News
Be the Devil’s Advocate this Endangered Species Day
Project AWARE’s countdown to the 17th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES CoP17) – to be held in South Africa from September 24th to October 5th, 2016 – begins this Endangered Species Day, May 20th.
Earlier this month, Project AWARE applauded the growing support for proposals to control trade in 13 commercially valuable shark and ray species, including the endangered giant devil ray. This Endangered Species Day is the perfect day to begin our countdown to CITES CoP17 by starting a series of CITES-related blog posts with a very special ray proposed for CITES Appendix II listing: the giant devil ray.
From now until CITES CoP17, Project AWARE will be presenting strong arguments in support of the devil rays proposal submitted by the Maldives, and supported by the European Union and 22 out of 182 CITES member countries.
Project AWARE will be mobilizing its community, collaborating with partners, and delivering strong science-based arguments to CITES Parties in support of the giant devil ray, and the other shark and ray species up for consideration, and the organisation needs your support.
Be the devils’ advocate by making a donation to fuel Project AWARE’s science-based advocacy to advance conservation of sharks and rays, including the majestic giant devil ray.
Why? The demand for gill rakers – the feathery structures these filter feeders use to strain food as they glide through the water – is on the rise, leaving conservationists concerned. Giant devil rays produce only one large offspring every two to five years, so its naturally slower reproductive system adds to the species survival struggles. When caught as bycatch the species is usually discarded, but occasionally it is landed and sold to market. Secondary threats to all the devil rays include marine debris, including entanglement and ingestion, boat strikes and oil spills.
Devil rays are the only vertebrates that have three pairs of working limbs: pectoral fins, pelvic fins, and cephalic fins. When they are not feeding, their cephalic fins are curled and point forward and down, giving the appearance of devil horns, but there is nothing devilish about the giant devil ray except that it’s in a hell of a bind as incidental catch and high mortality rates threaten its survival.
The vulnerability of devil rays requires urgent international conservation measures. CITES listing of devil rays can greatly improve the outlook for this family of devils while also helping to fulfil commitments for previously listed manta rays.
Help Project AWARE with a special donation in honor of the graceful endangered giant devil ray and look out for more CITES-related blog posts and updates.
Gear News
Go anywhere with Stahlsac
Stahlsac dive bags and travel luggage are built for our community of divers, surfers, kayakers and outdoor explorers who need bags that are constructed with durability, toughness, and the highest quality the industry has ever seen. We were founded by one man determined to build better watersports and dive bags, and today, that mission is carried on by many. Adventure doesn’t just present itself; it requires discovery. When we design dive bags, we make sure they are tough enough for you to explore in all conditions—warm and cold, wet and dry—to the nearest and farthest reaches of the earth. And for those times you want to push the boundaries of adventure, Stahlsac dive bags make sure you can truly GO ANYWHERE.
Abyss Duffels
Made to be your partner-in-crime on every adventure, Stahlsac’s Abyss Duffels protects your gear from Mother Nature’s worst. Tough and 100% waterproof with double-TPU nylon material that shrugs off daily wear-and-tear, and RF-welded seams further boost the bag’s potential for lifelong exploring. Get Wet. Get Lost. Go Anywhere with Abyss.
- A weatherproof duffel for trips, travel, and adventure
- Ultra-durable double-TPU nylon protects your gear
- Material repels water and keeps your equipment dry
- RF-welded seams are flush, tough, and waterproof
- Removable straps transform duffel into backpack
- Zippered internal stow compartments carry essentials
- External zippered flap is easy to open and close
- Welded external handles make transporting a breeze
Panama Mesh Backpack
The most copied design in scuba diving, the Stahlsac Panama Mesh Backpack is the “original” design and features two high-density foam padded shoulder straps, extra durable polyester mesh, duffel bag handles and our unique zippered dry pocket inside that combines with a wet pocket outside. The bottom’s built from reinforced 18-gauge PVC nylon to combat the wear and tear of your active coastal lifestyle, and, as a bonus in every bag, we supply a 12″ x 12″ mesh drawstring satchel for extra stowing utility. Pack up your beach kit and go.
- Density foam padded shoulder straps
- Outside wet/dry pockets
- 2 Carry handles
- Tough, snag-resistant polyester mesh
- Reinforced PVC bottom
For more information about Stahlsac bags, visit www.stahlsac.com/dive-bags.
Sea & Sea is the home of Stahlsac and other leading diving brands in the UK.
Blogs
EXCLUSIVE: Jeff Goodman interviews Mark Spiers, CEO of New Scuba Diving Training Agency NovoScuba
In a video recorded exclusively for Scubaverse.com, Jeff Goodman interviews Mark Spiers, CEO of new scuba diving training agency NovoScuba.
Find out more about NovoScuba at www.novoscuba.com.
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