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Book Review: Guide to the Manta & Devil Rays of the World

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Book Review: Guide to the Manta & Devil Rays of the World by Guy Stevens, Daniel Fernando, Marc Dando and Guiseppe Notarbartolo di Sciara

Manta and Devil Rays sit at the very top of many diver’s bucket list species of large marine life they would like to encounter whilst diving or snorkelling around the world. They are other-worldly creatures, with wing-spans that can sometimes take your breath away. A recent encounter that I had with a Manta in Socorro made me want to learn so much more about these animals and this lovely book is where I turned to do just that.

The book covers a host of information, including identification, feeding, predation, mating & their conservation, as well as a handy guide to how you should swim with them without disturbing their natural behaviour. It is packed with wonderful images and illustrations that go hand in hand with the information that each chapter provides. One of my favourite chapters, which is about feeding, demonstrates this perfectly, with images of the rays feeding using various strategies, along with an illustration to explain it all. This combination of media provides a wonderful visual explanation of the text within each chapter.

The final few chapters of the book cover the threats to Mantas and Devil Rays around the world and what is being done to protect them. In fact, just buying this book helps in their conservation, as the royalties go to the Manta Trust. The research and production of the book was supported by Save Our Seas. The authors’ passion for their subject and the importance of global conservation efforts shines through. This book works for many manta enthusiasts, whether you are a diver who just wants to know more about them, or a biologist working in the field, this is a book you will want in your collection.

The publication is a quality paperback with 144 pages of information about mantas, with images from a host of talented photographers as well as many beautiful illustrations. Published by Wild Nature Press. It is available from all the usual outlets.

Details:

Authors: Guy Stevens, Daniel Fernando, Marc Dando and Giuseppe Notarbartolo di Sciara
Publication date: 14th May 2018
ISBN 9780995567399
Paperback with gatefolds
Extent: 144pp
Size: H 215mm x W 171mm

For more information visit the Wild Nature Press website: www.wildnaturepress.com.

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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Four opportunities to go pro in 2024 with Dive Friends Bonaire

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Dive Friends teaches the Instructor Development Course (IDC) several times a year to students who are eager to share their passion for diving with the world.

Dive Friends is known for the personal approach throughout the course. Their in-house course director will lead the students through every essential step, mentoring them to achieve their fullest potential as a dive instructor.

Applications for the following IDC start dates are now open:

  • 12 April
  • 5 July,
  • 20 September
  • 29 November

Partnership with Casita Palma

If the student opts for the IDC-Deluxe or IDC-Supreme package, their accommodation will be arranged for them at Casita Palma. This small and quiet resort is within walking distance from Dive Friends Bonaire’s main dive shop location and has everything you need to relax after an intense day of IDC training. Breakfast is included, so the student will always be fuelled and ready for their day.

Contact Dive Friends Bonaire’s Course Director Eddy for more information: coursedirector@divefriendsbonaire.com.

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SOMABAY: Scubaverse Trip Review (Watch Video)

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In a video created exclusively for Scubaverse.com, Jeff Goodman visits SOMABAY in the Egyptian Red Sea to experience the diving on offer there.

Book your next Red Sea dive adventure with SOMABAY! For more information, visit www.somabay.com.

Stay at the Breakers Diving & Surfing Lodge when you visit! For more information, visit  www.thebreakers-somabay.com.

Find out more about ORCA Dive Clubs at SOMABAY at www.orca-diveclubs.com/en/soma-bay-en.

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Experience the Red Sea in May with Bella Eriny Liveaboard! As the weather warms up, there’s no better time to dive into the crystal clear waters of the Red Sea. Join us on Bella Eriny, your premier choice for Red Sea liveaboards, this May for an unforgettable underwater adventure. Explore vibrant marine life and stunning coral reefs Enjoy comfortable accommodation in our spacious cabins Savor delicious meals prepared by our onboard chef Benefit from the expertise of our professional dive guides Visit our website for more information and to secure your spot: www.scubatravel.com/BellaEriny or call 01483 411590 More Less

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