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Isabelle Côté, a Simon Fraser University professor of marine ecology and conservation, has co-authored a new study that finds little would be lost by eliminating high seas fishing.

In this study Côté and her colleagues evaluated the impact of closing deep-sea fishing on fisheries' catches and values, and their economic consequences for individual countries, identifying which nations would stand to financially gain or lose.

Pacific bluefin tuna are unique amongst bony fish as they are endothermic (warm bodied) and can raise their core body temperature to 20°C above that of the surrounding water.

These animals are also capable of diving to depths of more than 1000 meter where the water is frigid. This chills the heart because it receives blood directly from the gills which mirrors water temperature. During deep dives their body temperature stays warm but their heart temperature can fall by 15°C within minutes. In other animals, humans included, this would stop the heart.

The Madagascar government has established its first shark sanctuary in an area celebrated for marine biodiversity. According to the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), the new marine protections apply to Antongil Bay, located in northwestern Madagascar and renowned for its coral reefs and seasonal humpback whale population.

Using the staghorn coral Acropora millepora as a model, scientists from the University of Southampton have found that the fluorescent pigments that are mostly responsible for coral colours act as sunscreens for the symbiotic algae that live in the coral tissue. These alga require light to produce sugars, which they can contribute to the nutrition of the corals in return for the shelter and the supply of nutrients that are provided by the coral host.

The ISDHOF has announced the 2015 Inductees.

Many congratulations to Bill High, Peter Hughes, Dr Albert Jones, Wally Muller and Dimitri Rebikoff!

BSAC wants to understand how it can use digital tools and services (website, data management, emails, social media etc) to better effect.

To that end they have commissioned an independent research study. They would like to hear from existing members and lapsed members. The survey is also for divers or snorkellers that have never been a member of BSAC. This is your opportunity to feed into the process and have your views taken on board.

Following an AUAS Board Meeting on 13th January 2015, it has been confirmed that Dan Orr has been elected President of the Academy.

Dan, a diver of nearly 50 years standing, and a dive professional for over 40 years, brings a wealth of experience to the role.

To be designated as a Certified Association Executive, an applicant must have a minimum of three years of experience with nonprofit organization management, complete a minimum of 100 hours of specialized professional development, pass a stringent examination in association management, and pledge to uphold a code of ethics.

Scientists studying Baird's beaked whales have discovered they form long-term alliances. In findings published in the journal Marine Mammal Science, researchers who identified individual whales by scars on their bodies are calling for hunting of the species to be halted while more information is gathered about their complex social structure. Currently, they are hunted off northern Japan.

In addition the current state of the domestic economy also forced a number of local exhibitors to withdraw from the show due to lack of funds.

Compared to the previous year only 30% of the booths were sold at this juncture and as consequence, after after consulting with leaders of the diving community, the management decided to postpone the Festival "Golden Dolphin" until 2016 and ask the audience for their understanding under the circumstances.