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Researchers Dione Decker (left) and Professor Maria Byrne, with an adult crown-of-thorns starfish at the Great Barrier Reef.
Researchers Dione Decker (left) and Professor Maria Byrne, with an adult crown-of-thorns starfish at the Great Barrier Reef.

Crown-of-thorns starfish lie in wait for corals to recover

4 years ago By Chief minion

It is common knowledge that the crown-of-thorns starfish is the bane of coral reef communities. What is lesser known is that this species does not feed on only corals. Rather, in its juvenile stage, it feeds on algae. Then, as it matures into an adult, it will switch to a diet of corals.

Based on new research reported in the Biology Letters journal, the starfish has the ability to adjust the timing of its dietary change based on the availability of coral in the vicinity.

Whale Shark
Whale Shark

Whale sharks live an incredibly long time

4 years ago By Sum Won

Many divers dream of the day they find themselves swimming beside a whale shark. Its gentle demeanour and huge size presents a unique humbling experience that is second to none.

Yet, there is much we still do not know about whale sharks.

Today, one of their hidden mysteries have been unlocked–their age.

Until recently, it was hard to fix a number to their age, as they do not have bony structures (otoliths) which are traditionally used to calculate the age of fish.

Ways to support your dive store or operator

Dive operators grapple with coronavirus outbreak as demand collapses

4 years ago By Chief minion

While various governments, as of writing this, are mulling over various subsidies or bailouts to tide over whole sectors of business to the other side of the coronavirus outbreak, much uncertainty and concern for the future remains at this juncture among operators with whom X-Ray Mag has spoken about the matter.

Ways to support your dive store or operator

Dive operators grapple with coronavirus outbreak as demand collapses

4 years ago By Chief minion

While various governments, as of writing this, are mulling over various subsidies or bailouts to tide over whole sectors of business to the other side of the coronavirus outbreak, much uncertainty and concern for the future remains at this juncture among operators with whom X-Ray Mag has spoken about the matter.

Practice underwater photography at home, with free video tutorials by Brent Durand.

Stuck inside? Improve your underwater photography while at home

4 years ago By My Minion

"We are all aware of the stresses rippling through the dive industry as a result of COVID-19," said Durand. "To help look at the bright side, I have started a weekly video tutorial series on how to improve your underwater photography and video while at home.

 The first video in the series focuses on depth of field, exposure challenges, composition and creative lighting techniques.

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Brush up on underwater photography camera settings and how to use camera gear with free video tutorials about lights, strobe positioning, black backgrounds, wet lenses and composition tips.To watch the free video tutorials, go to the photographer’s YouTube channel at: youtube.com/brentdurand.

Anyone is welcome to join in—you don't need to have a GUE qualification—and you don't need any previous experience. And because this is a 'dry' course, you don't need to be a scuba diver! The Sessions This class has has been broken up into four sections, to enable you to go and try what is taught between sessions. You do need to do all four sessions, and it will be live, not pre-recorded. Each session will last about an hour. Monday 30 March - 16.00 BST Thursday 2 April - 16.00 BST Monday 6 April - 16.00 BST Thursday 9 April - 16.00 BST How do I sign up? Just follow this link. You don't need any special equipment, and you can use your camera phone. Tips If you take part and enjoy the course, you might want to consider buying John a 'virtual beer'. Most folks who work in the diving industry are self employed, and since the COVID-19 crisis has kicked off, all their paid work has evaporated. A virtual beer will certainly be appreciated. Did you miss the first session? If you missed the first session tha

FREE Intro to photogrammetry class—starts today!

4 years ago By Rosemary E Lunn

Anyone is welcome to join in—you don't need to have a GUE qualification—and you don't need any previous experience. And because this is a 'dry' course, you don't need to be a scuba diver!

The Sessions

This class has has been broken up into four sections, to enable you to go and try what is taught between sessions. You do need to do all four sessions, and it will be live, not pre-recorded. Each session will last about an hour.

Monday 30 March - 16.00 BST
Thursday 2 April - 16.00 BST
Monday 6 April - 16.00 BST
Thursday 9 April - 16.00 BST

A good cup of coffee is always conducive for some straight thinking I find

Reassessing Our Priorities — and keeping a cool head

4 years ago By Peter Symes

Who would have thought that the day would come when I would publicly state that there are more important things in life than diving. After all, the aquatic environment has been my passion and calling for as long as I can remember. I was that toddler on the beach collecting starfish and small crabs in my red bucket, the public swimming pool was my preferred playground after school, and I specialised in aquatic ecology for my master's degree, not to mention taking up diving early on and becoming an underwater photographer.