the evolution of scuba diving beginning in the 1930s.
   
• Interviews with pioneers of diving’s early days read their stories in their own words.