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Research Finds Thousands of Sea Turtles Killed by Costa Rica Longline Fishery

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Studies conducted by researchers from Drexel University, Costa Rican conservation group Pretoma, and US conservation group The Leatherback Trust found that the longline fishery of Costa Rica is responsible for the deaths of thousands of endangered sea turtles, and potentially putting fish populations affected by the fishery at risk of collapse.

The data came from scientific observers on longline fishing boats over a decade (1999-2010) who recorded every species that was pulled from the sea, including target species and bycatch. During the study period, roughly 699,000 olive ridley and 23,000 green sea turtles were recorded as bycatch from fisheries that targeted mahi mahi, marlin, sharks, and tuna.

Concurrent data recorded on olive ridley nesting populations on Costa Rica’s Ostional Wildlife Refuge, an important nesting ground for the species, showed declines in nesting populations were directly linked to longline fishery catches. Seasonal closures for the fishery, as well as the establishment of marine protected areas, were recommended by the research team in order to mitigate damages. They also called for INCOPESCA, the fisheries management agency of the Costa Rican government, to begin enforcing national laws that were enacted several years ago and realize their current methods are unsustainable.

Gear News

Introducing the RF-40 Fins from DYNAMICNORD

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With the sporty RF-40 open-heel fin by DYNAMICNORD, you enjoy maximum effectiveness and fun. The innovative design guarantees ease and power – exactly what every diver wants.

Designed and engineered in Germany. Made in Europe.

The RF-40 open-heel fin delivers. Its harder blade will especially delight sporty divers.

The powerful blade of the RF-40 fin and its dynamic design with innovative water channels allow to perform both technical and recreational kicks with maximum propulsion. The power is efficiently transmitted from the foot pocket and sole to the blade for outstanding kick stability and manoeuvrability. With the RF-40 fin, sporty divers are guaranteed to have a blast underwater.

The foot pocket of the open-heel fin is comfortable, and the smart bungee strap enables to make small length adjustments without using any tools. This way, the fin can be used with neoprene boots or with a drysuit. The heel pad has a large finger loop that is easy to grasp even when wearing gloves, making donning and doffing the fin a breeze.

The RF-40 fins are available from DYNAMICNORD dealers in six great colours.

Recommended sales price: £127.00

Sizes: M-XL

Colours: Blue, grey, orange, purple, red, yellow

DYNAMICNORD – Your Outdoor Companion.

www.dynamicnord.com

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Master Your GoPro: Join an Underwater Video Workshop in the Cayman Islands with Carlos Villoch

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underwater video

Capture Your Best Dive Moments in April 2025 at Ocean Frontiers

For the first time, Ocean Frontiers presents an exclusive underwater video workshop series, hosted by renowned videographer Carlos Villoch at the award-winning Compass Point Dive Resort, Grand Cayman. Designed for GoPro enthusiasts, this workshop is your chance to master your camera and capture documentary-quality footage beneath the waves.

underwater video

Why Join?

Expert Training: Carlos Villoch, a BBC-Shell Wildlife Photographer of the Year and underwater videography expert, will teach everything from GoPro basics to advanced techniques.

Unparalleled Access: Dive with a dedicated boat, curated dive sites, and expert guidance to help you shoot action-packed, frame-worthy footage.

Custom Gear: Try out Carlos’ unique ‘Glowdive’ accessories, specifically designed for GoPro filming, and take advantage of GoPro features developed with Carlos’ input.

World-Class Diving: Enjoy 15 dives, including reef, wall, wreck, and macro dives, as well as snorkel trips to Stingray City Sandbar.

 

underwater video

2025 Workshop Dates

 
Workshop 1: April 5th to 12th, 2025
 
Workshop 2: April 12th to 19th, 2025
 

Dive and Learn Itinerary Highlights

 
15 dives and 2 snorkel trips, featuring iconic Cayman dive sites.
 
4 classroom sessions on video techniques:
 
*Basics of underwater video*
 
*Accessory usage for optimal results*
 
*Mastering GoPro settings*
 
* Advanced lighting, movement, and editing techniques*
 
Dedicated time with Carlos for personalized guidance and gear testing.
 
Unique dives, including Stingray City, the Kittiwake wreck, and a macro-focused dive.
Social events: Welcome Cruise, optional group dinner, and Farewell Caribbean Buffet.
 
underwater video
 

Stay at Compass Point Dive Resort

 
Experience the ultimate “liveaboard on land” with beachfront condos, roll-out-of-bed access to dive boats, and top-tier amenities. Voted the Caribbean’s Best Dive Resort for two consecutive years, Compass Point is the perfect home base for your underwater videography adventure.
 
underwater video
 

Rates

Dive & Stay Packages (7 nights):

1-bed condo, double diver: US$2,995 per person

2-bed condo, double diver: US$3,395 per person

2-bed condo, quad diver: US$2,570 per person

Add-ons:

Unlimited Nitrox: US$99

Little Cayman Bloody Bay Wall Expedition (3-tank): US$325 (weather permitting)

Diving Only Package:

Workshop & dives: US$1,695 per person

underwater video

Book Now!

Email: reservations@oceanfrontiers.com

USA Toll-Free: 1-800-348-6096

Cayman Direct: 1-345-640-0000

www.oceanfrontiers.com

 

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