With the International Whaling Commission meeting just around the corner, DiveFilm HD Video Podcast has released as its latest episode, Shawn Heinrichs’s “Whale Wisdom - A Mother Humpback’s View.” This short film evokes the world of a mother and calf as whaling resumes in much of the world’s ocean.

Other great episodes of DiveFilm Podcasts recently released include Irish filmmaker Vincent Hyland’s homage to the ocean life off the South West coast of Ireland, and more of the award-winning video entries from the 2008 Our-World Underwater / Wetpixel / DivePhotoGuide Competition, including Simon Spear’s “Porbeagles in Peril” and Shawn Heinrichs’ “The Sardine Run.” The most recent episode released of the original standard definition DiveFilm Podcast Video is Wags & Kelly’s “A Call to Action” which garnered honors in the OWU Conservation Video Competition.

Both DiveFilm Podcasts, the original and the HD version, are Featured Podcasts at iTunes, and are produced in association with Wetpixel.

Wetpixel LLC is proud to announce the immediate availability of issue #3 of Wetpixel Quarterly magazine. In its trademark landscape-oriented, high-resolution format, issue #3 celebrates the American underwater landscape by showcasing the work of Alex Kirkbride, who spent three years photographing the waters of America’s 50 states.

Also featured are the winners of 2008’s Our-World Underwater and DEEP Indonesia photo competitions, run annually by Wetpixel and DivePhotoGuide. This collection of diverse imagery is truly an international celebration of the underwater world, featuring the photography of artists from 18 different countries.

Amphibico is proud to announce the new Phenom Z7LE underwater video housing for the Sony HVR-Z7U HDV camcorder.  The stand-alone housing with no port will be introduced at a price of $4795CAN.  Three port options are available, including a standard dome, flat port, and 94° wide-angle port.

The Phenom Z7LE for the Sony HVR-Z7U is an electronic and mechanical combined housing which gives a complete control of your camcorder while filming your underwater scenes. Amphibico has also added a 2-year Amphibico warranty to the housing. The housing should be available in July 2008. Continue reading for full press release.

We are shocked that the Queensland, Australia Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries (DPI&F) is creating a dedicated shark fishery at a time when shark populations worldwide face unprecedented fishing pressure and many have been drastically reduced.

Although the DPI&F’s measures intend to bring sustainability to shark fishing, they appear to be driven by short-term financial gain. Instead, the establishment of shark fisheries will deplete shark populations and produce negative impacts to the Great Barrier Reef ecosystem. Short term economic interest of a small number of fishermen should not be placed above one of Australia’s – and the world’s - most precious resources: sharks and the Great Barrier Reef.

If you are against Australia’s actions, please take the time to sign these two petitions: [Shark Savers] [Australian Marine Conservation Society]

I’m told often by folks who have been on the ocean for decades that that oceanic white-tip sharks (Carcharhinus longimanus) were once one of the most common sharks in the ocean… We pulled up close to Cat Island in the late afternoon on the 30th, and a few minutes later, the back deck erupted into frantic activity. Everyone threw on their gear and launched themselves off the back of the boat. At the stern were three oceanic white-tip sharks (all female). One of the sharks had four pilotfish around her… (continue reading for full trip report)

Peter Mooney at Scubapix Underwater Imaging is looking for an experienced person to look after the day-to-day affairs of their tourism-based imaging department in Cairns, Australia.

The ideal candidate will be a self motivated fully certified UW photo & video nut. Getting wet and shooting images everyday is a core part of this role. Your hands on enthusiasm will be rewarded - get the things done and spoils will come!

If you or someone you know might be interested in the position, continue reading for the full job description!

National Geographic has posted an online gallery of nudibranch images taken by underwater photography legend, David Doubilet. Some of the nudibranches were placed on an underwater light table of sorts and photographed on completely-white backgrounds (they’re beautiful).

As with every event that involves man intersecting with wilderness, Doubilet’s photos have sparked controversy in the Wetpixel forums; head over there and tell us what you think!

In X-RAY MAG issue #23, Mark Webster takes us on a tour through the fascinating underwater world off Cornwall, England. We talk with Pascal Bernabé for insights into his achievements in deep diving. Science editor, Michael Symes, investigates locomotion of sea creatures, and we look at Hammerhead sharks and their unique head shape. Harald Apelt brings us to another pearl in the Mediterranean—beautiful, historic Croatia. Kurt Amsler discusses proper workflow in digital photography. Rebreather pro, Cedric Verdier, gets us up to speed on physical fitness for divers and DIR for rebreather divers. Cindy Ross discusses sunscreen and gives us the skinny on sunrays and skin cancer. We meet the Bubbling Reefs of Denmark, and a diverse portfolio of ocean art from artists around the world tops it all off (and more). download it for free!

On May 15th, the Save Our Seas Foundation (SOSF) opened the doors of its new Save Our Seas Shark Centre (SOSSC) in Kalk Bay, South Africa, a well-known great white shark hotspot of the world. Chris Clarke, Executive Director of the Foundation says: “The new SOSSC cements our commitment to make a meaningful contribution toward shark conservation in southern Africa. By becoming a Centre open to the general public it will be a visible reminder of the importance of sharks in our ecosystem and the integral role they play in the health of our oceans.”

The SOSSC will promote the protection and conservation of sharks worldwide by developing scientific research projects, and global education and awareness projects that target the general public, fishers, and in particular, children. Continue reading for full press release, and drop in for a visit if you’re close to Kalk Bay!

Cyclone Nargis hit the country of Myanmar on May 3, 2008, leaving massive devastation along the southern coastal areas of Myanmar and affecting millions. While the official number is just above 30,000, officials fear that the death toll could exceed 100,000 people. The country is in desperate need of aid assistance, whether providing clean water and food, or shelter and clothing.

There are many aid organizations assisting now: a discussion thread has suggested the World Food Program and the Red Cross - please consider helping these displaced people!