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The proposed location of Dubai Reefs. Photo: URB
The proposed location of Dubai Reefs.

Dubai aims to create world's largest artificial reef

The project, which is currently only in the research and development stage, will consist of a series of interconnected islands that will host humans in luxury eco-lodges, surrounded by millions of mangrove trees.

'The 'floating living lab', dubbed Dubai Reefs also aims to create an artificial reef ecosystem below the islands, spanning approximately 200 square kilometres, that will provide a home for one billion corals, as well as turtles, fish and other marine life along the Dubai coastline. 

 

 

Male northern elephant seal
Male northern elephant seal

Elephant seals sleep and dive at the same time

A new study involving elephant seals fitted with caps similar to those worn by humans in sleep clinics to measure electroencephalographic activity, or brain waves, has revealed the seals take short naps during deep dives. Unlike other marine mammals, they enter rapid eye movement, or REM, sleep, with accompanying paralysis, but do so at depths below those occupied by their predators. 

Introducing the Adventures Edition of the Peregrine Dive Computer

Shearwater Research Inc., a global leader in dive technology, is thrilled to announce the launch of the Adventures Edition of the popular Peregrine Dive Computer, featuring two stunning new variants.

The contrasting Light and Dark Edition options draw inspiration from the exploration of vivid and diverse underwater worlds while embodying the spirit of adventure that defines the Shearwater brand.

Getting all the wiser

I have done a fair deal of dive training over the years—mostly out of simple curiosity, professional interest, a desire to acquire more skills, and to be all the wiser.

Most of the acquired skills, I never or rarely use in regular diving, most of which is the plain vanilla variety anyway—that is, no-decompression, open circuit and no fancy gasses, except for the occasional use of nitrox. Keeping it simple has its virtues.

Shearwater Research Appoints New CEO and VP of Sales & Marketing

Current CEO Jim Hartt will be retiring on July 31, 2023. “Lynn and I would like to thank Jim for guiding Shearwater through the eventful past four years and wish him well in his retirement” said Shearwater’s founder and Board member Bruce Partridge.

“We are also confident and excited about the company’s continued success under Jason’s leadership”.

Jason Leggatt brings over 22 years of experience in the marine industry, having previously served as the President of Mustang Survival, a leading personal protective equipment company.

Last Minute Cabins to Komodo and Alor on the Arenui

The Arenui has limited availability on their schedule until 2026-2027. So if you were thinking of diving Komodo or Alor, now is the time to take advantage of these last minute openings.

May 4-15, 2023: There is a single space in a male shared cabin available on this 11 night cruise through Alor and Komodo, beginning in Maumere and ending in Labuanbajo.

June 16-24, 2023: There are two single beds, one male and one female, available on this 8 night cruise through Komodo and Sumbawa, beginning in Bali and ending in Labuanbajo.

Epic Underwater Photography: Contributors' Picks

Cave diver in cave, photo by Brandi Mueller
Photo by Brandi Mueller: A cave diver swims through a tunnel with smooth walls on all sides. Mexico. Gear: Nikon Z 7II camera, Ikelite housing, Kraken lights. Exposure: ISO 2500, f/7.1, 1/60s

We asked our contrib­utors what their favorite epic underwater images were and they returned with a diverse selection of photos capturing epic adventures and interactions with marine life in the underwater world.

Paul Fearn Portfolio

Three Colours Blue I and II, by Paul Fearn
Three Colours Blue I and II Diptych by Paul Fearn. Copper sheet painting with patinas, two 40 x 30cm panels

British artist and avid diver Paul Fearn paints beautiful underwater scenes and marine life on copper metal plates, using unique patinas that evoke the ambiance and watery depths of the underwater realm. X-Ray Mag interviewed the artist, who is based in West Sussex, to learn more about his unique artistic process as well as his perspectives on diving and saving the fragile ecosystems of our oceans.

UW Photo: Botanical Comparisons

A Corallimorph and A Lotus Flower Pod
Comparison: Circular. Photo 9. (left) A Lotus Flower Pod; Photo 10. (right) A Corallimorph, both by Anita George-Ares

Have you ever noticed how an underwater sea anemone or coral form might resemble a flower or plant found on land? Photographers Anita George-Ares and John A. Ares take a colorful dive into the realm of botanical comparisons, with side-by-side shots of flora and fauna above and below the waves.