News
Dive Ninjas becomes first Ally for Dolphins Certified Ecotourism Operator in Baja
Dive Ninja Expeditions, pioneering the sustainable exploration of Baja’s wild frontier, sets a new standard for ecotourism operators in Mexico and around the world, by joining Ally for Dolphins’ initiative to make the industry more transparent for the growing population of eco-conscious travelers.
Thousands of travelers come to Mexico every year to experience the incredible marine life that call these abundant waters home. As these travelers become more aware of their environmental footprint, tour companies are becoming more ‘eco-friendly.’ However, there is no accountability.
“I have personally seen passionate ocean-lovers unknowingly book ‘whale-watching eco-tours’ with a company that also offers swimming with captive dolphins. There is no transparency, and too many options. We are happy to be a part of a solution to this problem, so that consumers can more easily choose an operation with practices that align with their own beliefs and principles.”
—Ellen, Instructor at Dive Ninja Expeditions
There are over 40 dolphin aquariums in Mexico alone, many associated with resorts, large tour companies, and corporations hiding behind a mirage of conservation, and ecotourism marketing. Not only does Dive Ninjas not support wild animals in captivity in any way shape or form, they also promote sustainable practices such as: reef-safe sunscreen, sourcing from local communities, refusing single-use plastic, recycling, and so many more.
Hoping to be the first of many operators and businesses certified in Baja, Dive Ninja Expeditions wants to bring awareness to the great work that Empty the Tanks is doing for dolphin captivity. In addition, they have curated a once-and-a-lifetime experience to swim with wild dolphins in Bimini, Bahamas this summer to experience these curious, sentient beings in their natural habitat.
Before or during your next holiday, when choosing a restaurant, tour operator, or hotel stay, check the Ally for Dolphins website for approved operators, to ensure they support ecotourism and put the welfare of dolphins and all cetaceans first. You can get involved in the movement to “Empty the Tanks,” by asking your favorite dive center to join Ally for Dolphins. Collectively, as consumers, we have the power to make profound changes by aligning our demands with our dollars.
Visit www.diveninjaexpeditons.com for more information.
News
Euro-Divers to close dive centre at NH Collection Maldives Havodda
Euro-Divers have announced that as of 15 April 2024, they will no longer be operating the dive centre at NH Collection Maldives Havodda (formerly known as Amari Havodda).
The popular dive centre chain released this statement regarding the closure:
Dear valid customers, business partners and friends,
We are leaving NH Collection Maldives Havodda – former Amari Havodda as of 15th of April 2024.
Unfortunately, the information reached us on short notice that we are no longer operating the dive centre at the resort.
It was a great pleasure to work with the Amari Hotel group and continue to work with the NH Hotel group.
We wish our partners great success with all their new changes.
Thanks a lot for cooperating during our time at the resort. We wish everyone with whom we have worked a good and hopefully successful future.
Euro-Divers continue to operate in several other dive resorts throughout the Maldives in addition to other locations.
To finds out more about Euro-Divers, visit www.euro-divers.com.
Marine Life & Conservation Blogs
Creature Feature: Undulate Ray
In this series, the Shark Trust will be sharing amazing facts about different species of sharks and what you can do to help protect them.
This month we’re looking at the Undulate Ray. Easily identified by its beautiful, ornate pattern, the Undulate Ray gets its name from the undulating patterns of lines and spots on its dorsal side.
This skate is usually found on sandy or muddy sea floors, down to about 200 m deep, although it is more commonly found shallower. They can grow up to 90 cm total length. Depending on the size of the individual, their diet can range from shrimps to crabs.
Although sometimes called the Undulate Ray, this is actually a species of skate, meaning that, as all true skates do, they lay eggs. The eggs are contained in keratin eggcases – the same material that our hair and nails are made up of! These eggcases are also commonly called mermaid’s purses and can be found washed up on beaches all around the UK. If you find one, be sure to take a picture and upload your find to the Great Eggcase Hunt – the Shark Trust’s flagship citizen science project.
It is worth noting that on the south coasts, these eggcases can be confused with those of the Spotted Ray, especially as they look very similar and the ranges overlap, so we sometimes informally refer to them as ‘Spundulates’.
Scientific Name: Raja undulata
Family: Rajidae
Maximum Size: 90cm (total length)
Diet: shrimps and crabs
Distribution: found around the eastern Atlantic and in the Mediterranean Sea.
Habitat: shelf waters down to 200m deep.
Conservation Status : As a commercially exploited species, the Undulate Ray is a recovering species in some areas. The good thing is that they have some of the most comprehensive management measures of almost any elasmobranch species, with both minimum and maximum landing sizes as well as a closed season. Additionally, targeting is entirely prohibited in some areas. They are also often caught as bycatch in various fisheries – in some areas they can be landed whilst in others they must be discarded.
IUCN Red List Status: Endangered
For more great shark information and conservation visit the Shark Trust Website
Image Credits: Banner – Sheila Openshaw; Illustration – Marc Dando
-
Blogs3 months ago
‘Simply the Best’ – Quintessential Red Sea Diving
-
News2 months ago
Hone your underwater photography skills with Alphamarine Photography at Red Sea Diving Safari in March
-
News1 month ago
Capturing Critters in Lembeh Underwater Photography Workshop 2024: Event Roundup
-
Marine Life & Conservation Blogs3 months ago
Creature Feature: Nurse Sharks
-
News2 months ago
Join Lembeh Resort’s Macro Photography Workshop with Scott Gutsy Tuason this April
-
Miscellaneous Blogs3 months ago
Book Review: The Lives of Seaweeds
-
Marine Life & Conservation Blogs1 month ago
Creature Feature: Swell Sharks
-
Blogs2 months ago
A day in the life of Marsa Shagra with Sea to Sky