X-Ray Mag #127

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Feature articles in this issue with stand-alone pdfs

Svetlana Murashkina   Photos courtesy of Bill Acker , David Fleetham
Photo by David Fleetham

The island of Yap, a tiny dot in the vast Pacific Ocean, is home to a world-renowned divе resort, embedded in the authentic culture and traditions of the Yapese people. It all happened because of one person whose charisma, enthusiasm and desire to share the thrill of diving became the driving force behind the development of diving in Yap. That person is Bill Acker, founder and owner of Manta Ray Bay Resort & Yap Divers. Svetlana Murashkina tells his story.

Pierre Constant   Pierre Constant
Photo by Pierre Constant

There are wonders to discover and explore in Cuba’s natural world, both above and below the surface of the sea, from endemic species of marine life to exotic birds and animals in the national parks. Pierre Constant shares his journey there.

Simon Pridmore  
Photo by Derek Keats CC BY 2.0

What happens when confusion hits a group of divers during a dive trip? Simon Pridmore takes a closer look and offers insights and advice to keep you diving safely.

Andy Murch   Andy Murch
Photo by Andy Murch

Having photographed most of the sharks and rays that can be seen on scuba around the world, Andy Murch is doggedly pursuing the remaining few. Recently, his elasmobranch obsession took him to Papua New Guinea, where he hoped to find three endemic species of epaulette sharks.

Brandi Mueller   Brandi Mueller
Photo by Brandi Mueller

The Atlantic island of Madeira, located off the northwestern coast of Africa, is an oasis of rugged natural beauty both above and below the waves. With a rich cultural heritage and unique traditional cuisine, it has much to offer visitors. Brandi Mueller shares her adventure there.

Daniel Brinckmann   Daniel Brinckmann
Photo by Daniel Brinckmann

In some developing countries, dolphin and whale watching is not very common. In Madeira, the authorities, biologists and whale-watching operators are working together to promote conservation and research. They aim to ensure that visitors can continue to enjoy amazing encounters with these animals in the future. Daniel Brinckmann has the story.

X-Ray Mag Contributors   X-Ray Mag Contributors
Photo by Gary Rose

We asked our contributors to share their favorite underwater images that showcase the distinctive features of various underwater creatures, and they returned with a broad selection of macro and wide-angle shots featuring a variety of marine life, from majestic sharks and sea turtles to tiny nudibranchs and crustaceans.

John Ares  
Photo by Nulcheck CC BY-SA 4.0

How does sensor size impact image quality? Underwater photographer John Ares offers insights into the realm of camera sensors.

David Fleetham   David Fleetham
Photo by David Fleetham

In the western Pacific island group of Yap, divers can enjoy beautiful tropical reefs teeming with diverse marine life, including majestic manta rays, and experience the thrill of blackwater diving. Underwater photo pro David Fleetham tells us about his adventure there.

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Other articles and news in this edition

Photo by JonnyBelvedere / Pixabay

Understanding the natural resilience and challenges faced by atoll islands in the context of climate change.

Illustration by Peter Symes / Midjourney

New initiative aims to harness Florida's coastal resources for economic growth and enhance its position as a premier destination for recreational diving.

Photo by personnel of NOAA Ship Rainier / public domain

The US government has recently launched its National Ocean Biodiversity Strategy to safeguard the rich biodiversity of the nation's oceans, coasts, and Great Lakes. 

Illustration by Peter Symes / Midjourney

Recent studies reveal that bumblebees can endure up to a week submerged in water by entering a hibernation-like state.

Photo by Mark Sullivan / NOAA / public domain

Sea turtle nesting season marks a critical period for the vulnerable and endangered species' activities worldwide. Florida Atlantic University researchers provide guidelines to safeguard the nesting sites.

Photo courtesy of Kurt Amsler

Groundbreaking research using AI technology offers a glimpse into the complex communication system of sperm whales.

Photo by Gregory Smith CC BY-SA 2.0

A landmark agreement signed by nine countries aims to safeguard the world’s endangered river dolphin species.

Photo by Katherine Eltz / news release

Ultrasound technology is being used to determine whether turtles which have been caught in the fishing nets and brought to the surface have the "bends".

Photo by Energean / Israel Antiquities Authority press release

This ancient vessel, dating back approximately 3,300 years to the Bronze Age, offers invaluable insights into early seafaring and the maritime trade networks of the time.

Photo courtesy of China's National Cultural Heritage Administration via press release

Recent underwater excavations have uncovered Ming Dynasty treasures, shedding light on China's thriving maritime trade.

Photo courtesy of Philippines Department of Tourism via news release

The introduction of a hyperbaric chamber in Boracay marks a significant step forward in enhancing medical support for divers and strengthening the island's tourism infrastructure.

Photo courtesy of Lyle Krannichfeld and Brandi Romano

Researchers in Hawaii have documented the first sighting of sex between humpback whales. Remarkably, it was an encounter between two males. Scientists have long puzzled over the mysteries of these majestic creatures, known for their intricate social structures. However, despite extensive research, reports of sexual encounters among humpback whales have remained elusive until now.

Photo courtesy of Cecilia Hampton / FAU Harbor Branch / Florida Atlantic University

Study confirms that cownose rays can now be found in Bermuda waters, a new development that may be caused by atmospheric conditions.

Photo by Dr Dwayne Meadows, NOAA, NMFS, OPR / public domain

In a groundbreaking study published in Nature Ecology & Evolution, over one hundred marine scientists uncover compelling evidence of the profound benefits of fully protected marine areas in nurturing shark populations and preserving marine ecosystems.

Photo by Archaeological and Anthropological Sciences / CC BY 4.0

A new type of amphora has been discovered in a Roman shipwreck that sank in the 4th century.

Photo by White WT, et al / CC BY 4.0

A newly discovered species of hornshark, Heterodontus marshallae, has been identified in northwestern Australia.

Photo by Brocken Inaglory / CC BY-SA 4.0

Scientists uncover the unique sleep habits of elephant seals during their deep-sea dives.

Illustration by Peter Symes / Midjourney

Innovative research reveals how octopuses adapt to frigid waters by editing their RNA, a finding that could have broad implications for biology and biotechnology.

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