Far away from the stress of everyday life and modern civilisation lies a paradise in the middle of the Coral Triangle, where time has stood still. Claudia Weber-Gebert tells of her adventure to Indonesia’s Banda Sea and the Forgotten Islands.
We asked our contributors to share their favorite underwater images that use black as a design element, and they came back with a dynamic selection of macro and wide-angle shots featuring a diverse range of marine life, haunting wreck scenes, dramatic underwater topography, and even divers.
In the waters of Malta, an island nation in the Mediterranean Sea, there are several deep wrecks accessible to technical divers. One is the Second World War British destroyer HMS Southwold. Kurt Storms tells us about his dive on the wreck.
Ever wonder why the number of weights you need to wear changes from dive to dive or why there is a significant difference in the air left in your cylinder on similar dives? Simon Pridmore investigates these mysteries and offers insights and advice on how to deal with them.
What does it take to create a YouTube channel about the underwater realm with more than a million subscribers? BlueWorldTV is arguably one of the most visited channels on YouTube for divers and anyone interested in what lies below the surface. X-Ray Mag editor Peter Symes sat down with founder and principal content creator Jonathan Bird to discuss content creation, creativity and connecting with an audience.
Porto Santo Island, the northernmost island of the Portuguese archipelago of Madeira in the Atlantic Ocean, is known as a golden oasis with turquoise waters. There is a variety of diving to be enjoyed, from wrecks to rocky reefs with diverse marine life, as well as great food and a relaxed atmosphere. Brandi Mueller shares her adventure there.
An article recently published by the BBC discusses the latest scientific findings on consciousness in animals. It states that not only do the “higher” animals, such as birds and mammals, appear to experience consciousness, but likely all vertebrates do. The cephalopod molluscs, including octopuses, insects and at least some crustaceans, are also mentioned as having shown evidence of consciousness. Ila France Porcher takes a closer look and provides insights into the cognitive lives of marine life.
The Solomon Islands, located in the southwestern Pacific region of Melanesia, offer divers a plethora of underwater experiences, from pristine coral reefs to World War II wrecks. Matthew Meier tells of his return to this island oasis, where remnants of the islands’ military history can be viewed on land and under the sea.
Tuna: Majestic oceanic wanderers, renowned for their muscularity, speed and elegance, now often end up in cans sold with “dolphin-safe” labels. It is crucial to look beyond these labels and ensure sustainable fishing practices have been applied and the species in question is not endangered. Daniel Brinckmann reports.
Researchers have documented how climate change is reshaping the behaviour of grey reef sharks, a species crucial to coral reef ecosystems. Increasing environmental stress is pushing these sharks to spend less time in their traditional habitats, potentially impacting both their survival and the health of the reefs.
A recent study highlights how the noise from boats, both large and small, disrupts the orcas' ability to hunt, in the inland waters of The Salish Sea, off the coast of Washington and British Columbia.
The Tern TX is the middle model in Shearwater’s “watch series” of dive computers. The series includes the little brother Tern and the big brother Teric. Tern TX is a dive computer for more advanced sport diving, up to advanced nitrox.
Sometimes, you can get a feeling for a product just by holding it in your hand, and that was the case here. And the feeling was good...
The wreck of HMS Hawke, a British Royal Navy cruiser, which was torpedoed by the German submarine U-9 on 15 October 1914 and presumed lost for over a century, has been located off the Scottish coast.
For the first time, tiger sharks have been photographed near Easter Island in the South-East Pacific. While there have been anecdotal reports of tiger sharks in this region before, this is the first time such sightings have been documented scientifically.
A new global study has shed light on the genetic diversity of the great white shark, an apex predator found in oceans worldwide. Having been subject to extreme fishing pressure by industrial fishing fleets as well as recreational fishermen, the species is currently classified as Vulnerable on a global scale and Critically Endangered in Europe.
The largest shark species, such as tiger sharks and great whites, have a strong ecological role in healthy oceans, but they have been the most severely affected by fisheries. Seven decades of industrial over-fishing has so depleted them that in vast regions they no longer fulfil their ecological functions.
Marine archaeologists have uncovered the well-preserved, intricate marble floor of a Roman villa in the submerged ancient spa town of Baiae in the Gulf of Naples.
The Spanish government has approved the establishment of the country's first marine national park, a move that has been praised by ecologists and the diving community.
Oregon State University researchers have confirmed the presence of the broadnose sevengill shark and the endangered soupfin shark in Puget Sound, marking a significant development in the region’s marine biodiversity.
Recent discoveries reveal deep-sea nodules as unexpected sources of oxygen, reshaping our understanding of marine ecosystems. The findings highlight the potential impact of deep-sea mining on these vital oxygen sources.
A significant archaeological discovery sheds light on ancient Roman maritime infrastructure and regional trade networks.
Whale sharks are long-range travellers and interbreed with different populations around the world. Therefore, conservation efforts have to be global.