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New UK Blue Shark Project Needs Your Help

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Help is urgently needed to support a ground-breaking research project to study the incredible Blue Shark off the South West coast of Cornwall.

Blue sharks are one of the most incredible and charismatic species of shark in the ocean. Blue Sharks play a crucial role in maintaining the balance of entire marine ecosystems. Who knew that these awesome creatures roamed the oceans in the UK, just off the South Coast of Cornwall?

Although they are highly migratory species, a gathering of numerous individuals has been registered in the summer period in the waters around Cornwall, due to the high productivity of the area.

These amazing creatures need urgent help and face many challenges in the wild, ranging from overfishing and pollution from plastics. Team Blue Shark 2017 will be looking to raise money to support a ground-breaking research project to help protect these incredible sharks for future generations to come.

The Project

Even though various scientific studies reported information about genetics, migratory patterns and bioaccumulation of contaminants in blue sharks, all of them relied on animals collected by fishery vessels, in most cases because they represent one of the main by-catch species.

This project aims to overcome this issue, providing a starting point for a multi-year research programme intended to set up a photo-identification database and to study genetics of populations and bioaccumulation of the most common pollutants and their biological effects on living sharks. Over the summer of 2017, a small sample of skin (the size of half a pinkie) will be taken from sharks swimming in the ocean. The samples will be then appropriately divided and dispatched to different research groups (South Devon College, University of Ancona and University of Salford) to carry out the relative analyses. The expected results will be fundamental to increase knowledge on this “near threatened” species and to feed into assessments for better species protection. With your help, Team Blue Shark can help preserve this species so important for the marine ecosystem for future generations to come.

Team Blue Shark are trying to raise funds to get the project off the ground. As is the norm with these things, there are various perks available to those who contribute. If you would like to make a pledge you can do so at Team Blue Shark’s Crowdfunder page here.

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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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