Tuesday 30 June 2009

Whales at Matava

Today I witnessed the most amazing thing I have ever seen. Whales. Seeing these creatures in their natural environment is single handedly, without a doubt the greatest most beautiful thing I have ever seen. Earlier that morning I had been a guide for our guests. We went to Eagle Rock, one of our nearby dive sites, and saw 16 Grey Reef Sharks moving together in one big pack, I’d never seen anything like it before, it was great. After that dive I thought that my day could not get any better. Boy was I wrong!

An afternoon dive to finish the day. Richard, Myself, Zee Germans (Nadine and Dja) and Nichole. We went out the closest passage, Korolevu, took a right and there they were. Nadine spotted the dorsal fins on the surface, they looked just like dolphins but then we saw them surface, huge square heads, Pilot Whales. I counted twelve on the surface at one time.

We approached them ever so slowly and Drex our driver stopped the engine. We were in, without a second thought we were in. Now some people may think that this was not a very smart thing to do but we were in the water before you could have said ‘watch out for the sharks’. A once in a life time opportunity that was taken by all on board.

http://images.encarta.msn.com/xrefmedia/sharemed/targets/images/pho/t025/T025839A.jpg

The Pilot Whales were about 12 – 15m away from the boat, four of them. The biggest one opened its mouth showing hundreds of sharp crocodile looking teeth and he crunched down on a Spanish mackerel so hard that the fish split clean in two, this is the honest truth. The big whale took one half of the fish and passed it so gently to the smaller one. Wow, it was amazing! Truly amazing!

We saw it again four whales feeding and sharing and then the smallest one turned and came straight towards the boat. There were four divers in the water, just with mask and snorkels, we were holding on to the side of the boat and the smallest whale was swimming right at us. If I was not so frozen by amazement I would have reached out and touched him. He swam so close then turned onto his belly and swam right under us, looking at us with his big eye. He swam so close that I could see myself in his eye,  I remember seeing my mouth wide open in astonishment in the reflection.

That Whale must have thought we were the funniest looking things he had ever seen. He swam so close we all had to lift our legs up to our bellys so he wouldn’t crush them into the boat as he went passed. I think he smiled at us, I was crying of excitement and I grabbed Nadine and we looked at each other – no words could ever explain that moment.


Then came the shark, 3.5 – 4m Silver tip! This is the first time I have truly thought I was going to die. Dja said he saw the shark earlier and he didn’t really want to get back in the water, I made fun of him and told him he was exaggerating and no way could the shark be 3m long. And for the second time today boy was I wrong! (Sorry Dja)  Previously before jumping back into the water (after hearing Dja’s exaggerated Shark story that turned out not to be an exaggeration at all) I said to Drex, our driver, that if there is a shark in the water I wanted him to promise me that he would pull me out first, I was only really joking, but I still made him promise.

This silver tip came from the deep I could see it eating scraps left by the whales, it came charging towards the boat. At first I thought it was a whale, but as it came closer I saw it had an angry face not like the happy whale face. Everyone screamed shark and furiously started kicking ourselves onto the boat. Everyone except for Richard who calmly remained in the water before slowly getting back onto the boat. Drex was laughing at everyone because he thought we were joking but then I think he saw the pure terror in everyone’s face, and I must remember to thank him because as soon as he realised we were serious he pulled me out of the water so fast I almost flew right back in over the opposite side of the boat. It was the first time Drex had seen whales that close, it was the first time any of us had seen whales that close. Even the shark came to the surface and was trying to feed with the whales – Wow! I wish I could do this experience justice with words – but – but I just can’t.

It was like seeing a mythical creature, an old creature, an animal that has traveled so far, so deep, seen so much, speaks an ancient secret language, so elegant, so beautiful and so amazingly powerful. We were allowed a small glimpse of this magic. A secret look at one of earths most majestic creatures.

Today I saw everyone I love, everyone who is here and gone, I saw life and death and I saw it all in the eye of a whale.

Thursday 25 June 2009

$863 -- Fiji from Los Angeles (Roundtrip), incl. Taxes

$863 -- Fiji from Los Angeles (Roundtrip), incl. Taxes* new

Fares to Fiji from Los Angeles have been slashed to an amazing price of $863 roundtrip, including taxes. This fare is available for travel June 10 - Dec. 30 on Air Pacific to Nadi on Fiji's the main island of Viti Levu.

This sale ends July 14.

Click here to purchase tickets directly with Air Pacific. Look for the "Get Packing" fare at a base fare of $565. Final price will include approximately $298 in taxes and fees.


Cheap Flights - Flight Specials - Air Pacific

Wednesday 24 June 2009

Naiqoro Passage dive

We drop onto this coral wonderland at the Naiqoro Marine Reserve. No current, no swell, vis is perfect. We rummage through the reef like children looking for lost coins down the back of our dads lazy boy.

The striped dascylus like silver coins shimmering and darting in and out of the coral, anemone fish the golden coins just waiting to be spent, the colourful nudibranchs like a lost bag of jellybeans, your favourite kind, and out of nowhere Glass cleaner shrimps with tiny purple claws, like finding a clean twenty tucked far beneath the cushions.

Enough time spent here, we count our riches and head out further into the passage, wham! We hit the wall that is Naiqora Passage and with our belts fastened and our inflight entertainment rolling our journey begins.

Fan coral bending and shaking, fish swimming towards you but not moving at all as you fly past their anemone homes. We stop for a moment, cling onto a rock outcrop and watch a nudibranch, its tiny purple body with intricate orange trim, holding on for dear life as its antennae struggles with the ever increasing current.

We can’t stop, so much to take in. Soon its time to surface, we emerge with nothing, no one says a word, we feel like the richest people in the world and for that moment we probably are.

Monday 22 June 2009

Special place! - Review of Matava - Fiji's Premier Eco Adventure Resort, Kadavu Island, Fiji - TripAdvisor

Matava is a special place. It is not a luxury eco resort and not for the high maintenance crowd. It is simply a wonderful eco resort with a fantastic staff. The lure of Matava draws the same type of people here. If you want to spend some time with those who like adventure and are well travelled, then you picked the right place. We usually stay at the best places when we travel but we wanted to take it down and notch, kick off our shoes (literally) and enjoy a bit of the “real” Fiji.

Hopefully you’ll be greeted by Maggie when you arrive. He makes the whole place come to life. When he isn’t there you miss him greatly. He’ll have you cracking up laughing every time he talks and don’t believe a word he says! You’ll see what I mean when you get there. .. :)

Speaking of getting there, the boat transfer is an adventure in itself so be prepared. Check out the picture with my husband standing in front of our boat. It takes about an hour to get to the lodge. If it is windy and there are waves, you’ll probably be very wet by time you arrive. They give you raincoats but they are so full of holes they don’t help much. They can’t use large boats because the tide can get VERY low. Large boats can’t make it through the reef passages. If you arrive during low tide be prepared to have to walk through some mud to get to and from shore.

Now I say Matava is not a luxury eco resort but if you stay in the Honeymoon bure it will feel like it is. The Honeymoon bure is beautiful and has the large deck with fantastic views. The mosquito net over the bed adds ambience to the room but it is not just for looks. Luckily, it was cool and windy while we were here so mosquitos only bothered us a bit on one night but we slept with the net every night. There are no ceiling fans or a/c, just the ocean breeze. There is also no heat in the rooms so you bundle up or snuggle to get warm. We were there at the end of May and it was chilly, almost cold. Bring a jacket or long sleeve shirt and pants.

All power is solar and there are on-demand gas water heaters. There is a charging station in the main lodge where you can charge batteries, laptops, etc… There are no plugs in the rooms and they do not allow hairdryers to run. In your bure there is a welcome book and it explains that running a hairdryer for 5 minutes uses enough power to run the resort for a week. The book continues to say that however, they will give you a ride in one of their boats for 5 minutes to give you what they like to call the windswept and wild look. I cracked up when I read it!

Adding to the laid-back appeal of Matava is they ask you to go barefoot in the main lodge. In the evening, they sound the drum at 6pm to let everyone know the bar is open (if you want something before then you can get it). This lets all know that if they want to come down to share stories of the day, come on down. Gas lanterns provide light giving everything a warm feeling. One night we had a kava ceremony during the cocktail hour. After we started dinner, the Fijians who were still drinking began singing. It was magical and they were in perfect harmony. It was a very special evening.

Dinner is served at 7pm (or around there in Fijian time). The food here is FANTASTIC, especially the soups! There is lots of variety, fresh ingredients, and flavor. We were here for 5 days and we had something new every day.

When you are finished socializing for the night and ready to go back to your bure, you either use a flashlight or take one of their lanterns to light the way. Once you get back to your bure, look up. The night sky here is unbelievable! The Milky Way is right above you. It is awesome what you can see without any light pollution.

Staying at Matava is a special experience and one we are glad we did. We wanted a true Fijian experience before we went to Taveuni for a completely over the top one. The Fijians here are extra warm and welcoming. We met Jennie, one of the owners, and she was equally as friendly and welcoming. Visiting Kadavu and getting away from all the super touristy stuff gives you a chance to be a part of the real Fiji.

Things to do:

If you want some exercise, take a walk up the trails behind the property. Hike up to the house at the top, go right then keep taking the trails to the left and you’ll go up, up, up to some great views overlooking the ocean and the island.

Definitely hike to the waterfall in the village. It is beautiful!

Dive Manta reef. They try to make sure everyone that stays here goes at least once. We were lucky and saw 3. We hung out by one just watching him feed. It was wonderful! The only thing is we were surprised at how poor visibility was. We had expected better but they also said it was the time of year. Taveuni has much better visibility but you rarely see any big stuff there. We also found out about a place on Viti Levu called Pacific Harbor that is known for Tiger sharks.

Special place! - Review of Matava - Fiji's Premier Eco Adventure Resort, Kadavu Island, Fiji - TripAdvisor

Fiji September IDC 18th-26th September 2009

Bula Vinaka,

The September IDC is now growing closer. As the program requires extensive preparation, NOW is the time to enroll for the course, gather together the necessary materials and start your preparation.

We are now accepting deposits for the program. (F$300) These should be paid directly to Viti Water Sports through Mike Agnew. mike@vitiwatersports.com (Tel) 6702413

Once we have received your deposit we will forward instructions on how to prepare for the course.
 
Please note that EFR Instructor is now a prerequisite for new instructors to gain teaching status. We will therefore conduct the EFR Instructor Course (including Care For Children) directly before the IDC
 
The dates and prices are as follows:
 
Instructor Preparation Course: (IPC) 11th-15th September F$695
EFR Instructor (with CFC) 15th-16th September) F$680
Instructor Development Course (IDC) 18th-26th September F$1950
OWSI Course 22nd - 26th September F$1350
Instructor Examination (IE): 28th-29th September AUS$695
IDC Staff Instructor 16th - 26th September F$695
 
Please note that the above prices do not include required course materials.
Please remember that when you begin an IDC, you are expected to have professional level knowledge and dive skills. Although the IE contains examinations on diving theory, the IDC DOES NOT cover these topics. If you are in any doubt about your ability to pass the exams or the level of your dive skills please complete the IPC, which covers these areas (and more) in detail.
 
Please let me know if you have any questions or would like to receive further information.
 
Best regards,
 
Andrew Redfern
PADI Course Director
Viti Water Sports

Saturday 20 June 2009

Ocean in Focuse Photo Contest Prizes 2009

Ocean in Focus
Conservation Photography Contest
Prizes

Kemp's Ridley hatchling
Kemp's Ridley hatchling headed out to sea. (c) Kirsten Dahlen 2008/Marine Photobank

Winning photographers will receive the following prizes:

Grand Prize!

  • Seven nights ocean-view accommodations at MATAVA, a premier eco-adventure resort in Fiji. Package includes 5 days 2 tank diving for two and 6 days unlimited shore diving for two as well as roundtrip airport transfers.
  • Carbon Offsets through NativeEnergy from your home and car for one year plus carbon offset for one round-trip air flight.
  • A DVD copy of A Sea Change, The journey of a man and his grandson to uncover the hard science of ocean acidification.

1st Prize (for each category)

2nd Prize (for each category)

See links below for more contest details:
Contest Home page >>
Submission Guidelines and Categories >>
Rules >>

Contest Sponsored By:

Project AWARE Logo Marine Photobank Logo
SeaWeb Logo

Thank You to Our Prize Donors!

MATAVA eco resort logo

The Talbot Collection

Native Energy Logo
A Sea Change logo

Hannah Garrison, AZU

Too Precious To Wear



Ocean in Focuse Photo Contest Prizes 2009

Ocean in Focus Photo Contest Home 2009

Win the grand prize package including a week-filled adventure at Matava, Fiji

Your conservation images can move people to action. But they can also win big during Project AWARE and Marine Photobank's Ocean in Focus Conservation Photo Contest.

Now underway, this unique photo contest seeks images that actively inspire conservation in two contest categories: Species of Concern/Ecosystem Decline and Humans and the Ocean: Impacts and Solutions. Harnessing the power of photographers – amateurs and professionals alike – is key to advancing protection of underwater environments.

How do you get your start as a photo activist? Enter your best conservation images by August 27 to vie for the grand prize – a seven-night dive and accommodation package at Matava – Fiji's Premier Eco-Adventure Resort. You'll not only have the chance to win this and other fantastic prizes, you'll also be personally contributing to the conservation cause.

Get the full contest details at www.projectaware.org or www.marinephotobank.org.

Ocean in Focus Photo Contest Home 2009

Wednesday 17 June 2009

Heaven!! - Review of Matava - Fiji's Premier Eco Adventure Resort, Kadavu Island, Fiji - TripAdvisor

Our stay was UNBELIEVABLE! We have travelled extensively, but this far exceeded our expectations. The lodge was remote enough to escape the typical tourism crowd, but still provided so much.

The bures were incredibly comfortable with amazing views to the ocean and the staff were like family. We felt welcome as soon as we stepped off the boat.

The food was also amazing. Every meal was a wonderful surprise of fresh ingredients and spices (and plenty of it).

We were so sad to leave because after only one week, we felt as if we belonged at Matava. We will definitely be back.

Thanks so much to every single person at Matava. We will be forever grateful for such a wonderful experience.

Heaven!! - Review of Matava - Fiji's Premier Eco Adventure Resort, Kadavu Island, Fiji - TripAdvisor

Tuesday 16 June 2009

The Flatworm

Sharks at Eagle Rock, Kadavu, Fiji

Great wee video of the sharks schooling at Eagle Rock!

Saturday 13 June 2009

Facebook | Username

Starting NOW, you can choose a username for your Facebook account to easily direct friends, family, and coworkers to your profile.

To select your username, visit the link NOW:
http://www.facebook.com/username/

To learn more about usernames, visit the Help Center:
http://www.facebook.com/help.php?page=89

Tuesday 9 June 2009

Roddenberrry Dive Team

Roddenberry Dive Team

We have some exciting stuff coming up and we hope you will learn about us and join our team! Be sure to check out our events calendar for all the exciting great events coming up!

Exploring Strange New Worlds! Our oceans!!

The Roddenberry Dive Team is committed to the exploration, education and preservation of our oceans. We'd love to have you onboard.

Roddenberrry Dive Team

A Sea Change: Imagine a World Without Fish

Imagine a world without fish: It seems inconceivable. But top scientists warn that such a catastrophe may in fact play out in coming generations unless widespread awareness is raised to stop ocean acidification.

A Sea Change will focus public attention on this urgent but little-known crisis. It follows retired educator and concerned grandfather Sven Huseby back to stunning ancestral sites (Norway, Alaska the Pacific Northwest) where he finds cutting-edge ocean research underway. His journey of self-discovery brings adventure, surprise and revelation to the hard science of acidification.

Niijii Films aims not only to educate viewers about the science of our rapidly-changing oceans, but also to engage them on accessible terms. This film delivers both the data necessary to build credibility with skeptics and also the cultural / spiritual dimensions that will capture the attention of--and motivate--diverse global audiences.


The world's oceans cover 70% of the planet's surface.


Hundreds of millions of people rely on the bounty of the seas for their survival and their cultural identity. Yet compared to terrestrial ecosystems, relatively little is known about our oceans.

What is conclusively known now is that the pH balance of the oceans has changed dramatically since the beginning of the Industrial Revolution: A 30% increase in acidification. With near unanimity, scientists now agree that the burning of fossil fuels is fundamentally reshaping ocean chemistry. Experts predict that over the next century, steady increases in carbon dioxide emissions and the continued rise in the acidity of the oceans will cause most of the world's fisheries to experience a total bottom-up collapse--a state that could last for millions of years.

Through the mass medium of film, A Sea Change will broaden the discussion about the dramatic changes we are seeing in the chemistry of the oceans, and convey the urgent threat those changes pose to our survival.

Ocean acidification threatens over 1,000,000 species with extinction--and with them, our entire way of life.
The film's protagonist has an usual relationship to the sea. Born in Norway, Sven Huseby's parents owned a fish market. After World War II, his father worked in a salmon cannery in a remote native village situated on an Alaskan fjord. Moving in the 1950s to the cultural security of Seattle, Sven spoke Norwegian in his neighborhood while developing his English at school, eating fish six days a week. He became the first in his family to attend college after admission to Yale.

The changes to our seas awaken Sven's environmental consciousness, but also threaten his cultural identity. Revisiting the places where he grew up, he witnesses the cultural, economic and ecological changes already underway and assesses the problems that ocean acidification might hold for future generations. New questions haunt him:

How will he explain to his oldest grandchild, Elias, what is happening to the oceans and their ecosystems? How will he teach Elias the traditions of his family, and their historic dependence on the sea? How will he help him look into a changing and uncertain future? What can each of us do to avoid contributing to a crisis threatening future generations?

Driven by these concerns, Sven embarks on a picturesque (and at times even picaresque) odyssey that leads him to small fishing villages whose cash crop is at risk, native communities whose way of life is being threatened, activists working to combat the crisis, and individuals who are changing their lifestyles to make a difference at the most local level. He seeks out entrepreneurs and investors and everyday people to discover what is being done to address these issues. At the end, Sven is reunited with his grandson to tell about all that he has learned.

A Sea Change is both a personal journey and a scientifically rigorous, sometimes humorous, and unflinchingly honest look at a reality that we all must act on before the oceans of our youth are lost for future generations.

A Sea Change: Imagine a World Without Fish

Monday 8 June 2009

Fiji | Scuba Diving Magazine

Fiji

Not only are they the proverbial bread and butter for some dive operators in this 300-island country, but also in native Fijian folklore, there's a god, Dakuwaqa, who takes the form of a shark. Beqa Lagoon, on the Coral Coast of the island of Viti Levu, has long established itself as the Pacific's shark diving capital, where as many as eight different species freely swim. While diving well-known sites on the Great Astrolabe Reef near the island of Kadavu - the world's fourth-largest barrier reef - it's possible to spot schools of upward of 30 gray reef sharks on a single dive and, dive pros have discovered, there's a hammerhead site off of Kadavu's northern shores.

But with its soft corals and population of manta rays, humpback whales, turtles, titan triggerfish and even ghost pipefish, Fiji isn't only about sharks, diving one island or one barrier reef. Whether on a live-aboard plying Bligh Water between Viti Levu and its island neighbor to the north, Vanua Levu, or hopscotching by plane from those islands to others, like Taveuni, Gau, Ovalau and Kadavu, or plunging into the Great Astrolabe or the Namena Barrier Reef, there's no shortage of unforgettable diving.

Fiji | Scuba Diving Magazine

Ten Things You Can Do To Protect the Sharks

Ten Things You Can Do To Protect the Sharks

  1. Hot Issues Shark imageSupport international shark fisheries’ management and conservation efforts.
  2. Contact your local government representative. Demand that shark management and conservation efforts become a priority.
  3. Support organizations, like Project AWARE, which are engaged in ocean conservation efforts.
  4. Educate recreational fishers who target sharks.
  5. Learn about marine life, its problems and solutions.
  6. Make informed decisions when purchasing products that may contain shark substances, as many shark species are overfished.
  7. Support educational television programs and films about sharks.
  8. Write travel operators and urge them to introduce shark conservation issues into fishing trips to highlight the need for controls on shark fishing.
  9. Pass on your underwater experiences with sharks as a scuba diver.
  10. Tell your friends. Spread the word about shark conservation efforts and how humans need to come together to help preserve this precious resource.

Ten Things You Can Do To Protect the Sharks

National Geographic Television International ACQUIRES NEW INDIE DOCS FOR DISTRIBUTION

National Geographic Television International (NGTI) today announces that it has acquired almost 20 hours of new programming from deals with four independent producers – two of which are new business partners.

Science title Catching Cancer (1 x 52) is being produced by Australia’s December Films, in association with Pemberton Films for ABC Australia. This fascinating programme asks whether cancer can be ‘caught’ and sets off on a global pursuit of infectious cancers, as well as the tools being developed to protect people. Using evocative computer animation, a cancer cell is tracked over its epic journey from ‘birth’ to ultimate domination and the rules of the cancer ‘lottery’ and the impact of germs are also revealed.

The second producer partner new to NGTI is underwater specialists Liquid Motion Film. Water Colours (3 x 50/6 x 25) is a new series filmed in the South Pacific (some of which was filmed in Kadavu with Matava), close to Liquid Motion’s base, and provides a pioneering breakthrough in communication between underwater species. Capturing spectacular images, it uncovers the truth about exactly how fish see and manipulate colours – and each other – in their world. Water Colours has already collected more than 20 international awards during its production, including Best Film at the Santa Barbara Ocean Film Festival and a Merit of Excellence at Celebrate the Sea Film Festival in Australia.

When Weather Changed History – Series 2 (14 x 47) is a new acquisition from US-based Towers Productions. Produced for the Weather Channel in the US, this innovative series investigates the impact of the weather on some notable events in history, including the D-Day Invasion in 1944, the sinking of the Titanic and the atomic bombing of Nagasaki. NGTI currently represents the first series of When Weather Changed History, in addition to a range of other Towers Productions factual titles.

Long-standing partner Essential Television & Film, based in the UK, brings a new ethnography title to the NGTI catalogue – Pokot: Male Circumcision Ceremonies (1 x 52). This extraordinary film will allow viewers to witness rituals that have never before been seen on film. Every 10 to 30 years (depending on issues such as drought or tribal warring) the Pokot people of Kenya hold their male circumcision ceremonies – where all uncircumcised men and boys come together for the most important celebration in their culture. With exclusive access, several initiates are followed through this mysterious month-long ceremony as they undergo dramatic days of communal discipline, lessons in manhood and Pokot sacred rituals.

Chris Fletcher, acting head of acquisitions and co-productions at NGTI comments: “The acquisitions market is extremely competitive at the moment but the National Geographic brand, coupled with our long-standing reputation in factual sales, continues to attract leading independent producers from around the world. I am delighted to welcome the intriguing new titles from Liquid Motion and December Films to our catalogue – and am happy that Essential Television & Film and Towers Productions continue to provide us with such excellent programming to represent.”

National Geographic

Hawaii Eco-Tube | Coral Reef Alliance

Hawaii EcoTubeHawaii EcoTube was created by a group of Hawaii natural resource users who care about our environment and want to help ensure the sustainability of these resources for future generations.

In a desire to help facilitate positive practices, Hawaii EcoTube was created to showcase both positive and negative uses of Hawaii's natural resources in a public venue that everyone can access.

The site is your chance to contribute content related to issues that concern you. The intent is to raise awareness through objective documentation of various types of resource impacts by empowering the community.

By creating a platform for everyone to use, all parties have a chance to become informed, engage one another in a respectful manner, and learn from what is presented. Hawaii EcoTube is a platform where positive practices can be highlighted and serve as a model to others.

To Contribute

Email submissions to hawaiiecotube@gmail.com. Submissions can be in the form of photos, a link to an online photo album, or a link to a YouTube video. For more information, check out Hawaii EcoTube.

Hawaii EcoTube was made possible in part by a community-based microgrant from the Coral Reef Alliance (CORAL).



Hawaii Eco-Tube | Coral Reef Alliance

SCUBA Show 2009 a Great Success

10,202 people attended THE Diving Event of the Year! in Long Beach, California this past weekend

Even though the economy is rough, SCUBA Show 2009 managed to bring in impressive numbers to it’s 22nd annual show. With over 300 exhibitor booths, and over 10,000 people attending, the SCUBA Show was a success for everyone involved.

Here’s what people have said:

The show was awesome. We measured people and the orders have already started coming in.” – Susan Long, DUI

“Advertising and marketing of the show was excellent and made the attendance that much better. Great job with that.” – Sandy Everett, Continental Airlines

“Saturday was one of the busiest days I've even seen at ‘any’ consumer show. The quality and quantity of the attendees was excellent! Great job and see ya in 2010!” – John Boozer, Atlantis Dive Resorts Philippines

“I was very surprised with the number of attendants due to economy.” - Judi Hartwick, Poseidon Dive Adventures

“Number of attendees a big plus!” – Mike Elliott, XIT 404

The SCUBA Show staff would like to thank everyone who helped make the show a great success. SCUBA Show 2010 will take place May 15 & 16 at The Long Beach Convention Center. Visit www.scubashow.com for more details.

From Divenewswire

Saturday 6 June 2009

Project AWARE Certification Cards

Every single c-card issued from Matava gets a Project AWARE Certification Card free! Matava covers the donation!

Project AWARE Scuba Certification Cards

Shark on Reef Card

Whale Shark Card

Project AWARE Card

New for 2009 Sharks on the Reef Card

Whale Shark Card

Standard Card

Ocean in Focus Eco Photo Contest

Win the Grand Prize Package from Matava Resort, Fiji
Matava Resort
Your conservation images can move people to action. But, that's not all - they can also win you the Ocean in Focus Conservation Photo Contest Grand Prize.

Now underway and hosted by both Project AWARE Foundation and SeaWeb's Marine Photobank, the annual Ocean in Focus Conservation Photo Contest seeks images that actively inspire conservation.

Harnessing the power of photographers - amateurs and professionals alike - is key to advancing protection of underwater environments. How do you and your student photographers get a start as photo activists?

Matava Resort Enter your best conservation images by 27 August to vie for the grand prize - a seven-night dive and accommodation package at Matava - Fiji's Premier Eco-Adventure Resort. You'll not only have the chance to win a fantastic prize package - you'll also be personally contributing to the conservation cause.

Get the full contest details at www.projectaware.org or www.marinephotobank.org.



Surface Interval - Vol. 5 No. 5

Monday 1 June 2009

Fiji School Children singing at The Scuba Show 30th May 2009

Great video of the Fiji School Children singing at The Scuba Show 30th May 2009