The findings from UC Santa Barbara’s Marine Science Institute provide compelling evidence of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) value to the scuba diving industry and local economies. As global leaders aim to protect 30% of land and water by 2030, understanding the diverse benefits of MPAs is crucial for informed decision-making and sustainable coastal management.
Contrary to long-standing beliefs, recent research has revealed that grey reef sharks can rest, overturning the assumption that they must constantly swim to breathe. This groundbreaking discovery, made in the Seychelles, offers new insights into the physiology and behaviour of these marine predators.
Researchers conducted trials using SMART drumlines in New South Wales, Australia, to catch and release sharks, particularly White Sharks. The study aimed to quantify the short-term post-release movements and the longer-term fate of these sharks.
Sharks were caught using SMART drumlines deployed about 500 meters from shore. Once captured, they were quickly secured to a research vessel, minimising potential injuries. The sharks were tagged with satellite-linked radio transmitting tags and acoustic transmitters to monitor their movements post-release.
Sharks are known for their remarkable ability to heal quickly from wounds. The mucus layer on their skin plays a crucial role in this process. Recent research has uncovered that the mucus layer on shark skin possesses properties that could be beneficial in medical applications, particularly in wound care.
During the DEMA Show in New Orleans, I encountered a dive industry colleague who appeared quite distressed. He had just discovered that a Formula One race was scheduled concurrently with the next DEMA Show in Las Vegas. His concern was that securing a hotel would be impossible, as he believed everything was already booked. At that moment, I was somewhat sceptical of his concern.
Originally developed for use in pesticides, paints and fire-resistant materials, POPs are highly toxic and do not easily break down in nature. These chemicals have leached into the soil, air and waterways, eventually reaching the ocean. They are absorbed by plankton at the bottom of the food chain and increase in concentration through a process known as biomagnification. As a result, marine mammals, which are at the top of the food chain, accumulate high levels of these toxins.
Diving is a recreational pastime, meant to offer pleasure and respite from our hectic work schedules and the relentless flood of troubling news that seems to worsen daily.
We have always strived to write about and focus on the wonderful adventures, the beauty of the underwater realm, and to provide educational infotainment that enhances our experiences and appreciation of what lies beneath the surface.
Many Undercurrent readers will be familiar with the issues surrounding Wetpixel, its travel programme and its owner, Adam Hanlon.
Concerns about the knock-on impact of its popular community forum were never addressed. New members were not being approved, guest access was closed off and its front page was not updated for some months.
As a result, a small group of long-term members have got together and developed a new underwater photography forum called Waterpixels!
The fate of coral atolls amidst rising sea levels has been a subject of intense debate and concern. Recent studies and ecological restoration efforts suggest that these unique island formations might have the potential to grow at a rate that could outpace sea level rise, offering a glimmer of hope for their future.
(TOP BANNER IMAGE: Samuel Scott / Wikimedia / public domain)
The San José, a three-decked galleon approximately 150ft long and armed with 64 guns, sank during a battle with British ships in 1708. It is believed to contain 11 million gold and silver coins, emeralds and other precious cargo from Spanish colonies. Researchers have identified bronze cannons, ceramic and porcelain vases, and personal weapons among the artefacts, confirming the wreck’s identity.
The competition invited submissions to seven image categories and one video category, with entries evaluated by a panel of award-winning photographers: Stephen Frink, Renee Capozzola, Scott “Gutsy” Tuason, Allison Vitsky Sallmon, Matty Smith and Amanda Cotton.
