Connect with us
background

News

Dive Ninjas becomes first Ally for Dolphins Certified Ecotourism Operator in Baja

Published

on

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.

Freediving with wild dolphins in Bimini, Bahamas with Dive Ninja Expeditions & Neal Watsons Bimini Scuba Center

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.

Freediving with Atlantic Spotted Dolphins in Bimini – Dive Ninja Expeditions

“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.

Freediving with Atlantic Spotted Dolphins in Bimini – Dive Ninja Expeditions

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.

Freediving with Atlantic Spotted Dolphins in Bimini – Dive Ninja Expeditions

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

Published

on

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.

Continue Reading

Marine Life & Conservation Blogs

Creature Feature: Undulate Ray

Published

on

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

Continue Reading

E-Newsletter Sign up!

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

Instagram Feed

Popular