Takako Uno Discovers Fourth Nudibranch February 29, 2008 – Night is often my favourite time to dive. I’m not distracted by the yapping voice of my husband, Stephen Wong (who prefers a beer over night diving), and I get to settle down and inspect just one small patch of the reef.
On January 9, 2008, I was without my usual buddy on a night dive, peering at all the small stones and coral heads. As luck would have it I saw this white speck on a sponge. It looked different than other sand particles – this white speck had horns.
I immediately recognised it as a Trapania species nudibranch, and snapped away happily. A few days later I submitted my images to Australia’s foremost nudibranch expert, Neville Coleman. And on February 3, Neville wrote back with these words: “[Your nudibranch] appears to be an undetermined species. Congratulations!” He has generously given it a common English name of “Uno’s Trapania."
Where: Waigeo, Raja Ampat, Indonesia
Depth: 10 metres
Size: 3-4 mm
Colour: White and brown
Family: Goniodorididae
Common Name: Uno’s Trapania
Scientific Names: Trapania sp.
My new Trapania is in addition to the three I’ve previously discovered. The first also happened to be a Trapania species (second at left).
Where: Bali, Indonesia
When: 2002
Depth: 13 metres
Size: 4-5 mm
Colour: White, brown and purple
Family: Goniodorididae
Common Name: Takako’s Trapania
Scientific Names: Trapania sp.
The second discovery was a Glossodoris (third at left):
Where: Lembeh Strait, Indonesia
When: 2002
Depth: 5 metres
Size: 50 mm
Colour: Orange and white
Family: Chromodorididae
Common Name: N/A
Scientific Names: Glossodoris sp.
The third discovery was a Thecacera (fourth at left):
Where: Lembeh Strait, Indonesia
When: 2002
Depth: 10 metres
Size: 18 mm
Colour: White and black
Family: Polyceridae
Common Name: N/A
Scientific Names: Thecacera sp.
The moral of this story is: Keep an open eye for new things, because we’ve only just scratched the surface when it comes to discovering the underwater world’s life. – By Takako Uno
Our World Underwater Scholar Announced February 25, 2008 – Australian Steven Lindfield was selected as the Our World-Underwater Scholarship Society (OWUSS) scholar for 2008.
The new scholar, who holds a Bachelor of Science degree with Class 1 honours in marine science from the University of Newcastle in New South Wales, is looking forward to finally travelling overseas and experiencing other cultures and the full diversity of marine life. He hopes to use his experiences as a fisherman, scientist, and conservationist to provide an unbiased perspective to marine conservation; as well, he wants to further promote understanding of the marine world for others, with the eventual aim of maintaining or enhancing the marine environment for future generations. “It is the ocean and marine life that has given me so much pleasure, and I will do my best to protect it for others,” he said.
For more information on Steven Lindfield, the OWUSS scholarship, and how to apply for future OWUSS scholarships, visit the Our World Web site.
Turning Passion Into Charity February 22, 2008 – What started as a work of leisure and love for the underwater kingdom became a philanthropy cause for Singapore amateur underwater photographer, Margaret Pang. An upcoming photography exhibition called “Enchantment of the Sea” is probably the first underwater photography exhibition by a Singaporean woman for the sole purpose of raising fund for a charity organisation.
“Enchantment of the Sea” will be held at the Paragon Atrium, Orchard Road, from today through February 24, 2008, with over 60 photographic exhibits on display for sale. Mixing diving and photography, Mrs Pang will be showcasing some of her underwater photographs along with greeting cards and a book depicting the beauty and splendour of the undersea kingdom taken during her diving trips around Asia. Proceeds from all sales will be donated to the Singapore Association of the Visually Handicapped (SAVH).
“I do underwater photography for pleasure, and when I came to know of SAVH’s financial plight, I was determined to help raise fund through my photographs,” said Mrs. Pang. This 50-year old diving enthusiast also quipped that, “I like volunteering or doing charity work; one is never too old to learn how to dive!”
Exhibition details: Paragon Atrium, Orchard Road, February 22–24 , 11 a.m.– 9 p.m. (February 22–23) and 11 a.m.– 6 p.m. (February 24). Free admission, Tel: +(65) 6251 4331, ext. 115 or visit SAVH for more information.
Five Takes: Nudibranchs Encyclopedia
February 18, 2008 – Just received my copy of the new Nudibranchs Encyclopedia (thanks to Neville Coleman, and to Ivan Choong for bringing it by), and wow. Neville Coleman (World of Water) is easily the most prolific underwater ID book author in the history of the world, with more than a hundred titles to his name. Which makes it no small claim to state that this is his best book ever.
Quick disclaimer: I’ve always admired Neville’s enthusiasm. You’ve got to meet this upbeat Australian in person to really appreciate how enthusiastic he is about marine life. But his books tended to leave me wanting more. I like the heft of a hardcover – they last longer – and Neville’s ID books were always soft cover and with fewer pages. He really hit the nail on the head with this book, though. Here are my five takes.
It’s hardcover. As mentioned already, I love hardcover ID books because they tend to hold up longer. I imagine Neville used soft cover and fewer pages because it makes it easier to travel with, but I would just end up having to travel with more of his books than one comprehensive one. Not any more.
More pages. More nudibranchs (over 3,000) mean more pages. Which mean…
Larger photographs. A difficulty I had in the past is the photos of the nudibranchs – already small themselves – were just too small to help in identification of certain species that looked similar. In this book there’s a maximum of eight photos per page. That’s nice.
Beautiful photographs. Neville has enlisted the help of some generous photographers from around the world – including our friends David Harasti (with more than 200 images), Stephen Wong and Takako Uno – for many of the photos in this book. Different perspectives = being able to pick and choose from the prettiest photos of a given species. Some of these photos look like they belong in an underwater coffee table book.
Just the facts. Scientific name, how big it is, where to find it. That’s all that’s needed. Neville keeps it simple.
It's a wonderful nudibranch ID book, and is highly recommended to anyone who enjoys ID'ing these peculiar undersea butterflies. Buy it here.
Byron Bay Festival Gears Up February 15, 2008 -- The second annual Byron Underwater Festival will be held from Wednesday, 30 April, to Sunday, 4 May 2008 in Byron Bay, the easternmost point of the Australian mainland.
Julian Rocks is part of Cape Byron Marine Park and only a few minutes from Main Beach. Tropical and temperate currents meet here, resulting in a unique mixture and incredible abundance of marine life, including three species of turtles, various rays, friendly sharks, and over 500 other species of fish. Macro life is abundant with nudibranchs, crabs and snails, various corals and sponge species as well as sea stars, feather stars, and urchins. In May, water temperatures are still high (21 to 24 degrees C) and it is a quieter time of the year. All in all a great time to visit!
The festival is aimed to engage everyone with an interest in the marine environment, whether they want to dive it, snorkel it, kayak it, or just observe it from the safety of their armchairs.
Byron Underwater Photo & Video Shootout
– Four days, as many dives as you wish, as much digital media you can expose;
– Open to novices and professionals alike; and
– Over AU$20,000 worth of amazing prizes including Beuchat dive equipment, Olympus camera gear, overseas dive trips and more.
Other activities and events include a meet-and-greet with underwater pioneer Neville Coleman, a photo clinic with Mathieu Meur, marine visions art competition and exhibition, Olympus underwater camera try-outs, introduction to SCUBA, night dive at the wreck of the Tassie II, dolphin kayaking, guided seabird walks and other wonderful events. Definitely something for everyone, and fun for the whole family with many free events and activities.
IYOR Malaysia Chapter to Officially Launch February 14, 2008 – The International Year of the Reef (IYOR) 2008 Malaysian chapter will be launched officially on 24 February 2008 at One Utama Shopping Complex, Damansara, Kuala Lumpur.
Hosted by Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment and organised by Marine Park Malaysia, the event will also stage a five-day exhibition that will uphold IYOR Malaysia’ slogan: OUR Reef, OUR Heritage, OUR Responsibility; or, in Malaysian language: Terumbu KITA, Warisan KITA, Tanggungjawab KITA!
IYOR Malaysia secretariat, also joined by NGOs CoRal Malaysia, Reef Check, the Malaysian Nature Society (MNS), and WWF, will be promoting its work and programmes for 2008.
CoRal Malaysia will have its own corner, which will exhibit its previous programmes and also promote its first 2008 programme, “Terengganu SeaShutterbug 2008.” CoRal Malaysia will continue its awareness programme with children and students from all walks of life, who will get to know marine heritage through quizzes and a painting programme.
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment will partner with federal and state agencies and NGOs to plan and implement events for IYOR 2008, including:
– Awareness roadshow/sea fiesta;
– international conference/workshops;
– dialogue with island communities; – coral reef camps;
– partner with Rakan Park in carrying out outreach programmes with locals;
– underwater photography workshops;
– snorkelling for kids; and
– beach cleanups
New Marine Reserve Created February 14, 2008 – Showing its love for the environment on Valentine’s Day, the tiny Pacific island-nation of Kiribati – located halfway between Hawaii and Fiji – has created the world's largest protected marine reserve.
Covering 415,000 square kilometres, the Phoenix Islands Protected Area is one of the world’s few remaining coral archipelagos; its protection was essential, as the area is under constant threat of overfishing and global warming related environmental stresses.
U.S.-based Conservation International is one of the groups to help set up the marine protected area and develop a management plan. Studies have shown the archipelago is incredibly diverse, home to more than 120 species of coral and 520 species of fish.
Lanka Sportreizen Takes Home Tourism Award February 13, 2008 – Late January saw the launch of the first ever Presidential Awards for Travel and Tourism in Sri Lanka. The government of Sri Lanka, with the recommendation of the Ministry of Tourism and Sri Lanka Tourism, awarded stakeholders in the travel and tourism industry in recognition of the tremendous contribution they make toward national development.
Awards were given for organisations selected from 11 different categories by a learned panel of judges at a glittering ceremony held at the Presidential Secretariat on 28 January 2008. A key feature of the inaugural awards was the recognition of “Legends and Pioneers” of the industry over its 40 years of development.
PADI Asia Pacific is very proud to report that Lanka Sportreizen was selected in the award category of “Best Niche Operation – Adventure Tourism Operator in 2007.”
“Congratulations to the Lanka Sportreizen team,” said Henrik Nimb, Vice President, Marketing, Education & Business Development – PADI Asia Pacific. "This is a wonderful, well-deserved, and prestigious recognition of [the team’s] outstanding efforts. We are proud to be associated with [Lanka Sportreizen] and we share your pride and excitement.”
Lanka Sportreizen Travel Agent and Tour Operator was established in 1982 by Thilak Weerasinghe, founder and Managing Director. Over the years the company has engaged in providing all types of tour programmes, including scuba diving, water skiing, canoeing, kayaking, rafting, and cultural tours. Lanka Sportreizen offer PADI scuba diving instruction from beginners to professional level with their quality and experienced staff.
DEEP Photo Competition Deadline Nears February 5, 2008 – The deadline is fast approaching for the 2008 DEEP Indonesia International Underwater Photography competition. The “sister competition” to the Wetpixel and DivePhotoGuide.com competition at Our World Underwater, DEEP adds an additional US$30,000 in prizes, including dive trips throughout Indonesia and beyond. There are seven themed categories including one for compact cameras, another focused on the environment and conservation, and a category solely for Indonesian residents. (Pictured at left: Last year's first place, Animal Portrait, by Chip Scarlett.)
New Yap Book by Tim Rock February 4, 2008 – Scuba Diver Australasia contributor Tim Rock is happy to announce a new hard cover book highlighting the culture, beauty, and nature of Yap, Micronesia.
This full-colour book contains over 300 photographs of the people, culture, nature, and marine world of Yap in Micronesia. Award-winning photojournalist Tim Rock has compiled some of the most stunning images ever taken in this tropical paradise in the western Pacific, to create a beautiful hard cover volume that is a must for island lovers, divers, and travel buffs. Available for purchase now.
DAN Courses at ADEX February 3, 2008 – DAN Asia-Pacific will be exhibiting at ADEX 2008, held in Singapore from 18-20 April. In addition to exhibiting, DAN will be offering the following courses at the event:
- DAN Automated External Defibrillators (AED) Provider;
- DAN On-Site Neurological Assessment for Divers Provider;
- DAN Oxygen Instructor (Level 1) Course/Update; and
- DAN Diving Medicine & Resuscitation Course
For additional course information & registration details visit the special ADEX courses link on the DAN Asia-Pacific Web site.
To secure a place on any of the above courses be sure to register early as numbers are limited. In addition to the courses, DAN will be running a free Dive Safety seminar in conjunction with the Singapore Navy on Saturday, 19 April. DAN Products, including a selection of oxygen equipment, will also be available for purchase from the DAN stand.
