Monthly Archives: October 2008

UK-based shark research group launched

Actually, “rebranded” might be more accurate than “launched”. The 8 year old organisation known as Richard Peirce Shark Conservation (RPSC), which is run by Richard and Jacqui Peirce, has converted into the Shark Conservation Society (SCS). This is apparently so … Continue reading

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Could the Maya’s demise happen to us?

Population explosion, ecological disaster and weak leadership could well have combined to destroy the Maya. Their settlements have been dated back to around 1800BC, and they were the most advanced civilisation in the western hemisphere in 800AD, yet within a … Continue reading

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Cyprus Turtle Project

The BBC’s website has some photos and background of a volunteer project to help with turtle conservation on the beaches of the Karpaz peninsula in northern Cyprus.  You can read it here.

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WWF comments on CE’s Policy Address

The World Wildlife Fund issued a press release in response to the Hong Kong Chief Executive’s recent Policy Address.  Basically they welcomed the Government’s decision to ban commercial fishing in marine parks, and some would say that it’s about time! … Continue reading

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“How our great oceans breathe” – RGS Lecture

Thanks to Andy Niven for sending this over. The Royal Geographical Society – Hong Kong are presenting a lecture entitled “How our great oceans breathe” on Thursday 23 October at the Football Club. There’s a drinks reception at 6:30pm and … Continue reading

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Arab dhow wreck off Belitung Island, Indonesia

I’ve just come across a story of about an Arab dhow that was found off Belitung Island near the SE coast of Sumatra 10 years ago. It was found by fishermen in about 17 metres of water. When it was … Continue reading

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Campaign to free Dubai whale shark

Over the weekend I heard from 2 ex-SCDC members about a juvenile whale shark that had been caught in Dubai and was put in an aquarium at the new Atlatntis hotel. This was ostensibly for medical care and the original … Continue reading

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Spearfisherman stung by ray

A Hong Kong man was injured yesterday (16 Oct) while spearfishing in Sai Kung. He apparently speared a ray and thought it was dead. When he tried to pick it up he was stung on the wrist. I can’t say … Continue reading

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IUCN Whale deal falls through

At the World Conservation Congress in Barcelona, a deal between whaling nations and conservation groups fell through at the last minute after the Australians pressed for stronger language. Japan and Norway had been persuaded to adopt a resolution which said … Continue reading

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Missing diver in Hong Kong found

Another week, another incident. This time there was a happy ending. The following information comes mainly from a translation of an article in Monday’s Hong Kong Economic Times. Last Sunday (12 Oct) a private instructor took 4 trainees on a … Continue reading

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Five Species to Save

The IUCN World Conservation Congress is currently going on in Barcelona and has attracted around 8,000 delegates from governments, NGOs, business, the UN and academia. The BBC’s environment correspondent, Richard Black, is producing a daily diary, and his Saturday entry … Continue reading

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Canoe made from giant pumpkin

Recently our dive club has had a question mark about one of the junks we use. Apparently the boatman is not being “very helpful”. Personally I’m very surprised as I’ve always found him extremely helpful, he keeps a good eye … Continue reading

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