Diving Thoughts

Researchers from 4 UK Universities are tagging 10 Lion’s Mane and 20 Barrel Jellyfish. They are attempting to find out how long they live and have particular interest in them as a food supply for leatherback turtles.

Jellyfish are made up of around 98% water, but below the bell is quite a thick stem which it is possible to get a cable tie round. This is how they are attaching the bright orange-topped time depth recorders, which are designed to detach and float to the surface when a jellyfish dies. Hopefully they will then be washed ashore. The researchers are offering GBP 25 for handing in a tag. Although I can’t see that being much use to me as the 4 sites they are targeting are Rosslare and Dublin on the Irish coast and Carmarthen and Tremadog Bays in Wales.

The photo is from the BBC website, and you can read the full story here.

A survey for the journal Science has concluded that one third of all coral species could be heading for extinction. This is a seven fold increase over 10 years.  The highest concentration of species that are at risk are those in the Caribbean Sea, and those in what they are calling the Coral Triangle which incorporates parts of Malaysia, Philippines and Indonesia.

You can read the article on Science’s website.

An interesting story from the UK where the boss of a Plymouth based diving centre is in court for swindling GBP 250,000 from Britain’s National Health Service (NHS). He and two  accomplices are accused of conspiracy to defaud the NHS by claiming back the costs for hyperbaric treatment which did not take place. They apparently own and manage a recompression facility at their Fort Bovisand diving centre. It is likely that genuine cases of decompression illness were  treated there, but claims were submitted for a number of people who have never received any treatment and had never suffered from DCI.

The three have denied the charges.

You can read more from the Guardian.

The wreck of a British warship that sank during the American Revolution in Lake Ontario has been found. It was sunk during a gale in 1780. It was estimated to be carrying a crew of 40, plus 60 British soldiers and perhaps 30 American prisoners of war, all of whom presumably drowned. It is now being treated as a war grave.

The wreck is in 150 metres of water, and that depth coupled with the cold, fresh water and low levels of light and oxygen have led to it being remarkably well preserved. Despite sinking in a storm it is still intact, as is the glass in 2 of the stern windows.

It was discovered by Jim Kennard and Dan Scoville using side-scan sonar and an unmanned submersible, after 3 years of searching.

You can get more information from the BBC.

A diver in his 40′s has apparently died after getting into difficulties off Portland Bill in Dorset. The incident seems to have involved a rapid ascent. The diver was airlifted to hospital by the Portland Bill coastguard, where sadly he died.

Apeks is recalling any second stage or octopus for its TX, ATX and XTX regulators that was bought before July and has not had an authorised annual service. Apparently they incorrectly assembled one, which was subsequently sold. If you’ve got one, they recommend that you take it to your nearest Apeks dealer for a visual inspection before you dive with it again. You can see the advisory on the Apeks website.

I’ve just bought one, so I’d better get that checked.

South China Diving Club are going to be showing Sharkwater at their Club Night, starting at 8pm on Thursday 17th July. It will be a charity evening with people encouraged to donate a minimum of HKD 50. The proceeds will be donated to the Shark Trust. If you want to know more, you can email them at info@scdc.org.hk.

Sharkwater is a documentary made by Rob Stewart who teamed up with Paul Watson of the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society. It uses footage shot in 14 countries to show the global trade in shark finning, as well as the important role that sharks play in the global ecosystem. It also highlights the dangers to sharks caused by over-exploitation and corruption surrounding the shark fin trade.

You can buy your own copy at Amazon.

Recently a new BSAC branch was formed in Brisbane. They will likely be called Brisbane Sub Aqua Club (Bee-Sac for short), when they get approval from BSAC headquarters.

A couple of people well known to South China Diving Club members are involved. Jason Pacey is Chairman and Dave Taylor is Diving Officer. They already have over 10 members, including Pam Holley, another ex-SCDC member. No website yet, but that is due to change. They plan to meet on Monday nights from around 6:30pm in the Regatta Hotel, Toowong.