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.
There’s something magical about night diving— the ocean transforms into a whole new world, alive with mystery and wonder. At Euro-Divers Meeru, we love sharing this unique experience with our guests, and the West Rock Shipwreck is one of our favourite sites for night diving.
Here’s why:
Setting the Scene
The adventure begins at 17:30 as divers gather on the boat. After thoroughly checking our equipment, the boat departs for the dive site. The 15-minute journey is a treat, with the calm sea and the soft glow of the setting sun creating the perfect atmosphere.
Arriving at West Rock, the boat gently moors above the wreck. As our team briefs you on the dive, we will walk you through the special night diving techniques, such as using a torch and maintaining buddy contact, ensuring you feel confident and prepared. While we wait for the sun to set, there is time to relax with a cup of tea or coffee and take in the breathtaking colours of the Maldivian sunset.
The Dive Begins
Once darkness settles, it’s time to dive. The West Rock Shipwreck—a small cargo freighter sunk in 1999—rests at 20 meters on a sandy plateau. Over the years, it has become a vibrant reef, teeming with marine life.
As we descend, the beams of our torches cut through the dark water, revealing the wreck’s coral-covered surfaces. It is always thrilling to see the wreck come to life under the light. Colourful nudibranchs, scorpionfish, frogfish, and shrimps are just a few of the creatures that call this wreck home.
We often find parrotfish and pufferfish inside the wreck settled in for the night, while lionfish and moray eels lurk in the shadows. We frequently spot larger residents, too—Napoleon wrasse or even a resting nurse shark, peacefully tucked away beneath the ship’s hull. Every corner of the wreck offers something new to discover.
Underwater Galaxy
As the dive comes to an end, we have one final highlight to share. During the safety stop at 5 metres, we may ask you to switch off your torch and gently move your hands through the water. This action stirs up bioluminescent plankton, lighting up like tiny stars surrounding you— a magical, otherworldly experience that never fails to amaze.
Post-Dive Bliss
Emerging from the dive, we are welcomed by the cool night air and a canopy of stars. The boat crew helps us as we climb aboard, where hot tea or coffee awaits to warm us up. The journey back to shore is filled with shared stories and a sense of camaraderie that only diving together can create.
Night dives like this one at the West Rock Shipwreck offer more than just an exploration of marine life; they remind us of the beauty and mystery of the underwater world.
For more information, contact the Euro-Divers Meeru team at meeru@euro-divers.com or visit www.euro-divers.com.
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