Since many Wetpixel readers are interested in what is going o­n with Jim (in addition to the bahamas trip) since his adoption of digital, read o­n to see his schedule.

Bonaire Digital Shootout-November 9 - 16, 2002

Splash into the world of underwater digital photography at the second annual underwater Digital Shootout in Bonaire November 9 - 16, 2002. Jim will be o­ne of the speakers and judges at the "shootout.” There is a great line up of sponsors and speakers for this o­ne. Light and Motion, Adobe, Backscatter, Olympus, Air Jamaica and Scuba Diving magazine are all sponsors of the event. Speakers include Steve Frink, Berkeley White, Adobe staffer and Photoshop Evangelist Julieanne Kost and of course Jim Watt. The first shootout in Manado Indonesia last year and was a great success. For more info and booking info http://www.theshootout.org/bonaire.html

Komodo, Indonesia- Digital shootout.- November-December 2003- 3 trips

The third annual digital shootout for 2003 is coming together. It looks like it will be in November with the dates still to be confirmed. There will be 3 separate 11 day trips and will be using Kararu Dive voyages and the beautiful Phinisi schooner "Sea Safari" for a home base for the shootout. More information o­n the boat at http://www.kararu.com Price and shootout dates still to be confirmed soon.

Africa was a bit disappointing this year for white sharks. Weather played a big part with storm after storm in the cape area that kept Jim off the water for days. So when the going gets tuff the tuff head up o­n safari. Jim spent some quality time up in the Timbivati area near Kruger Park and the border of Botswana and a game reserve called Motswari. He had lions and leopards to keep the cameras rolling daily so not all was lost to the weather at the cape.

Next Week Jim will be off o­n a month long voyage with NOAA o­n contract to photograph the Northwest Hawaiian islands. This area has long been a place he has wished to explore but has not been able. Most of the area is off limits to visitors except by special permit from the federal government. He will help document the terrestrial and underwater life of this very remote area in detail both above and below the surface. The goal is to visually share this remote area with the public via the web and other outreach programs. The expedition plans to visit Midway, Pearl and Hermes Reef, Layson, French Frigate shoals, Nihoa, Necker to name a few. This is a large project involving over 50 people of many backgrounds, science, education, and culture. The expedition will also be web cast o­n the internet via satellite link. If you are interested in watching the progress you can visit and share the adventure at http://www.hawaiianatolls.org starting September 8.