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Bring in the New Year with the fishes (and possible for free) with blue o two

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For those who would really rather fly to warm and dry Egypt for the last chance to get some sun in 2013, blue o two have just a few cheeky spaces left on their fleet over New Year. Last year, blue o two customers counted in 2013 whilst diving on the SS Thistlegorm; what better way to see in the New Year but on one of the world’s most famous, and stunning wrecks?

For those among you who would like to go a little further afield in the New Year, there are some amazing deals to Fiji and on blue o two’s brand new fleet vessel in the Maldives – ‘M/Y blue ‘Honors Legacy’.

All the following trips are in the blue o two Winter Sale with a 5% discount (and blue o two Loyalty Club or BSAC members can take ANOTHER 5% OFF!) ; and what’s more, everyone who books a trip in the Winter Sale during December will be put into a draw to WIN THEIR TRIP!

Here are the details:

M/Y blue Fin – Red Sea     

03 Jan – 10 Jan: Northern Wrecks & Reefs £745

10 Jan – 17 Jan: Best of Wrecks £745 (No MAN-HRG supplement)

17 Jan – 24 Jan: Best of Brothers £660

24 Jan – 31 Jan: North & Ras Mohamed £806

31 Jan – 07 Feb: HAYAH Reef Clean-up £695

07 Feb – 14 Feb: Best of Brothers £802

14 Feb – 21 Feb: Northern Wrecks & Reefs £945

21 Feb – 28 Feb: North & Brothers £897

07 Mar – 14 Mar: Brothers & Elphinstone £949

14 Mar – 21 Mar: Simply the Best £949

28 Mar – 04 Apr: Northern Wrecks & Reefs – £949

M/Y blue Horizon – Red Sea

14 Feb – 21 Feb: Best of Brothers £945

28 Feb – 07 Mar: Strait of Tiran and Brothers £945

07 Mar – 14 Mar: Best of Wrecks £949

14 Mar – 21 Mar: North & Ras Mohamed £949

M/Y blue Melody – Red Sea

27 Dec – 03 Jan: Northern Wrecks & Reefs £1139 – last few spaces!

21 Feb – 28 Feb: HAYAH Reef Clean-up £799

07 Mar – 14 Mar: Strait of Tiran & North £850

14 Mar – 21 Mar: Best of Wrecks £949

28 Mar – 04 Apr: Northern Wrecks & Reefs £949

M/Y blue Voyager – Red Sea

27 Dec – 03 Jan: North and Ras Mohamed £1087 – last few spaces!

03 Jan – 10 Jan: North and Ras Mohamed £745

17 Jan – 24 Jan: North and Ras Mohamed £660

24 Jan – 31 Jan: North and Ras Mohamed £745

31 Jan – 07 Feb: Northern Wrecks & Reefs £806

21 Mar – 28 Mar: Simply the Best £850

28 Mar – 04 Apr: Daedalus & St Johns £1091

MALDIVES

M/Y blue ‘Honors Legacy’ – Maldives

20 Feb – 28 Feb: Pelagic Encounters (7 nights) £1895* – Last female share!

06 Mar – 16 Mar: Best of the Maldives (9 nights) £2228*

15 Mar – 23 Mar: Simply the Best (7 nights) £2089*

M/V Carpe Diem – Maldives

28 Feb – 08 Mar: Project Shark: Maldives with Nikki Weeden  (7 nights) £2180* – Last female share!

WORLDWIDE

S/Y Fiji Siren – Fiji Islands

04 Feb – 14 Feb: Lomaiviti & Taveuni Islands (10 nights)  £1895**

*Package price is subject to change due to fluctuations in flight prices. Final package price will be confirmed at

time of booking.

**Excludes flights

To book or for more info contact the blue o two team now on +(0)1752 480808, email info@blueotwo.com or visit their website www.blueotwo.com

 

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Hunting Lionfish Safely and Responsibly in Curaçao

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Curaçao, a picturesque island in the southern Caribbean, is not only renowned for its stunning beaches and vibrant culture but also for its commitment to preserving its marine ecosystems. One of the key threats to these delicate ecosystems is the invasive lionfish. To combat this menace, responsible hunting practices are crucial.

In this comprehensive guide, we will explore how to hunt lionfish safely and responsibly in Curaçao, including the use of pole spears (the only legal method in Curaçao). We will provide you with the top 10 safe hunting practices, including the use of a Zookeeper. We will also address what to do if you are stung by a lionfish and emphasize the importance of consulting with local experts before embarking on your lionfish hunting adventure.

Why Safe and Responsible Lionfish Hunting is Important

Lionfish (Pterois spp.) are native to the Indo-Pacific region but have become invasive predators in the Caribbean, including the waters surrounding Curaçao. Their voracious appetite for native fish species and rapid reproduction rates poses a severe threat to the delicate balance of marine ecosystems in the region. The introduction of lionfish has led to a decline in native fish populations and the degradation of coral reefs.

To counteract the lionfish invasion, responsible hunting practices are essential. Hunting lionfish can help control their population and protect the native marine life of Curaçao’s waters. However, it is imperative to follow safe and responsible hunting techniques to minimize the impact on the environment and ensure the safety of both divers and the marine ecosystem.

Understanding the Pole Spear

In Curaçao, the only legal method for hunting lionfish is using a pole spear. It’s important to note that a pole spear is distinct from other spearfishing equipment, such as a Hawaiian sling or a spear gun with a trigger mechanism. The use of Hawaiian slings or spear guns with triggers is illegal in Curaçao for lionfish hunting due to safety and conservation concerns.

lionfish

A pole spear consists of a long, slender pole with a pointed tip, often made of stainless steel or fiberglass, designed for precision and accuracy. Unlike a trigger-based spear gun, a pole spear requires the diver to manually draw back on a rubber band then release towards the target, providing a more controlled and selective approach to hunting.

How to Hunt Lionfish Using a Pole Spear Responsibly

When using a pole spear to hunt lionfish, it’s crucial to do so responsibly to ensure the safety of both the diver and the marine environment. Here are some essential guidelines on how to hunt lionfish using a pole spear responsibly:

  1. Safety First: Always prioritize safety when diving and hunting. Ensure you have the necessary training and experience for hunting lionfish. Consider the Lionfish Scuba Dive Experience offered by Ocean Encounters. This opportunity allows participants to learn under the expert guidance of local scuba diving professionals.
  2. Check Regulations: Familiarize yourself with local regulations and restrictions related to lionfish hunting in Curaçao. Respect no-take zones and marine protected areas.
  3. Target Only Lionfish: Use your pole spear exclusively for lionfish hunting. Do not attempt to spear any other species, as this can harm the fragile ecosystem.
  4. Aim for Precision: Approach your target lionfish carefully and aim for a precise shot to minimize the risk of injuring other marine life or damaging the coral reef.
  5. Use a Zookeeper: A Zookeeper is a specialized container designed to safely store and transport lionfish after capture. It prevents the lionfish’s venomous spines from causing harm and keeps them secure during the dive.
  6. Respect Lionfish Anatomy: Target the head of the lionfish and stay away from its venomous spines. Aim for a clean and humane kill to minimize suffering.
  7. Avoid Overhunting: Do not overhunt lionfish in a single dive. Limit the number of lionfish you catch to what you can safely handle and process.
  8. Practice Good Buoyancy: Maintain excellent buoyancy control to avoid inadvertently damaging the reef or stirring up sediment, which can harm marine life.
  9. Dispose Responsibly: Once you’ve caught lionfish, carefully place them in your Zookeeper. Do not release them back into the water, as they are invasive and harmful to the ecosystem.
  10. Report Your Catch: If applicable, report your lionfish catch to local authorities or organizations involved in lionfish management to contribute to data collection efforts.

In the Unlikely Event of a Lionfish Sting

While lionfish stings are rare, it’s essential to know how to respond if you or someone you are diving with is stung. Lionfish have venomous spines that can cause pain, swelling, and even more severe reactions in some cases. Here’s how to respond to a lionfish sting:

  1. Signal for Help: Notify your diving buddy or group immediately if you are stung.
  2. Remove Spines: If the spines are still embedded in the skin, carefully remove them with tweezers or a clean, sterile tool. Be cautious not to break the spines, as this can release more venom.
  3. Clean the Wound: Rinse the affected area with warm water to help alleviate pain and reduce the risk of infection.
  4. Pain Management: Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help with pain and swelling. However, if you experience severe symptoms, seek medical attention promptly.
  5. Seek Medical Help: If the pain and swelling worsen or if you have an allergic reaction to the venom, seek medical assistance immediately.

Consult Local Lionfish Experts

Before embarking on a lionfish hunting adventure in Curaçao, it’s crucial to consult with local and responsible dive shops or organizations dedicated to lionfish management, such as Lionfish Caribbean.

lionfish

These experts can provide valuable insights, tips, and up-to-date information on how to hunt lionfish safely and responsibly, hunting locations, safety measures, and environmental conservation efforts.

Start Planning your Next Caribbean Adventure

Knowing how to hunt lionfish safely and responsibly in Curaçao is not just an exciting underwater activity but also a crucial step in protecting the island’s marine ecosystems. By using a pole spear and adhering to the top 10 safe hunting practices, including the use of a Zookeeper, you can contribute to the control of the invasive lionfish population while preserving the delicate balance of Curaçao’s underwater world.

Remember that safety should always be your top priority when diving and hunting lionfish. In the unlikely event of a lionfish sting, knowing how to respond can make all the difference. By consulting with local experts and following ethical and legal guidelines, you can enjoy a rewarding and responsible lionfish hunting experience while safeguarding the beauty of Curaçao’s marine environment for generations to come. Please always dive safely and responsibly, and together, we can make a positive impact on Curaçao’s underwater world while learning how to hunt lionfish effectively.

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SCUBAPRO Free Octopus Promotion 2023

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Free Octopus with every purchase of a SCUBAPRO regulator system

Just in time for the festive season, divers can save money again with the FREE OCTOPUS winter promotion! Until December 31st SCUBAPRO offers one of the two new Octopus models S270 or R105 for free with every purchase of a regulator system!

The S270 OCTOPUS is free with purchase of a MK25 EVO/D420 or MK19 EVO/D420, MK25 EVO/S620Ti or MK19 EVO/ S620Ti in INT or DIN versions. A R105 OCTOPUS is free with purchase of a MK25 EVO/S600 or MK17 EVO/S600, or MK25 EVO/G260 or MK19 EVO/G260 or MK19 EVO BT or MK25 EVO BT/ G260 CARBON BT in INT or DIN versions.

SCUBAPRO offers a 30-year first owner warranty on all regulators, with a revision period of two years or 100 dives. All SCUBAPRO regulators are of course certified according to the new European test standard EN250-2014.

Available at participating SCUBAPRO dealers. Promotion may not be available in all regions.

Find an authorized SCUBAPRO Dealer at scubapro.com.

More information available here: SCUBAPRO Free Octopus Promotion 2023

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