Kathryn is a marine conservationist, a dive travel writer, and an award-winning author based in New Zealand. She is the author of No Damage and co-founder of the marine conservation cause Friends for Sharks
A conservation virtual running event has captured the public’s attention and turned from a solo event into a global one, with runners around the world signing up to participate.
Māui’s dolphin, a subspecies of Hector’s dolphin found off the west coast of the North Island, is the rarest marine dolphin and has approximately just 63 individuals remaining in the wild. This critically endangered dolphin needs all the help it can get to recover from fisheries bycatch.
Māui’s dolphin, a subspecies of Hector’s dolphin found off the west coast of the North Island, is the rarest marine…
The phrase muck diving was coined by Bob Halstead when he described diving off black sand beaches in Papua New Guinea. This unusual type of diving has gained great popularity and involves diving sites with sandy or silty bottoms, in search of the critters found there. Some of the best sites for muck diving are volcanic areas and sea grass beds.
Summer is fast approaching here in New Zealand, which means more people in the water enjoying the beautiful coastline and lakes whilst exploring their favourite dive sites.
Summer is fast approaching here in New Zealand, which means more people in the water enjoying the beautiful coastline and…
Yoga has numerous health benefits for divers including increased flexibility, muscle strength, improved breathing and good circulatory health. All of which can contribute to better and safer diving with good buoyancy control.
Find out our top tips for Travel Destinations Worldwide
The waters of New Zealand are home to a number of colourful moray eel species and conger eels, which can be dived with in places such as the Poor Knights marine reserve in Northland. Spending time with eels isn’t restricted to scuba diving though, as the land of the long white cloud is also home to the Longfin eel; a freshwater species only found in New Zealand and declining in numbers.
The waters of New Zealand are home to a number of colourful moray eel species and conger eels, which can…
Australia has experienced a tragic week with the loss of six people who died scuba diving or snorkelling in Australian waters.
It is with much relief we share the news that five sperm whales have been sighted by Whale Watch Kaikoura just six days after the 7.8 magnitude earthquakes that impacted Kaikoura and surrounds heavily. Whilst Whale Watch are currently closed for business, a short press release on their website shows their evident joy at the whales’ return to the area:
It is with much relief we share the news that five sperm whales have been sighted by Whale Watch Kaikoura…
Kiribati, an island nation in the central Pacific Ocean, is committed to protecting their waters from overfishing and have recently announced they have established a large shark sanctuary. The sanctuary is approximately the size of India and commercial shark fishing is banned within it
Kiribati, an island nation in the central Pacific Ocean, is committed to protecting their waters from overfishing and have recently…
Many adults today suffer from back pain intermittently or chronically thanks to our modern, primarily sedentary lifestyles. Spinal injuries are especially isolating when access to exercise and sporting opportunities become limited as a result and scuba diving with chronic back pain requires extra considerations. When done correctly however, diving can provide pain relief and escapism from chronic back pain. Here are our top tips for minimising the risk of further injury or aggravating existing conditions when diving:
Many adults today suffer from back pain intermittently or chronically thanks to our modern, primarily sedentary lifestyles. Spinal injuries are…
For many people, learning to scuba dive is a time of fun and utter joy as they breathe underwater for the first time and realise there is a world under the oceans to explore. It is a time for expanding horizons, making new friends and carefree exploration. But what of the rest of us? Is it like that for everyone?
For many people, learning to scuba dive is a time of fun and utter joy as they breathe underwater for the first time and realise there is a world under the oceans to explore. It is a time for expanding horizons, making new friends and carefree exploration. But what of the rest of us? Is it like that for everyone?
For many people, learning to scuba dive is a time of fun and utter joy as they breathe underwater for…
Marsa Alam is a small town on the western shore of the Red Sea, in south east Egypt. Until recent years it was a relatively unknown dive destination but it has gained popularity thanks to its pristine reefs and the lack of crowds that are found at other Red Sea premier diving towns, such as Sharm el Sheikh and Hurghada.
Marsa Alam is a small town on the western shore of the Red Sea, in south east Egypt. Until recent years it was a relatively unknown dive destination but it has gained popularity thanks to its pristine reefs and the lack of crowds that are found at other Red Sea premier diving towns, such as Sharm el Sheikh and Hurghada.
This was a tough decision we had to make. We chose black because of its superior properties over brown or green material. The tests showed that Black Viton compared to Green or Brown Viton, with all parameters constant except for the color, is favorable. It has higher strength, better stability and better elastic properties originally (brand new), and also after exposure to extreme situations that cause material fatigue. It also possesses higher resistance to surface damage.
This was a tough decision we had to make. We chose black because of its superior properties over brown or…
Every diver has a favourite critter or ocean giant they like to find during their travels and dives. Sharks, nudibranchs, whales and dolphins are often listed as popular but what about seahorses? These unusual and delicate creatures are found around the world and new species continue to be discovered. New Zealand is home to one species of seahorse, the Large-Bellied seahorse and, as its name suggests, it is the largest species of seahorse – growing up to 35cm in length. It lives up to a depth of approximately 100m and as shallow as 10metres and, like other species, is under threat from pollution of habitats and exploitation in commercial industries.
Every diver has a favourite critter or ocean giant they like to find during their travels and dives. Sharks, nudibranchs,…
As the global population increases and world travel becomes more accessible for many people, it is increasingly difficult to find dive sites that offer spectacular marine life and minimal tourism. Many areas of world class diving are overrun in peak season with boats and large dive groups, which is a far cry from the serenity and peace of scuba diving that most of us seek. There are however some lesser-known diving locations to explore, if you are prepared to go off the beaten track and begin a travel adventure both topside and underwater.
As the global population increases and world travel becomes more accessible for many people, it is increasingly difficult to find…
Are you looking for a different marine wildlife experience for non-scuba days? How about exploring New Zealand’s populations of seals and sea-lions? With opportunities to view both topside and underwater, spending time with these animals is a great day out for all the family and offers a fascinating introduction into their lives.
Are you looking for a different marine wildlife experience for non-scuba days? How about exploring New Zealand’s populations of seals…
Today’s featured diver is David Owen Brown from Spencer, New York. David is a passionate underwater photographer, videographer and ocean advocate.
Today’s featured diver is David Owen Brown from Spencer, New York. David is a passionate underwater photographer, videographer and ocean advocate.…
Scubagaskets bring divers a new line of O rings, developed by the world leading manufacturer Europe-Seals B.V. With more than 30 years of experience in different markets for O rings and other seals, their aim is “added value” in logistics, technical reliability and safe products for customers.
Scubagaskets bring divers a new line of O rings, developed by the world leading manufacturer Europe-Seals B.V. With more than 30 years of experience in different markets for O rings and other seals, their aim is “added value” in logistics, technical reliability and safe products for customers.
Scubagaskets bring divers a new line of O rings, developed by the world leading manufacturer Europe-Seals B.V. With more than 30 years of experience in different markets for O rings and other seals, their aim is “added value” in logistics, technical reliability and safe products for customers.
Scubagaskets bring divers a new line of O rings, developed by the world leading manufacturer Europe-Seals B.V. With more than…
They say a picture paints a thousand words and the same can be said of this video by William Messner. Wounded Heroes Foundation and the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago provide an annual scuba diving day for disabled vets with volunteer help from RIC, WHF and DJ’s Scuba Locker.
They say a picture paints a thousand words and the same can be said of this video by William Messner.…
Caitlin Cove, the talented artist and shark conservationist behind Sharktopia, is celebrating her birthday in style with a fintastic giveaway…
Is it possible to have a severe case of the blues when scuba diving? It is if you’re surrounded by blue sharks in the crystal-clear, deep-blue waters of the Agulhas Current off South Africa.
Is it possible to have a severe case of the blues when scuba diving? It is if you’re surrounded by…
There is more to diving Britain than ocean diving from well-known coastlines with their cosy pubs and tea rooms for post-dive warmth. The summer season sees many divers and families head to the coast but, for those based inland and looking for fun and accessible alternatives, Britain has a number of inland dive sites where swimming alongside buses, helicopters and caravans in the norm. For fun diving with first class facilities look no further than the lakes and quarries on offer.
There is more to diving Britain than ocean diving from well-known coastlines with their cosy pubs and tea rooms for…
We recently had the opportunity to spend some time talking to Simon Pridmore, author of Scuba Fundamental. Simon is a Course Director Trainer, Former Dive Centre Owner, Diver Training Agency Licensee and contributor to The Scuba News. He currently resides in Bali, Indonesia.
We recently had the opportunity to spend some time talking to Simon Pridmore, author of Scuba Fundamental. Simon is a Course…