Owner: Diveaway Fiji - Scuba diving on the Coral Coast URL:http://diveawayfiji.blogspot.com Join Date: Fri, 13 Apr 2007 22:57:15 -0500 Rating:0 Site Description: A blog by Alex Hill of Diveaway Fiji which is a PADI dive centre based at the award winning Hideaway Resort on the Coral Coast of Viti Levu, the largest of Fiji’s islands. Site statistics:Click here
Shadow Divers: The True Adventure of Two Americans Who Risked Everything to Solve One of the Last Mysteries of World War II 2007-06-13 18:28:00 This is one of those rare books that you know within the first dozen pages it's going to be a great read and you're going to be disappointed when it ends. Robert Kurson's tremendous research combined with a great historical narrative style results in learning not only about the lives of the living players such as Chatterton and Kohler, but the dead sailors on the submarine as well.While this is Kurson's book, you can see the extensive contribution provided by Chatterton, Kohler and others who shared the experience. This book fits beautifully with "The Last Dive", which I reviewed here a few years ago. I did learn things here, which surprised me relative to "The Last Dive". I thought they had been doing mixed-gas diving much longer on U-869 then just before the Rouse's arrival. Chapter 2 is about the dangers of wreck diving and sets the stage of what to expect throughout the remainder of the book.Kurson makes sure the reader understands this wasn't just a bunch of treasure hunters Read more:Shadow
, Adventure
, Americans
, Everything
, Solve
, Mysteries
, World
, World War
Sharks of the World (Princeton Field Guides) 2007-06-09 18:06:00 It's finally here -- THE DEFINITIVE and COMPLETELY (yes, very literally) EXHAUSTIVE shark guide. I've just picked up my copy and it still feels like a dream. As a serious shark enthusiast, this is the book that I have always dreamed about but has never existed, until now. If you're a shark enthusiast, it would be a tragedy not to acquire this book.Here's why:(1) There are lavish full color illustrations of every single species of shark known today -- 404 described species and 49 as-yet-undescribed species on 64 plates, each species in oblique view (not the usual profile shot), giving invaluable information on its shape in 3 dimensions. In addition to the most popular species (such as the great white or the blacktip reef shark), the least well known are also included in this book, such as Deania quadrispinosum or Etmopterus pusillus, or new species, such as Isistius labialis or Somniosus antarcticus. There are 3 plates of 18 species of angel sharks (Squatinidae)! All 5 species of Ox Read more:World
, Sharks
, Princeton
, Field
, Guides
Thank you! 2007-06-07 17:18:00 Bula, Alex & Alice!I just wanted to send you a quick "hello" from Chicago. We had a great time in Fiji, and really enjoyed our stay at the Hideaway.One of the absolute, unexpected highlights of our vacation was scuba diving with Diveaway Fiji. As you know, we (myself, Ashley and Kyra) had never before been scuba diving in our lives, and we never even imagined that we would be able to scuba dive while we were in Fiji in March 2007.Thank
s to your positive encouragement and comprehensive instructions, we found ourselves about 30 feet deep in the Pacific Ocean before we knew it. The entire experience was truly amazing. I'll always remember the absolute calm and beauty of being immersed in the fascinating under water world for the very first time!We can't wait to get back into the water. I'm sure we will plan many of our future vacations with scuba diving opportunities in mind. You have definitely infected the three of us with scuba-fever.Best of luck to you, and we wish you continued su
Technical Diving in Depth by B. R. Wienke 2007-06-17 18:18:00 A long-awaited and much-needed title has just been released by BPC. "TechnicalDiving
in Depth
" by Bruce R. Wienke is the most complete and comprehensive reference work published to date on technical diving.It contains a mixture of technical topics, with each one self-contained and developed in relationship to diving. The topics span many disciplines and focus on a number of technical arenas.Topics Include:Thermodynamics, pressure and density, mechanics, gas kinetics, free and dissolved phase transfer, energy and matter interactions, nucleation and cavitation, bubbles and surfactants, oxygen dose, gas mixtures, buoyancy, gauges and tanks, compressors and regulators, maladies and drugs, statistics, risk and probability, binomial distributions, waves, transport, currents, geology, oceanography, geophysics, solar energy and radiation. References and Appendix are also included.Targeted Audience:Technical diver, commercial diver, diving instructor, underwater researcher, doctors, hyperbaric
Hurricanes may be unlikely saviours of coral reefs - earth - 02 July 2007 - New Scientist Environment 2007-07-02 23:08:00 Hurricanes may be unlikely saviours of coral reefs - earth - 02 July 2007 - New Scientist Environment
"Hurricanes Katrina and Rita may have been unlikely saviours for the coral reefs under their paths, say researchers. They have found evidence that the cooling effect hurricanes have on sea temperatures may help corals recover from the bleaching caused by warming oceans.Coral reefs get their colour from tiny algae called zooxanthellae that live within them.The corals and the algae live in symbiosis, but if the corals become stressed they can expel the algae – which results in coral bleaching. One source of stress to corals is high sea temperatures, which is why global warming is predicted to bring about widespread coral bleaching.In the North Atlantic, warmer temperatures at the ocean surface also help hurricanes form. Now, Derek Manzello, at the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and colleagues have shown that hurricanes cool temperatures and may assist coral recovery Read more:Hurricanes
Reef Check - Reef Check News - Saving Reefs Worldwide 2007-07-06 19:19:00 Reef Check
- Reef Check News - SavingReefsWorldwide
"Reef Check Serves as NGO coordinator for IYOR2008In 2006, Reef Check Executive Director, Dr. Gregor Hodgson, proposed that 2008 be declared International Year of the Reef. The proposal was approved by the International Coral Reef Initiative, the highest level government and non-government organization working on coral reefs and subsequently by the NOAA US Coral Reef Task Force (USCRTF). IYOR 2008 is intended to increase public awareness, and actions to conserve coral reefs. One of the major activities is the signing of the International Declaration of Reef Rights with a goal of 1 million signatures, and formal signing by coral reef country leaders. Please show your support for coral reefs and sign the Declaration and send it to your friends.For IYOR 2008, NOAA is working through the USCRTF to organize governmental activities, and Reef Check has been asked to serve as the non-government organization (NGO) coordinator. Our task is to
scuba diving vacation blogs 2007-07-04 19:53:00 scuba diving vacation blogs:"The Fijian Islands are very close to Vanuatu, and are known for their coral reefs. There are over 300 islands making up the Fiji group of islands, the two major islands in the group are known as Viti Levu and Vanua Levu. Almost 80 percent of the population live on these two islands.Scuba Duba says this about a Scuba Diving Vacation in Fiji Fiji scuba diving offers tremendous crystal clear visibility, huge marine life like giant rays, reef sharks , tarpins, and uncrowded low trafficked dive locations which remain pristine. The Fijian islands are a tropical paradise rarely matched with a lovely culture. The fact that it is more remote means fewer tourists cluttering the beaches and resorts and marine life that hasn't been scared off by a freeway of dive traffic. Check out the great selection of featured listing below and our Scubaduba directory that will help you discover the best of scuba diving in Fiji ."http://www.diveaway-fiji.com/
http://diveawayfiji.b
Moon Handbooks Fiji 2007-07-11 00:07:00 If you want to travel to any of the 322 islands in the Fiji archipelago, Moon Handbooks Fiji has everything you need.From coverage of Fiji's top-rated resorts to the newest adventure tourism facilities and little-known backpacker areas, travelers of all interests will find the destination to suit them.This guidebook includes vivid descriptions of the islands' dazzling beaches, rainforests, and reefs, with a special focus on scuba diving, snorkeling, surfing, windsurfing, rafting, kayaking, hiking, bicycling, and golf.Complete with practical essentials, including photographs, illustrations, and 53 easy-to-use maps and transportation tips for island hopping by sea or air, Moon Handbooks Fiji is the guide for a uniquely personal travel experience.http://www.diveaway-fiji.com/
http://diveawayfiji.blogspot.com/
X-Ray Mag - International Dive Magazine. Subscription is free 2007-07-10 23:51:00 First buoy to monitor ocean acidification deployed The Gulf of Alaska has a new occupant: a buoy that will monitor ocean acidification, with attached sensors that can measure climate indicators. Photo credit: NOAA. "The instruments will measure the air-sea exchange of carbon dioxide, oxygen and nitrogen gas in addition to the pH, a measure of ocean acidity, of the surface waters," said Steven Emerson of the University of Washington, the project's lead scientist."This is the first system specifically designed to monitor ocean acidification."The buoy, measuring 10 feet in diameter, is anchored in water nearly 5,000 meters deep. Once it hit the water, the buoy immediately began to transmit data via satellite."Information from this buoy will lead to a better understanding of ocean acidification - a growing threat to the world's oceans - by helping scientists determine exactly how physical and biological processes affect carbon dioxide in the nort Read more:International
, Magazine
, Subscription
The Coral Reef Alliance - Coral Reef Tourism Protects Its Pot Of Gold, Taipei Times, 06/22/07 2007-07-08 21:08:00 The Coral
Reef Alliance
- Coral ReefTourism
Protects Its Pot Of Gold, TaipeiTimes
, 06/22/07By Bonnie TsuiSource: Taipei Times06/22/07Green sea turtles, cascades of glittering reef fish, blooming coral pillars -- countless travelers have come nose to nose with a thriving undersea universe while on vacation.But increasingly, divers and snorkelers are swimming over bleached hunks of coral devastated by shore runoff or overfishing. From the South Pacific to the Caribbean, coral reefs -- which are among the most delicate of marine ecosystems -- are bearing the brunt of climate change and other human-driven activities -- including coastal development, deforestation and unrestricted tourism.Now, many in the tourist industry are trying to halt the damage and it is no wonder. The dollars involved in reef-based tourism are significant: Australia's Great Barrier Reef alone draws about 1.9 million visitors a year, supporting a US$4.2 billion industry. According to the Nature Conservancy, the an
SCUBA Travel: The Independent Guide to Diving around the World 2007-07-08 16:09:00 SCUBA Travel
: The Independent Guide
to Diving
around the World
:"Welcome to the impartial guide for divers who like to travel.The best dive sites, accommodation options, diving centres, when to go, how to get there, travel tips...personal views written from experience.Every month we send out SCUBA News (ISSN 1476-8011). As well as all the diving news it includes dive and travel articles, features a marine 'creature of the month', reviews recent diving books and keeps you up-to-date on new destinations added to the SCUBA Travel site. To receive your free copy enter your e-mail below."http://www.diveaway-fiji.com/
http://diveawayfiji.blogspot.com/
Camera Housing Maintenance 2007-07-18 18:00:00 Housing Maintenance
"Maintenance of Ikelite Housings Housing Assembly:The general rule for all housings with multiple lid snaps is opposite snaps MUST be fastened simultaneously. Check that the cover is completely into the housing body with the 'O' ring touching everywhere before fastening the lid snaps. Most of our housings allow you to see that the 'O' ring is sealing as the snaps are fastened because the 'O' ring will show a blacker compression area around the entire face of the housing if properly sealed.Housing 'O' Rings:The port 'O' ring of our SLR housings will need a very slight film of lubricant to assure proper installation, but we recommend no lubricant on most of our housing 'O' rings. Please note that some lubricants may cause the Ikelite 'O' rings to soften and swell in size. A good quality silicone grease should be fine, or use genuine Ikelite lubricant to be sure.The lubricant may be used to clean the 'O' rings, but most of it should then be wiped off. Be Read more:Camera
, Housing
100 Ways to Save the Environment 2007-07-26 03:40:00 100 Ways to Save the Environment
In Your Home – Conserve Energy Clean or replace air filters on your air conditioning unit at least once a month. If you have central air conditioning, do not close vents in unused rooms. Lower the thermostat on your water heater to 120. Read them all here: 100 Ways to Save the Environmenthttp://www.diveaway-fiji.com/
http://diveawayfiji.blogspot.com/
MARES introduces the NEMO EXCEL dive computer 2007-08-08 06:14:00 Next generation NEMO EXCEL builds on popular advanced dive computer in a major way.Building on the success of the original NEMO, the NEMO EXCEL is a natural evolution using upgraded components for a tougher computer with a more technical look. A larger segmented display and flat, recessed mineral glass provides improved contrast at wider viewing angles. The non-reflective mineral glass is scratch resistant, shock proof and tempered for better durability and visibility in all conditions. Large textured buttons make NEMO EXCEL’s 4-button intuitive menu operation even easier than its predecessor. A pre-shaped ergonomic strap allows the NEMO EXCEL to fit more comfortably on the wrist. NEMO EXCEL has 4 Dive Modes: Air, Nitrox, Bottom Timer and special Free Dive functions. Equipped with the most advanced RGBM Mares-Wienke algorithm, considerably lowering the risks associated with the formation of micro-bubbles by introducing deep stops. An active, timer-controlled display lig
Olympus Stylus 770SW 7.1MP Digital Camer 2007-08-06 05:49:00 Salt water spray has claimed two of my previous cameras so when I read about this camera and the Pentax Option W30 I decided one of the two would be a very valuable investment. The next question was deciding which one to buy.The Pentax is a superior camera. Colors are more saturated, and it has lower noise higher up the ISO range. Also, the Pentax produces videos that are 30FPS (the Olymmpus only goes up to 15FPS) which is a huge advantage. Also, the Pentax uses SD cards, which are available at higher density and faster speed.The Olympus
, on the other hand, is much more bulletproof.First of all, it will survive down to 30' whereas the Pentax is limited to 10. I wanted a camera that could survive light snorkeling. I routinely breath-hold dive to 12'-15' and I'd hate to have a camera on me that I would worry about. With the Olympus I just do whatever I want.Second, the Olympus is crush proof. I can slap the thing in my backpocket and sit on it and not break it (I weigh about 190#). I Read more:Stylus
, Digital
, Olympus Stylus
Conquest Of Land Began In Shark Genome 2007-08-15 20:55:00 Science DailyScientists at the University of Florida have identified genetic activity in sharks required for the development of hands, feet, fingers and toes in limbed animals. The finding shows what was thought to be a relatively recent evolutionary innovation existed eons earlier than previously believed, potentially providing insight for scientists seeking ways to cure human birth defects. Shark
s (like this Great White off the coast of Guadalupe Island, Mexico) have the recipe for fingers in their genetic cookbook, researchers have found. (Credit: iStockphoto/Keith Flood) When the first four-legged animals sprouted fingers and toes, they took an ancient genetic recipe and simply extended the cooking time, say University of Florida scientists writing in Wednesday's issue of the journal PLoS One. Even sharks -- which have existed for more than half a billion years -- have the recipe for fingers in their genetic cookbook -- not to eat them, but to grow them. While studying the m Read more:Conquest
, Genome
Zooplankton move to the moon's tune - life - 08 July 2007 - New Scientist 2007-08-25 20:54:00 NewScientist.com news service How do ocean animals that live below the depth to which moonlight penetrates migrate in phase with the moon? Hans van Haren of the Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research in Den Burg used sonar to track zooplankton movement over 18 months. They migrate up and down the water column on daily and seasonal cycles, and van Haren also identified a strong monthly movement that coincided with lunar cycles (Geophysical Research Letters, vol 34, p L12603). But the zooplankton remain at or below 800 metres, while moonlight penetrates no deeper than 150 metres. "This has nothing to do with physical processes," say van Haren, "but a biochemical clock could explain it." Other studies have shown that zooplankton kept in the dark can retain light-induced biorhythms for several weeks. Va
Nurses Notes 2007-09-30 17:33:00 Bula (Hello), and welcome to the autumn edition of Nurses Notes
.From the greeting in the opening line, you may or may not have guessed that I am in Fiji mode and will endeavour to stay that way as long as I possibly can. I have just returned home after a marvellous (and much needed) 10 day holiday at the fabulous Hideaway Resort on the coral coast of Fiji.While at Hideaway, I refreshed my scuba diving skills with Diveaway Fiji, and went on to complete my Advanced Open Water Scuba Diver course. My passion for scuba diving was well and truly re-ignited and I plan on returning to Hideaway next year and completing my Rescue Diver course with them. The diving team at the resort were spectacular and are very passionate about showing you the magnificent treasures that await you in the underwater world. I know it sounds odd but some of the diving spots are just like they are from the movie ‘Finding Nemo’.One site known as ‘Casbah’ was particularly like it. The diving was just wonderful
DAN Funds Major New Research Study 2007-09-12 22:41:00 DAN , through its partnership with subsidiary AGI, has contributed $100,000 to fund a study of the causes of immersion pulmonary edema, a lung injury identified in water enthusiasts. Richard E. Moon, M.D., DAN senior medical consultant, will conduct the study, which is targeted for completion in late 2008.Moon is also professor of anesthesiology and medicine at Duke University Medical Center and medical director of the DUMC’s Center for Hyperbaric Medicine and Environmental PhysiologyIPE, an accumulation of water in the lungs of swimmers and divers, causes cough, shortness of breath and reduced blood oxygen levels. It occurs in both military and civilian swimmers and divers during heavy exertion, most often in cold water.DAN President and CEO Dan Orr and DAN Board Chairman Dennis Liberson presented the check to Moon on Aug. 30. "We are very proud to support Dr. Moon's important research project,” Orr said. “This is just one of many projects that DAN will support in the future, e Read more:Funds
, Major
, Research
, Study
APEC officials agree on global warming statement 2007-09-07 20:58:00 Environmental News Network SYDNEY (AP): Pacific Rim nations on Friday reached agreement on a joint statement
on global warming, overcoming bickering between rich and poor nations about whether to include targets on emissions, two Asian officials
said. Experts from the 21-member Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation forum approved the wording of a final draft statement on climate change that would be handed to leaders at their summit starting Saturday, the officials said.Read whole article at Environmental News Networkhttp://www.diveaway-fiji.com/
http://diveawayfiji.blogspot.com/
Promoting Water Security in the Pacific 2007-09-05 03:49:00 Environmental News Network Managing and protecting freshwater resources is of vital importance for the Pacific
region’s health and wealth. A recent mission by the IUCN Water Programme is leading to the development of the Nadi River Catchment area, to help both secure water supply and prevent downstream flooding.With the opening of IUCN’s Oceania headquarters in Fiji, January 2007, Director Taholo Kami aims to work with regional partners and members to develop the IUCN’s Water Programme to support the many water challenges the region faces. “We want to work in the Nadi River catchment. We are looking at one or two of the other islands and will work towards agreements with local communities on specific improvements in their water situation,” said Dr Bergkamp, Head of the IUCN Water Programme. IUCN hopes to have specialist water program staff in place over the next year to look into water projects with its partners. Dr Bergkamp believes key for the region is to loo
Reef Check’s International Declaration of Reef Rights Receives Presidential Attention 2007-10-18 08:21:00 Reef Check
- Reef Check News - Saving Reefs WorldwideThe Declaration
takes a monumental leap forward with its first official Governmental signings! Tommy E. Remengesau, Jr., President of the Republic of Palau, Emanual Mori, President of the Federated States of Micronesia and Kessai Note, President of the Republic of the Marshall Islands, have all pledged to protect coral reefs by signing the Declaration. All three presidents added their signatures to the Declaration and pledged to protect coral reefs at the 7th Micronesia Presidential
Summit on September 5, 2007. These three distinguished men proudly signed the Declaration and vowed to be at the forefront of marine conservation. According to President Remengesau, “The Presidents and people of Micronesia recognize that the preservation of our coral reefs is critical to not only our economic survival, but also to our cultural survival. Taking into consideration the fact that 2008 will be the International
Year of the Reef, we felt it Read more:Rights
Coral Reefs And Hybrid Cars 2007-10-23 08:57:00 Love it that someone is actually talking about this in real terms!===========EarthTalk Reader's Q&A: CoralReefs
And Hybrid
Cars Q: I’ve heard about the die-off of coral reefs due to global warming. I’ve also read that coral reefs themselves store carbon dioxide (CO2), one of the main global warming gases. So if coral reefs are dying out, isn’t that a double whammy that increases the CO2 in the atmosphere? -- Tom Ozzello, Maplewood, MNAccording to marine scientists, the world’s coral reefs—those underwater repositories for biodiversity that play host to some 25 percent of all marine life—are in big trouble as a result of global warming. Data collected by the international environmental group WWF (formerly World Wildlife Fund) show that 20 percent of the world’s coral reefs have been effectively destroyed and show no immediate sign of recovery, while about 50 percent of remaining reefs are under imminent or long-term threat of collapse.Most scientist
Video from Coral Coast 2007-10-28 16:13:00 Ok not our best example of video from our sites, but thought I would play with positng a video here...http://www.diveaway-fiji.com/
http://diveawayfiji.blogspot.com/ Read more:Coral
, Coast
In Fiji locals grow “live rock” for aquarium trade with university help 2007-11-01 23:07:00 In Fiji locals grow “live rock” for aquarium trade with university helpIn Fiji locals grow “live rock” for aquarium trade with university helpPress release from Georgia Institute of Technology In a unique project that combines environmental conservation, economic development and drug discovery research, scientists and policy experts led by the Georgia Institute of Technology are collaborating with the villagers of Tagaqe and the University of the South Pacific to explore, protect and generate income for islanders from their shallow fringing coral reef.In the South Pacific islands of Fiji, coastal villagers are beginning to reap much-needed financial benefits from conserving the beautiful tropical environment they treasure as a family heirloom.In a unique project that combines environmental conservation, economic development and drug discovery research, scientists and policy experts led by the Georgia Institute of Technology are collaborating with the villagers of Tagaqe and
Fiji’s reefs in spectacular condition! 2007-11-11 19:22:00 Fiji’s reefs in spectacular condition! Fiji’s reefs show high coral health after recovering from a coral bleaching event. Coral reefs have frequently been in the news over the past few years, usually for all the wrong reasons, in articles about dying corals across the globe. However, Fiji has had reason to celebrate, with recent scientific reports suggesting that the reefs here are remarkably resilient, and currently in the best condition recorded. (this millennium!) Fiji is a large archipelago with a great variety of reef types, spread across the country. While not denying that reefs have their ups and downs, the Fiji branches of the Global Coral Reef Network (GCRMN) and Reef Check have just published the results of eight years of study, where reefs have been seen to recover from events such as Cyclones, Crown of Thorns Starfish and High-temperature Coral Bleaching, within five years. Dive operators around the Fiji Islands have suppo
SeaLife Cameras upgrade and get even better 2007-11-18 20:33:00 These are the cameras for rent at Diveaway Fiji!Stuart============================================SeaLife introduces new Digital PRO Flash and repositions Reefmaster Mini Digital PRO Flash At DEMA 2007, Sealife introduced the Digital PRO Flash – SL961, which replaces the Digital Flash – SL960D. The Digital PRO Flash is compatible with any Sealife camera as well as all other brands of digital underwater cameras. It also features a new AUTO mode setting, which automatically adjusts the flash brightness for the optimal image exposure. A variable power adjustment setting allows the user to manually fine-tune the brightness for the desired effect. “The best underwater photographs capture a whole other world,” said Joe Ifi, Sealife Cameras
director of sales and marketing. “This flash enables the photographer many different options in both settings and uses thus making that other world so much more accessible.” Depth tested up to 200 feet (60m), this flash has an effecti Read more:better
, upgrade
Book on the status of coral reefs in the Pacific launched at USP 2007-12-03 15:34:00 Source: http://www.usp.ac.fj/news/story.php?id=200 IMR Director Dr Ken Mackayat the launch of the book The health of coral reefs in the Southwest Pacific
is the subject of a new book which was launched at the University of the South Pacific this week. Status of Coral Reefs in the SouthWest Pacific: 2004, which has been edited by Reuben Sulu, brings together reports from Fiji, Nauru, New Caledonia, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tuvalu and Vanuatu, prepared under the auspices of the Global Coral Reef Monitoring Network (GCRMN). It was published by the Institute of Pacific Studies Publications at USP in collaboration with the University's Institute of Marine Resources. The book was launched by IMR director Dr Ken MacKay who pointed out that book carried important information on coral reefs in this part of the world. "The book is based on a 2004 coral reef monitoring report results of which were condensed into a global report which came out two years ago, said Dr MacKay. He pointed out that co
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