News
Ocean Ventures Fiji Launches Cutting-Edge Coral Reef Ecology Course
With extremely limited global travel, and the almost total shutdown of the tourism industry in Fiji, Ocean Ventures Fiji, a PADI scuba diving operator based in the untouched Natewa Bay near Savusavu, decided to put their time to good use by writing a first-of-its kind coral reef ecology course.
Ocean Ventures are delighted to announce the launch of their brand new online course, South Pacific Coral Reef Ecology, to coincide with World Oceans Day and World Ocean Week. Taking inspiration from a field ecology course they have been teaching for many years, this eLearning course aims to bring coral reef ecology and a love of the marine world to everybody who is unable to travel and experience these amazing ecosystems for themselves during these difficult times.
Bringing Our Vibrant Underwater Cities to Life
This comprehensive program looks at the ecology of coral reefs, starting with their importance as ecosystems, before discussing in detail the amazing biodiversity found on reefs, including the corals themselves, common reef fish, and marine invertebrates. The course then covers the intrinsically-linked ecosystems, mangroves and seagrasses, before concluding with a detailed look at the threats faced by coral reefs and the actions being taken to preserve these wonders of nature.
Although the majority of the course content is applicable to all coral reefs globally, each section also includes significant local context with many examples from reefs in the South Pacific. Stunning photos and underwater videos illustrate the course, most shot in Natewa Bay by the Ocean Ventures team themselves. Although it is the largest bay in the South Pacific, Natewa Bay remains a little-known gem home to pristine reefs and incredible biodiversity.
Gaining Knowledge and Earning New Qualifications
This eLearning course can be taken either as a standalone program at US $50, or with certification in Ocean Ventures’ exclusive PADI distinctive specialty, PADI South Pacific Coral Reef Ecology at US $95. Ocean Ventures will deduct the basic cost of US $50 from selected diving courses and dive packages for anybody diving with Ocean Ventures Fiji in the future!
Inclusive Access to Coral Reef Education
- Who might be interested in this online reef ecology course?
- Anybody with an interest in coral reefs globally and/or marine conservation
- Anybody with a general interest in our oceans and the environment
- Anybody with a specific interest in the coral reefs of the South Pacific
- Anybody who planned an ocean-based trip but is currently unable to travel due to restrictions
- Scuba divers and snorkelers
- Divers looking for an additional certification (this PADI specialty can credit towards PADI Master Scuba Diver)
- Students interested in the fields of marine science or marine biology
- Underwater photographers looking to improve their knowledge of marine creatures and basic ID skills
Want to know more?
To get more information or sign up for the course click here.
Any other questions can be directed to Matthew and Sara at info@oceanventuresfiji.com, or via their website, www.oceanventuresfiji.com.
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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