Tanya Houppermans: Sand Tiger Sharks
Articles
70 percent of Japan’s largest coral reef has died
Japan’s largest coral reef is dying due to rising sea temperatures. Over 90 percent of corals on Japan’s Sekiseishoko reef in the Ryukyu Islands, near Okinawa, have some bleaching and 70 percent of the corals have died overall. The reef was surveyed in November and December by Japan’s Environment ministry. The bleaching is the worst in the recorded history of the reef and is due to rising sea temperatures.
Exploring the idea of consciousness in octopus
Peter Godfrey-Smith has published a book titled, “The Octopus, the Sea, and the Deep Origins of Consciousness”. It explores one of the most curious creatures of the underwater world and the idea of their consciousness. Carl Safina, ocean conservationist, reviews the book for the New York Times and in doing so composes a wonderful story that is in and of itself worth reading.
The Shootout returns: Lembeh vs Gulen round 2
The underwater photography event of 2016 was the Lembeh vs Gulen shootout. Two teams went head to head in a public vote for team and individual honours. The event returns in June 2018, and bookings are open to join a team and participate in this amazing event.
Subal announces housing for GoPro HERO 5
Subal has announced a new housing for the GoPro HERO 5. Constructed of aluminum, it numerous mounting options and a depth rating of 300m. It can be equipped with an adaptor that allows it to be used with Subal dome ports.
GIMP seeks funding
Open source image editing application GIMP is seeking funding from its user community. Up until now, Øyvind Kolås, the main driver behind the forthcoming 2.10 update to the app has been living off his savings whilst doing the development work. Although the GIMP app will remain free, users are being encouraged to help support the work on the updates by contributing on Kolås’ Patreon page.
Paper describes seal whisker sensory ability
A paper published in the Journal of Experimental Biology establishes how seals use their “whiskers” or vibrissae to locate prey. The research team found that they are capable of detecting the current created as prey pass water through their gills.
MindShift Gear First Light camera rucksacks
MindShift Gear has updated the information about their First Light series of camera backpacks. These three models have the advantage of being carry-on compatible, and also have proper rucksack frames and carrying systems. This should help ease the strain of humping heavy bags around airports.
Late Availability: Dominica Sperm Whales with Keri Wilk
Wetpixel’s friend, underwater photographer and all-round good guy Keri Wilk has a few late availability spots open for his annual Dominica sperm whale trips. Interacting with sperm whales (Physeter macrocephalus) is strictly controlled by permit on the island and Keri has 3 of them! If you want to document these amazing creatures, this is an amazing opportunity.
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The underwater sculptures of Jason deCaires Taylor (via )
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Ted Talk with Guillaume Nery on free diving (via )
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Diving the caves of Albania (via )
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Sony updates PXW-FS5 firmware to version 1.1 (via )
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Phase One releases 9.0.1 update for Capture One Pro (via )
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Adobe updates Lightroom Mobile to 2.1 (via )
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Adidas 3-D printed shoe out of ocean plastic (via )
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The many ways fish communicate (via )