X-RAY MAGAZINE FEATURE

Sentience or Consciousness?

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.

Words:
Ila France Porcher
Images:
Kewin Lorenzen
Blue-ringed octopus
➄ Download the full article as pdf âŹ…ïžŽ
Ecology & Science

But this is hardly new news. The evidence of intelligent awareness in animals has been steadily accumulating for decades. In particular, it was Donald Griffin’s work in the 1980s, followed by his book Animal Minds in 1992, that finally broke through the bias of mainstream science with the declaration that some actions performed by animals cannot be done without thinking (called cognition in animals). His book provides a fascinating array of examples of cognitive behaviour from species across the animal kingdom.

An Innate Connection

Do we cherish the ocean enough to safeguard it for future generations? Do we believe in leaving behind a better world?

Op'eds and commentaries

Take a close look at this image. When was it taken? Last year, actually, but it could have been 60 years ago. It shows the beach where I spent most of my childhood summers, since I was a toddler, and where I have spent most of my summer holidays ever since. In the photo, it is as if time has stood still. Those kids playing on the sandbar could have been my brother and me as children.

We Miss You, Jacques-Yves Cousteau

Or rather, we miss someone of a similar calibre who inspired an entire generation to dream of diving, a figure whose documentaries would clear the streets, captivating viewers in front of their tellies around the world.

Op'eds and commentaries

Those of us who were children back when the moon landings were the pinnacle of wonder, fellow old-timers, will know precisely what I mean. (Crikey, that does rather date me, doesn’t it?)

Can Clownfish Count?

To discern friend from foe, clownfish count stripes. A recent study found that common clownfish displayed aggressive behaviour predominantly towards members of their own species with three white bands, engaging in confrontations lasting several seconds. In contrast, intruders of other species faced milder aggression.

Ecology & Science

Clownfish, also known as anemonefish, are feisty critters that vigorously defend their anemone homes from intruders, particularly those of their own species, displaying aggressive behaviour. Anemonefish species living in the same areas exhibit a variety of stripe patterns, ranging from three vertical bars to none, as observed by Kina Hayashi from the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology, Japan.

X-RAY MAGAZINE FEATURE

A Matter of Sentience

Fish feel pain, or don’t they? Despite a growing body of sound evidence that fish do indeed feel pain and are sentient beings capable of all the types of cognition found in the “higher” mammals, with the possible sole exception of the ability to imitate, a group of critics seems to systematically seek to discredit this research. But for what reasons? Ila France Porcher takes a closer look at the stakes involved.

Words:
Ila France Porcher
Images:
Peter Symes
Download the full article as pdf âŹ‡ïžŽ
Ecology & Science

It was in 2003 that Dr Lynne Sneddon of the University of Liverpool found through rigorous scientific research that fish are sensitive to pain and suffer. In the years since then, many other researchers around the world have confirmed her findings and expanded on them.

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To Shark Dive or Not to Shark Dive

It was seven in the morning and my coffee hadn’t kicked in yet. The dive guide was giving me a slightly more thorough dive briefing than normal. I wasn’t supposed to wear anything colorful or shiny, and black gloves and a hood were required. Also covered in black neoprene, he was putting on chainmail gloves and told me he’d have a pole with him. He said it was more for the potato cods though, not the sharks.

Words:
Brandi Mueller
Images:
Brandi Mueller
Download the full article as pdf âŹ‡ïžŽ
Ecology & Science

Taking a giant stride off the back on the boat, the chill of the water snapped me out of my early-morning haze. Below me, the sharks were already there; at least ten were circling below the boat. The food wasn’t even in the water yet, but the sharks knew the drill: The boat shows up, divers jump in, and eventually, they get a snack.

On the Brink

I give up. I can’t do it anymore. I cannot keep pretending or carrying on as if all is well in paradise.

Op'eds and commentaries

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.

A Return to the “Old Normal” in the Dive Industry

DEMA show 2023 felt like a return to the “old normal” but is that a good thing?

Op'eds and commentaries

We have recently returned from another DEMA Show, and it is heartening to witness the dive industry’s resurgence following the pandemic. The show felt like a return to the “old normal.” However, there is an intriguing duality at play here—the old is becoming the new normal in the dive industry.

With nearly three decades of experience in the dive industry, I may be considered a senior member by conventional standards. Yet, at many dive shows, it does not quite feel that way. Amid the attendees, you will find plenty of grey hair, a few walkers, and even some mobility scooters.

The Price We Have to Pay

From Flights to Fins: Making Sustainable Choices in a Travel-Dependent Industry

Op'eds and commentaries

I have just booked my flight to the DEMA Show—the world’s largest dive show and industry event. When I made my reservation, I selected Scandinavian Airlines because they now offer travellers the option of purchasing sustainable biofuel as part of the flight ticket, so one can fly with lower CO2 emissions. I also opted to pay for a full carbon offset of my trip. It hurt my wallet, but it lifted the ache I had in my tummy. Being a transatlantic trip, it did not come cheap, but I do not see that one has a choice any longer.

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