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BIUPC founder scoops top prize with novel composition from the river Test in Hampshire

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The British Society of Underwater Photographers (BSoUP) are once again pleased to announce results of The British and Irish Underwater Photography Championship (BIUPC) which was held on 26th August 2023.

For Underwater Photographers, a “splash-in” is a competition that takes place on a single nominated day, when photographers jump into the water to compete against each other. Traditionally, these competitions have been restricted to particular locations, but BIUPC is unique in that it has developed a format to allow pictures to be taken anywhere within the coastal or inland waterways of the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland. This has hugely increased the richness and variety of pictures submitted for judging, and so truly allows for a snapshot of the underwater environment captured photographically around these shores under time pressure.

There were two categories for competitors this year, mainly because of advances in camera technology:

  • Wide Angle
  • Close Up

Each category has one winner, and the overall Champion is chosen from those two images 2 images.  The ultimate prize is the coveted Peter Scoones memorial Trophy.

There is also a category for:

  • Human Impact on UK and Irish Marine and freshwater Environments (but this isn’t included in Overall Champion).

There were 36 entrants, 33 of whom submitted 75 images.  Results were announced online at the BSoUP monthly meeting held on 19th September 2023.  The top 4 of each category are displayed here and comprise a:

  • Winner
  • Runner up
  • Highly Commended x 2

The judges were Damien McGuirk and Simon Rogerson.  The standard was very high, and the decision about whose image would be Overall Champion (between Paul Colley’s wide angle and Dan Bolt’s close up) proved to be very difficult.

Results for BIUPC 2023 were as follows:

  • Human Impact (Winner) Gina Goodman: ‘Hidden Histories’. The wreck of the Ben As-dale, Maenporth, Cornwall. U.K.

  • Human Impact (Runner up). Sandra Stalker. 'Oyster racks in Fleet nature reserve'. Fleet Lagoon, Dorset. U.K.

  • Human Impact (Highly Commended): Dan Bolt: ‘Life from the rust’, Plymouth, Devon. U.K.

  • Human Impact (Highly Commended): John Bennett: ‘Man vs Lobster”. Big Sovereign Island, Cork, Ireland. RoI

  • Close Up (Winner): Dan Bolt: ‘Fluorescing jewel anemones’, Babbacombe, Devon. U.K.

  • Close Up (Runner Up): Grant McCarry: ‘An inquisitive Conger Eel’. Loch Long, Scotland. U.K.

  • Close Up (Highly Commended): Ryan Stalker: ‘A hiding cephalopod in the seaweed’. Common Cuttlefish (Sepia officinalis), Portland Harbour, Dorset. U.K.

  • Close Up (Highly Commended): James Lynott: ‘Gills of a Sea Lemon nudibranch’. Doris Pseudoargus, Falls of Lora, Loch Etive, Scotland. U.K.

  • Champion & Wide Angle (Winner): Paul Colley. ‘Summer dreams by the River Test’. Whitchurch, Hampshire. U.K.

  • Wide Angle (Runner Up). Gina Goodman: ‘Ocean window’. Jellyfish through Snell’s window, Maenporth, Cornwall. U.K.

  • Wide Angle (Highly Commended): Dan Bolt: ‘Exploring Hilsea Point’. Plymouth, Devon. U.K.

  • Wide Angle (Highly Commended): Derek Bolton: ‘Secret daisy’s’. White striped anemones with dead men’s finger sponges, Sovereign Islands, South of Oysterhaven, Co. Cork. R

Nick and Caroline (Frogfish Photography) are a married couple of conservation driven underwater photo-journalists and authors. Both have honours degrees from Manchester University, in Environmental Biology and Biology respectively, with Nick being a Fellow of the Royal Photographic Society, a former high school science teacher with a DipEd in Teaching Studies. Caroline has an MSc in Animal Behaviour specializing in Caribbean Ecology. They are multiple award-winning photographers and along with 4 published books, feature regularly in the diving, wildlife and international press They are the Underwater Photography and Deputy Editors at Scubaverse and Dive Travel Adventures. Winners of the Caribbean Tourism Organization Photo-journalist of the Year for a feature on Shark Diving in The Bahamas, and they have been placed in every year they have entered. Nick and Caroline regularly use their free time to visit schools, both in the UK and on their travels, to discuss the important issues of marine conservation, sharks and plastic pollution. They are ambassadors for Sharks4Kids and founders of SeaStraw. They are Dive Ambassadors for The Islands of The Bahamas and are supported by Mares, Paralenz, Nauticam and Olympus. To find out more visit www.frogfishphotography.com

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Bunaken Oasis: Celebrating 7 Years of Excellence

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world travel awards

Bunaken Oasis Dive Resort are the winners of ‘Indonesia’s Leading Dive Resort’ for a staggering seventh consecutive year at the World Travel Awards.

Following their victory, the team at Bunaken had this to say:

“Dear Friends and Dive Enthusiasts,

We are thrilled to announce that Bunaken Oasis has once again been honoured at the World Travel Awards, winning the title of ‘Indonesia’s Leading Dive Resort’ for the seventh consecutive year!

This incredible achievement is a testament to our unwavering commitment to providing exceptional experiences for our guests. Whether you’re exploring the vibrant coral reefs, diving alongside majestic marine life, or simply enjoying the serene beauty of our island paradise, we strive to make every moment unforgettable.

world travel awards

We couldn’t have reached this milestone without the support of our amazing guests, dedicated team, and passionate dive community. Thank you for believing in us and making Bunaken Oasis your home away from home!

As we celebrate this recognition, we remain committed to excellence in everything we do — from sustainable practices that protect our ocean environment to personalised services that create lifelong memories.

Join us in celebrating this achievement and experience firsthand what makes Bunaken Oasis truly special. We look forward to welcoming you back to our little piece of paradise soon!

With gratitude and warm regards,

The Bunaken Oasis Team

Thank you for diving into the Oasis experience with us — here’s to many more years of extraordinary adventures together!”

world travel awards

For more information about Bunaken Oasis Dive Resort and to experience its magic first-hand, visit their official website.

Dive into luxury and adventure at Bunaken Oasis Dive Resort – where every moment is crafted to perfection.

Email: info@bunakenoasis.com / WhatsApp: +44 7785 576331 / WhatsApp: +62 812 4649 6763 

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Dive the Egyptian Red Sea this Autumn with Regaldive

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Egyptian Red Sea

October and November are excellent months to visit Egypt, as they offer pleasant water temperatures and comfortable conditions on land. Divers can explore prime dive sites in the northern Red Sea, including the iconic SS Thistlegorm shipwreck and the breathtaking underwater topography at Shark & Yolanda Reef in Ras Mohammed National Park. Additionally, visitors can take advantage of direct flights from the UK to Marsa Alam, which serves as a gateway to bucket list adventures and thrilling shark dives in the Southern Red Sea.

Egyptian Red Sea

The Red Sea offers an unforgettable experience both above and below the water. Every year, thousands of visitors are captivated by this area’s unique blend of spectacular marine life, welcoming climate, and stunning scenery.

A World-Renowned Dive Region 5 Hours Away…

An endless variety of marine life draws divers from across the globe to the warm waters of the Red Sea. For UK divers, this world-renowned destination is just a short flight away. With outstanding water clarity and permanent sunshine, the Red Sea offers the chance to explore its magical underwater world year-round.

Egyptian Red Sea

The sheer abundance of vibrant marine life and corals is what sets the Red Sea apart. Divers and snorkellers can witness an impressive range of invertebrates, including over 200 different types of hard and soft corals, crustaceans, sponges, and hundreds of spectacular fish species.

This incredible variety is further enhanced by the Red Sea’s dramatic underwater landscapes, featuring steep walls, drop-offs, shipwrecks, and deep blue canyons.

Egyptian Red Sea

Which Red Sea Destination to Choose…

Regaldive provides a choice of ten Egyptian Red Sea resorts, along with a range of liveaboard options for those seeking to explore further. Sharm el Sheikh, Hurghada, and Marsa Alam are the gateways to the Red Sea, each offering a unique and distinct charm.

Hurghada presents a glimpse of authentic Egypt, with an excellent selection of dive sites located just a short boat ride away. The smaller resorts of El Gouna and Safaga are ideal for exploring the northern reefs and wrecks while being within easy reach of Hurghada.

The stunning coastline south of Hurghada has become a haven for tranquil, pristine diving. Direct flights into Marsa Alam throughout the winter have made it easier to access the impressive marine parks of the southern Red Sea.

For those seeking ultimate seclusion, the southernmost resort of Hamata offers unparalleled diving within relatively undisturbed reef systems.

The Choice is Yours…

No matter which destination is selected, a Red Sea holiday promises a blend of fantastic diving, beach relaxation, and cultural exploration. With over seven centuries of history, Egypt offers so much more than just diving.

The Red Sea is an ideal starting point for visiting the iconic Pyramids, taking a day trip to Cairo, star gazing with the Bedouins, or visiting the breathtaking city of Luxor on the banks of the Nile. The stunning scenery of the region features the rich seas contrasting with the stark beauty of the desert.

Whether the holiday is spent mostly above or below the waterline, disappointment is unlikely.

Regaldive also offers a variety of resorts and liveaboards in the Red Sea, providing everything a diver could desire. For a blend of experiences, their mini dive safaris combine liveaboard and resort-based diving, while land-based liveaboard trips allow guests to explore Sharm el Sheikh’s diving highlights while staying in beachside cabins.

Find out more about the diving Regaldive have to offer in the Red Sea here.

www.regal-diving.co.uk

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