Divers and Medical Professionals Combine Work and Passion for Scuba Diving Through Fiji Project

Most people think of Fiji as an island paradise, but there are many children in villages in tremendous need of medical and dental care. Mark Fischer, owner of Keizer's Hydrosports Dive and Travel, wants to put together a team of "underwater ambassadors" and medical professionals to help those children. Learn how you can combine your profession, passion and also receive tax benefits as a result of participating in this medical mission.

When: 1/13/2010 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Where: 665 Winter St. SE Salem, 97301

Cost: Free

More Info: Mark Fischer

Divers and Medical Professionals Combine Work and Passion for Scuba Diving Through Fiji Project -- Events Salem MomsLikeMe.com

PADI and National Geographic Renew PADI National Geographic Diver Program

Two industry leaders continue to work together to promote scuba diving.

RANCHO SANTA MARGARITA, CA – 16 December 2009 -- Extending their commitment to the popular PADI National Geographic Diver program and support for PADI National Geographic Dive Centers, PADI and National Geographic have renewed the program agreement through 31 December 2011.

The PADI National Geographic Diver program combines the PADI Open Water Diver course with National Geographic specific content in special PADI National Geographic Diver course materials. Since 2003, PADI is the only international training organization to work closely with National Geographic to provide such training, as well as a network of PADI and National Geographic Dive Centers around the globe.

“We’re committed to continuing this relationship with National Geographic,” said PADI President and COO Drew Richardson, “because the PADI National Geographic Diver program establishes an explorer-scientist mindset. It’s a great way to start out in diving, it gives people reasons to keep diving, and it brings new faces into PADI National Geographic Dive Centers.”

Besides renewing PADI National Geographic Diver, National Geographic also recently invited PADI, DAN and other dive industry entities to participate in their National Geographic Live Speaker series. The series features key photographers, naturalists and speakers in high profile venues throughout the US, with participants helping publicize the events.

“It’s gratifying that National Geographic thinks enough of diving to call on our industry to participate,” said Richardson, “This speaker series will definitely get the attention of divers and potential divers, so it’s to everyone’s benefit to participate.” Richardson also noted that PADI National Geographic Dive Centers will particularly benefit because those attracted to diving by the speaker series will be attuned to the “National Geographic” of their PADI National Geographic Dive Center status.

For more information about the PADI National Geographic Diver program, contact your local PADI office.

Others promise … PADI delivers.

Divenewswire: PADI and National Geographic Renew PADI National Geographic Diver Programe

Waitabu Marine Park Blog: Rückschau: Fidschi Rettung für Korallenriffs

Rückschau: Fidschi

Rettung für Korallenriffs

Sendeanstalt und Sendedatum: SWR, Sonntag, 22. November 2009

Weltweit lässt der Klimawandel die Meerestemperaturen steigen mit einem verheerenden Kollateralschaden: Die Korallenriffe sterben langsam ab. So auch auf den Fidschi-Inseln im südpazifischen Meer. Das kleine Dorf Waitabu stemmte sich als erste Gemeinde auf den Fidschis gegen die Folgen: Die vorgelagerten Riffe wurden als Naturschutzgebiete ausgewiesen, Touristen und Taucher dürfen nur nach einer ökologischen Einführung zu den Korallen, Fischer müssen ihre Fangtechniken umweltverträglich machen. Seitdem erholen sich die temperatur- und stressempfindlichen Korallen wieder sichtbar. Über 200 Dörfer sind inzwischen dem Beispiel von Waitabu gefolgt und haben Schutzgebiete angelegt – mit der Hoffnung, dass ein gesundes Riff der Erwärmung der Meere zumindest länger standhält.

Waitabu Marine Park Blog: Rückschau: Fidschi Rettung für Korallenriffs

Alert Diver

The new Alert Diver Magazine is online!

You will find, as usual, interesting articles on Dive Medicine and important information on Dive Safety.

Alert Diver Magazine, authoritative, reliable, unbiased!

Grab your copy here

Note: we are still working hard to optimize the transition from paper to digital. Our goal is to improve the quality of our magazine and make it more readable and intuitive. Y

Alert Diver

Matava - Fiji's Premier Eco Adventure Resort

Into the Drink with Aaron Faulls :: Produced by LiquidAssets.tv

LiquidAssets.tv, producers of the new dive travel television show called “Into the Drink,” will be debuting the first episode during next week's Diving Equipment and Marketing Association SCUBA trade show in Orlando, Florida.

“Into The Drink” is a travel show like no other: Imagine if Jacques Cousteau and Hunter S. Thompson adopted a wayward orphan. Host Aaron Faulls is part fish, part rock star, taking viewers past the known and into the unknown.

This adventure has a twist that keeps us interested and informed. Aaron takes us all into the drink on an intoxicating celebration of exotic destinations near and far, experiencing and touring local breweries and distilleries and diving into eclectic nightlife in regions shared by some of the most mystifying creatures in the ocean.

The syndicated show will begin airing coast-to-coast in January 2010, as well as internationally. Primary distribution will be on the newly-launched Tuff TV network. For information about where and when to tune in, and to view episode trailers, go to www.intothedrink.tv/watch.

The sights, the sounds and even the smells from the sometimes unique local spirits to the poshest vineyards; from the tide’s ebb to the wrecks, whales and adrenaline-pumping marine life in the middle of the deep blue sea. Who says drinking and diving don’t mix? It is all about the order of life that allows you to live it. If Anthony Bourdain has no reservations, then Aaron Faulls has no limitations.

LiquidAssets.tv is filming the first season of “Into the Drink” in 2009, and what makes them unique is that they’re inviting divers to join them on-location in destinations including Guadalupe Island, Mexico to film great white sharks aboard the MV Nautilus Explorer, Sunset House on Grand Cayman, Wakatobi Resort and Pelagian Live-aboard in Indonesia, and Qamea Resort and Spa in Fiji. For more information about these trips and how you can join them, please visit www.intothedrink.tv/travel. NOTE: Book any one of these trips and you'll automatically be entered to win a complete set of Scubapro gear!

The newly-launched “Into the Drink” fan web site includes features such as show trailers, a message board, blog, online store, information about where and when to watch the show, bio of the host Aaron Faulls, sponsors, and much more. Visit www.intothedrink.tv for more information.

Into the Drink with Aaron Faulls :: Produced by LiquidAssets.tv

X-RAY Mag #32 | X-Ray International Dive Magazine

Our friends at X-Ray Mag have released a new issue, available for download.

Some of the main feature and hightlights in this issue include

Sabah, Malaysia. A joint production by Andrea and Antonella Ferrari, Tim Hochgrebe of underwater.com.au and Peter and Gunild Symes.

Reefs & Rainforests by A & A Ferrari :: Pulau Lankayan - Sugud Islands Marine Conservation Area - Sepilok Orangutans - Kinabatangan River - Danum Valley Conservation Area.

Sipadan revisited. Tim Hochgrebe and Peter Symes takes a closer look at Sipadan, Mabul and Kapalai and check out the latest developments in the region.

Profile: Clement Lee. X-Ray Mag asks Borneo Divers' CEO, Sabah Tourism board member and multiple award winner Clement Lee some questions about the past, present and future.

Kids Love Scuba: Reaching out to a new generation of divers. Gunild Symes talks to Syed Abd Rahman, director of Kids Scuba in Malaysia.

You can download the new issue here

X-RAY Mag #32 | X-Ray International Dive Magazine

New DivePhotoGuide.com Launching Next Week at DEMA! :: DivePhotoGuide.com - The Underwater Photo & Video Portal

Hang on to your hats folks, you're going to be in for a treat next week.

The team at DPG has been working feverishly for months on a bold new website. But this isn't just a new website, this is a major overhaul with a number of new features that we have been dying to add to the site for over a year or so.

In fact we are totally reinventing DPG. So much so that we have decided to retire the DPG turtle. Yes that's right, the world's most successful turtle underwater photographer is retiring. He's worked really hard for us for the last few years, and we're sending him off in style. He'll be doing what we all do when we retire - spending more time diving and shooting underwater photography. It's hard work being a logo! Surely you'll see him pop back up here and there.

The new website incorporates the feedback from you, our readers, and the industry. We are super excited about it, and really look forward to hearing what you think!

In the meantime, please bear with us as we will not post much content until the new launch during DEMA.

New DivePhotoGuide.com Launching Next Week at DEMA! :: DivePhotoGuide.com - The Underwater Photo & Video Portal

New signs ready to be distributed to all supporting marinas, resorts and fishing boats in Fiji.

From the album:

"Shark Free Marina Initiative in Fiji" by Fiji Shark Conservation and Awareness Project

New signs ready to be distributed to all supporting marinas, resorts and fishing boats in Fiji. Funding was provided by Project AWARE! The dock signs are printed and laminated on 0.080 Marine Grade aluminum to ensure resistance against the elements.
http://www.sharkfreemarinas.com/

Facebook | Fiji Shark Conservation and Awareness Project's Photos - Shark Free Marina Initiative in Fiji

Diving in Fiji: DIVE ME, new dive boat being built in Navua, Fiji for Mad Fish Dive Centre

DIVE ME, new dive boat being built in Navua, Fiji for Mad Fish Dive Centre
Originally uploaded by Matava - Fiji's Premier Eco Adventure Resort.

Diving in Fiji: DIVE ME, new dive boat being built in Navua, Fiji for Mad Fish Dive Centre

Diving in Fiji: Bryde’s Whales seen the other day off Solo, north of Kadavu

A pod of at least 8 Bryde’s Whales seen the other day off Solo, north of Kadavu...

Diving in Fiji: Bryde’s Whales seen the other day off Solo, north of Kadavu

3-day Super Sale Across Asia Pacific

http://www.accorhotelsasia.com/supersale

• One million hotel rooms at amazing rate across Asia Pacific
  Travelers will be able to take advantage of savings when they book on-line between 27 - 30 October 2009. Over one million room nights will be on sale, with rates starting as low as US$30 per night.
  
  Book your travel & holidays now for stays between December 09 to April 10
  
  The country list include Thailand, Korea, China, Japan, HK, Australia, Singapore, Vietnam, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Fiji, Indonesia, Taiwan, India, Bali.
  
  Different rates apply for Accor's various brands, with Sofitel, Pullman, Grand Mercure, Novotel, Mercure, All Seasons and Ibis hotels participating, providing a vast range of affordable options.
  
  The Accor '3-day Super Sale' coincides with record-low air fares across the Asia Pacific region, allowing travelers to enjoy some of the world's most exciting cities at bargain rates.
  
  
• About Accor:
  Accor, a major global group and the European leader in hotels, as well as the global leader in services to corporate clients and public institutions, operates in nearly 100 countries with 150,000 employees. It offers to its clients over 40 years of expertise in two core businesses:
  
  - Hotels, with the Sofitel, Pullman, MGallery, Novotel, Mercure, Suitehotel, Ibis, all seasons, Etap Hotel, Formule 1 and Motel 6 brands, representing 4,000 hotels and nearly 500,000 rooms in 90 countries, as well as strategically related activities, such as Lenôtre;
  
  - Services, with 30 million people in 40 countries benefiting from Accor Services products in employee and public benefits, rewards and loyalty, and expense management

Country Name	Price	Currency	SGD	USD	EURO
Australia	99	AUD	123	87	60
Bali	75	USD	106	75	51
China	399	CNY	82	58	40
Ibis China	248	CNY	51	36	25
Fiji	99	FJD	72	51	35
Hong Kong	650	HKD	118	84	57
India	3,360	INR	99	70	48
Indonesia	490,000	IDR	72	51	35
Japan	9,990	JPY	157	112	76
Laos	48	USD	68	48	33
Malaysia	175	MYR	71	51	35
New Zealand	99	NZD	101	71	49
Singapore	98	SGD	98	69	47
South Korea	97,000	KRW	116	82	56
Taiwan	1,999	TWD	88	62	43
Thailand	1,700	THB	72	51	35
Ibis Thailand	1,000	THB	42	30	20
Vietnam	50	USD	71	50	34

SOFITEL FIJI RESORT & SPA

Subtle sophistication and laidback luxury awaits you at Sofitel Fiji Resort & Spa.

Infusing Sofitel’s French influences with exotic Fijian customs, the resort blends tradition with the most modern technologies for a tropical retreat that really does offer it all.

A private waterfront location and the Pacific’s largest lagoon-style pool are a prelude to the sanctuary that is Sofitel Fiji’s stylish range of rooms and suites, each with a private balcony or terrace.

World class dining, a sublime International Day Spa, and an unsurpassed range of adrenalin pumping activities make for an unforgettable experience. The resort’s premier event and conference facilities, including a stunning ballroom and beachfront chapel, set Sofitel apart in a league of its own.

Click here for offer!

Diving couple find Fiji facinating - Fiji Times Online

A FINNISH couple travelled halfway around the world to spend their honeymoon in New Zealand but plummeting temperatures brought them to Fiji instead.

Jani Latinen, 28, and Eeva-Maria Rituanen, 27, landed in Fiji last Friday and boarded the Captain Cook Cruises boat Reef Escape for a three-day cruise around the southern Yasawa islands.

"We had a fabulous time despite the overcast weather and intermittent showers.

"The scuba diving and snorkelling was phenomenal.

"We have never seen anything like it anywhere else in the world," they said.

Before coming to Fiji, the couple who now reside in Luxembourg, said they did not know anything about Fiji apart from Fiji Water.

"New Zealand was nice but too cold. Someone suggested Fiji and, acting on a whim, we booked our flight and came.

"It was the best decision we have made by far.

"We still can't get over the friendliness of the people and the relatively untouched beauty of the islands," said wide-eyed Jani.

The newly-wed couple were so impressed that they have promised to return to our shores in the near future.

"We will definitely be visiting Fiji again.There is so much culture and more interesting places to see and places to dive here," they said.

Diving couple find Fiji facinating - Fiji Times Online

Matava named as Ultimate Eco Escape

KADAVU, FIJI ISLANDS – 22 September 2009 – Matava – Fiji’s Premier Eco-Adventure Resort is proud to be named as one of the world’s Ultimate Eco Escapes by SPORT DIVER Magazine, the official publication of PADI Diving Society’s in September 2009 issue.

“DOING THE RIGHT thing isn’t always easy. But as destinations across the globe continue to adopt innovative ways to conserve resources and protect the reefs and animals we love, choosing to help the planet becomes less chore-like and more pleasurable. Get active by swimming alongside whale sharks to help collect data, or help remove the killer that’s slowly claiming Micronesian reefs. Or, simply relax, retreating to eco-minded sanctuaries where solar-heating and local gardens help reduce global impacts. Whether heading to Utila, Vieques, Dominica, Fiji, Kangaroo Island or Yap, doing the right thing just got easier. ”

“We are extremely honoured that Sport Diver Magazine has selected us to feature in their front page cover story for the September 2009 issue” said Matava Director and PADI Instructor Development Staff instructor Stuart Gow. “After 6 years of hard work and commitment to our strict environmental policies, it is rewarding to be recognised by such a large and influentioal dive publication ”

Sport Diver Magazine is the official publication of the PADI Diving Society and is one of the largest dive publications in the world.

Mr Gow finished by saying “Matava – Fiji’s Premier Eco-Adventure Resort has again proved that it is indeed among the leaders in environmental education worldwide, and this latest article further solidifies our position as an example of “how resorts can operate AND help maintain and improve the surrounding environment.”

Sport Diver Magazine is the official publication of the PADI Diving Society in the Americas, published by Bonnier Corporation.

PADI Diving Society is a lifestyle organization for people who love the water. Whether you’re a dedicated snorkeler or avid diver, beginner or pro, the PADI Diving Society will help you get the most from your active aquatic lifestyle.

Matava – Fiji’s Premier Eco Adventure Resort, is an eco adventure getaway offering you a fun and unique blend of cultural experiences and adventure activities in the environmentally pristine and remote island of Kadavu in the Fiji Islands. Matava – Fiji Premier Eco Adventure Resort is a PADI Dive Resort as well as a Project AWARE GoEco Operator. With more than 12 years experience in the Fiji Islands, Matava is recognized as a leading educational dive centre. Matava offers accommodation for up to 22 guests in lush tropical surroundings in traditional thatched Fijian ‘bures’ with hardwood polished floors, louvre windows and private decks offering privacy, comfort and superb ocean views

Mad Fish Dive Centre is our on-site PADI Dive Centre offering the best of diving in the South Pacific.

www.Matava.com www.Scuba-Diving-Fiji.com

www.eco-tropicalresorts.com

Diving in Fiji: DIVE ME, new dive boat being built in Navua, Fiji for Mad Fish Dive Centre 7 Oct 2009

DIVE ME, new dive boat being built in Navua, Fiji for Mad Fish Dive Centre 7 Oct 2009
Originally uploaded by Matava - Fiji's Premier Eco Adventure Resort.

DIVE ME, new dive boat being built in Navua, Fiji for Mad Fish Dive Centre 7 Oct 2009

DIVE ME, new dive boat being built in Navua, Fiji for Mad Fish Dive Centre 7 Oct 2009

A unique experience - TripAdvisor

This place makes you forget about the rest of the world. The staff & management are so friendly, the views are amazing, but you have to put in mind that an enviornment friendly resort means its running on solar energy power, so dont expect ACs or fans, just clean pure air !

I'll be visiting Matava Resort again in the upcoming fishing season for sure.

A unique experience - Review of Matava - Fiji's Premier Eco Adventure Resort, Kadavu Island, Fiji - TripAdvisor

Two Free Group Comps to Fiji WITH AIR offered by Scuba Travel Ventures

DEMA Booth #1754
Four different Fiji Dive Resort Options to choose from – don’t be left out!

Scuba Travel Ventures has announced an incredible program for dive travel professionals offering dive trips to Fiji. According to Ernie Arellano, this offer includes TWO free spots INCLUDING AIRFARE for every 10 booked.

“It’s never been offered before – not one but TWO free spot that includes air. We know times are tough and this is an unmatched value for dive travel professionals. Through our partnership with Air Pacific, we believe this is a Fiji opportunity that has NEVER been offered in the past.”

The participating resorts include:

· Garden Island Resort

· Paradise Taveuni Resort

· Waidroka Beach Resort

· Matava Resort on Kadavu

Package prices begin at just $850 and are available exclusively through the Scuba Travel Ventures group desk. Arellano adds that dive retailers wanting to book smaller packages could consider the book 5, one free option at select resorts.

For more details, contact Scuba Travel Ventures at 800-298-9009 or via email at Info@scubatravelventures.com

Divenewswire Two Free Group Comps to Fiji WITH AIR offered by Scuba Travel Ventures

Australia or Fiji? October 2010 - ScubaBoard

I have been to Fiji and absolutely loved it. I compare Fiji to the Caribbean as diving in color vs. black and white. We stayed at Beqa Lagoon Resort and had a great time.

The diving was great, there was a great shark dive, and there are above water activites in the afternoon or you could dive the house reef from shore. If you click on my "photos" link to the left you can see some of my photos. In fact we have booked a return trip to Beqa Lagoon Resort in 2010.

Here is a link to traveler reviews of the resort on tripadvisor.com: Beqa Lagoon Resort (Beqa Island, Fiji) - Hotel Reviews - TripAdvisor.

Regards,

Bill

Australia or Fiji? October 2010 - ScubaBoard

Fiji,_al_otro_lado_del_mundo

(21-09-09) Todo el exotismo soñado de los Mares del Sur, se concentra en las lejanas islas de Fiji. Naturaleza exuberante, cálidos lugareños y un mundo submarino espectacular.

Una típica pregunta de colegio era dónde estaban las antípodas de España. ¿Anti… que? Podía ser la respuesta clásica de muchos niños. Con este término nos referimos a la parte del planeta que se sitúa justo en el extremo contrario de donde estamos, pues bien, en el caso de la península ibérica las antípodas se localizarían en las proximidades de las islas Fiji, situadas en medio del Pacífico.

Este lejano y pequeño archipiélago se encuentra a 1.770 km al N de Nueva Zelanda, presenta todos los ingredientes clásicos de los mares del Sur, y por supuesto un buceo de primera, que lo convierte en un destino soñado por todos los submarinistas del mundo.

la isla de kadavu

En esta ocasión vamos a descubrir una de las zonas más remotas del archipiélago. Se trata de la isla de Kadavu que se encuentra a unos 90 km al sur de la isla principal, Viti Levu. Allí se viene realizando desde hace algunos años un interesante fenómeno de turismo ecológico, con la creación de una reserva de pesca “privada”, gestionada por las propias poblaciones locales y en la que el buceo adquiere especial importancia.

A cambio de una autorregulación de los pescadores, éstos cobran un pequeño impuesto a los buceadores que garantiza la buena conservación de los arrecifes. Aquí no son bienvenidas las grandes flotas asiáticas, que siembran de muerte los mares de la región.

El buceo en la zona se articula alrededor del Gran Arrecife Astrolabio que recorre durante más de 120 km toda la costa sur-suroeste de la isla. Grandes extensiones coralinas se alinean como una gran barrera que protege la exuberante costa de las tormentas y tempestades. A la vez que se abren varios pasajes y bajos, que son los más interesantes para la exploración submarina. La fauna es abundante y, sobre todo, espectacular.

Full article here: Fiji,_al_otro_lado_del_mundo

Ultimate Eco Escapes - Sport Diver Magazine Sept 2009 - FIJI SCUBA DIVING - Dive the best of Fiji Diving with Mad Fish Dive Centre, Kadavu, Fiji Islands

Matava named as an Ultimate Eco Escape in Sport Diver Magazine

Sport Diver Magazine - September 2009

Matava - Fiji's Premier Eco Adventure Resort is pround to be named as one of the world's Ultimate eco Escapes by PADI Diving Society's SPORT DIVER Magazine in September 2009.

Ultimate Eco Escapes - Sport Diver Magazine Sept 2009

We recommend Foxit Reader for pdf reading.

Ultimate Eco Escapes - Sport Diver Magazine Sept 2009 - FIJI SCUBA DIVING - Dive the best of Fiji Diving with Mad Fish Dive Centre, Kadavu, Fiji Islands

Matava is Fiji's first Resort member of The International Ecotourism Society - Matava - Fijis Premier Eco Adventure Resort

Matava recognised as TIES first ever resort member in the Fiji Islands

Matava - Fiji's Premier Eco-Adventure Resort is proud to announce that we are Fiji's first Resort Business member of The International Ecotourism Society (TIES).

As the world's oldest and largest international ecotourism association, TIES seeks to be the global source of knowledge and advocacy uniting communities, conservation, and sustainable travel.

A common question asked is what EXACTLY is ecotourism? Ecotourism is: "Responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and improves the well-being of local people." (TIES, 1990)

TIES promotes ecotourism, which is defined as "responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and improves the well-being of local people," by:

• Creating an international network of individuals, institutions and the tourism industry;
• Educating tourists and tourism professionals; and

• Influencing the tourism industry, public institutions and donors to integrate the principles of ecotourism into their operations and policies.

• 
  

"Uniting conservation, communities and sustainable travel, TIES promotes responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and improves the well-being of local people."

To achieve and maintain membership of TIES Matava must abide by all the Principles of TIES and Ecotourism.

Principles of Ecotourism:

Ecotourism is about uniting conservation, communities, and sustainable travel. This means that those who implement and participate in ecotourism activities should follow the following ecotourism principles:

• Minimize impact.
• Build environmental and cultural awareness and respect.
• Provide positive experiences for both visitors and hosts.
• Provide direct financial benefits for conservation.
• Provide financial benefits and empowerment for local people.
• Raise sensitivity to host countries' political, environmental, and social climate.

"At Matava, we are of course both happy and proud to be a Resort member of TIES, the world's oldest and largest international ecotourism association." said Matava Director, Mr Richard Akhtar.

"We also see this as a great step forward and opportunity for all Fiji resorts, both on Kadavu and in the Fiji Islands, to move forward in their standards to achieve truly world class service and capabilities required for this membership level and to do it in the true spirit of ecotourism."

Mr Akhtar finished by saying "We would like to thank all friends and clients of Matava and Mad Fish Dive Centre past and present who have contributed to the success of our eco resort and we look forward to exciting times ahead."

The International Ecotourism Soceity (TIES) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting ecotourism. Founded in 1990, TIES has been in the forefront of the development of ecotourism, providing guidelines and standards, training, technical assistance, research and publications. TIES' global network of ecotourism professionals and travelers is leading the efforts to make tourism a viable tool for conservation, protection of bio-cultural diversity, and sustainable community development. Through membership services, industry outreach and educational programs, TIES is committed to helping organizations, communities and individuals promote and practice the principles of ecotourism. TIES currently has members in more than 90 countries, representing various professional fields and industry segments including: academics, consultants, conservation professionals and organizations, governments, architects, tour operators, lodge owners and managers, general development experts, and ecotourists.

Matava - Fiji's Premier Eco Adventure Resort, is an eco adventure getaway offering you a fun and unique blend of cultural experiences and adventure activities in the environmentally pristine and remote island of Kadavu in the Fiji Islands. Matava - Fiji Premier Eco Adventure Resort is a PADI Dive Resort as well as a Project AWARE GoEco Operator. Matava offers accommodation for up to 22 guests in lush tropical surroundings in traditional thatched Fijian 'bures' with hardwood polished floors, louvre windows and private decks offering privacy, comfort and superb ocean views.

Matava is Fiji's first Resort member of The International Ecotourism Society - Matava - Fijis Premier Eco Adventure Resort

Matava Resort- das Tor zum Great Astrolab Reef - Review of Matava - Fiji's Premier Eco Adventure Resort, Kadavu Island, Fiji - TripAdvisor

Wir verbrachten auf eine Empfehlung eines Freundes hin über Weihnachten 10 Tage auf Matava - und dies war etwas vom besten was wir je erleben durften!

Das Resort besteht aus etwa 10 im tradtionellen fijijanischen Stil gebauten Hütten mit zum Teil herrlichen Ausblick auf die kleine vorgelagerte Insel und das Meer - alleine auf der Veranda sitzend und den Ausblick genießend könnte man Stunden zubringen. Weiters gibt es eine Gemeinschaftshütte, wo die Mahlzeiten gemeinsam mit allen Gästen eingenommen werden. Auf jeden Spezialwunsch, ob Vegetarier oder Allergien, etc. wird Rücksicht genommen. Das Verhältnis zwischen Gästen und Mitarbeitern ist herrlich entspannt und freundschafltich, alle sind wahnsinnig freundlich, hilfsbereit, immer lächelnd und zu Scherzen aufgelegt.

Die Tauchcrew ist sehr professionell und versucht auf alle Wünsche einzugehen, zum Teil waren wir nur zwei bis drei Taucher plus Guide. Wir hatten dort unsere besten Tauchgänge und wirklich sehr viel Spaß zusammen.

Das Resort legt viel Wert auf Umwelt- und Naturschutz, Strom gibt es nur für die notwendigsten Dinge und man merkt bald, dass es auch nicht viel mehr bedarf um einen super Urlaub zu haben.

Ich kann das Resort und die Insel jedem empfehlen, der gerne abseits der Massen Urlaub macht, Einheimische kennen lernen möchte, es gerne ruhig hat aber auch die Gemeinschaft schätzt, tauchen oder schnorcheln liebt und kein Sonnenanbetender "nur" Strandurlauber ist (Strand auf der gegenüberliegendenen Insel, nur bei Ebbe)!!

Matava Resort- das Tor zum Great Astrolab Reef - Review of Matava - Fiji's Premier Eco Adventure Resort, Kadavu Island, Fiji - TripAdvisor
Matava Resort- das Tor zum Great Astrolab Reef - Review of Matava - Fiji's Premier Eco Adventure Resort, Kadavu Island, Fiji - TripAdvisor

PADI Partners With The Underwater Channel for Online SCUBA Videos

PADI and The Underwater Channel, which is powered by Babelgum, have announced a new partnership that will bring scuba diving and ocean conservation video content to a global audience on http://www.padi.com/scuba/video/

PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) is the world’s leading scuba diving organization and strongly supports oceanographic conservation efforts globally.

Kristin Valette, VP, Marketing and Communications at PADI Americas said, “We have had a successful partnership with The Underwater Channel for some time. They share our commitment to diving and to the future health of the world’s oceans. This distribution partnership with Babelgum, is both exciting for us and the dive community globally. We are particularly proud to be associated with a range of compelling programming being produced and acquired by The Underwater Channel from around the world. These include exciting diving and other inspiring films about the importance of marine conservation”

The partnership will result in the showing of a new and already acclaimed film: THE DROP ZONE, which is sponsored by PADI, Body Glove and Sport Diver magazine.

The partnership will also illustrate the commitment Babelgum and The Underwater Channel has towards education and ocean conservation through the medium of web video. The Underwater Channel is powered by Babelgum, an established destination for high quality environmental programming and major independent film releases.

“The Underwater Channel partnership with PADI provides us with an exceptional ally in our efforts to inspire and fascinate people with the wonders of the world’s oceans,” said Nicholas Claxton, Founder and Managing Director of The Underwater Channel. “This is a relationship I have been nurturing together with Terry Cummins, Vice President of PADI Worldwide, for over 2 years and there is so much potential for us to work together as internet video comes of age as a multi-cultural communication tool. Distribution via http://www.padi.com/scuba/video/ is only one application of this alliance, and we are looking forward to working with PADI for a long time to come.”

For more details, visit the PADI website at www.PADI.com or the Underwater Channel's site at www.TheUnderwaterChannel.tv

PADI Partners With The Underwater Channel for Online SCUBA Videos

Fiji one of the Top 5 Countries in CoralWatch

CALL TO ACTION :
Do you live, work or travel to the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico or Central Pacific?

Scientists from the Coral Reef Watch Program at the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Agency (NOAA) predict coral bleaching is likely in those areas. You can take action. The CoralWatch data you report may be more important then ever.

Top 5 Countries where data has been reported

1. Thailand
2. Fiji
3. Australia
4. Vietnam
5. Philippines
CoralWatch - Home

Dive Zero :: Win a Dive Trip to Fiji

Win a dive trip for 2, to Matava, Fiji. See below for details.

Win the Grand Prize in the Dive Village Points comp to the South Pacific's #1 dive destination FIJI, at Fiji's Premier Eco Adventure Resort, MATAVA. Private sandy beaches, world-class diving with mantas, “The Critter Junction” colourful house reef on your doorstep, relaxation and year-round adventure! Just perfect for underwater photography! • 3 nights Oceanview Bure accommodations for two (2) at Matava - Fiji's Premier Eco Adventure Resort • 2 days of 2 tank diving for two • 2 days of unlimited shore diving for two • Roundtrip airport boat transfers for two Valid for travel between: September 30 – December 6, 2009 or January 9 – March 31 2010.

SO HOW DO YOU WIN?

1. Easy! Go to www.thedivevillage.com and sign up for a free profile. From there, you can post in the forum,

add youtube videos, blogs, comment on videos, add photos, etc...by doing so, you gain points. The points are kept

track of in "My Account" and on the homepage. The top point leader with the most points by

Sept 5th at 9pm Pacific Time, will WIN!

Click here to find out how to gain points

For more info, photos and videos on this dive trip, check out Matava.com, Scuba-diving-fiji.com, and for videos

check out Youtube.com/user/MatavaFiji

If you have any questions, please contact Dive Zero at info@divezero.com or Matava Resort at info@matava.com

www.matava.com

Dive Zero :: Win a Dive Trip to Fiji

Ocean in Focus Conservation Photography Contest 2009: win a trip to Fiji

SeaWeb’s Marine Photobank and Project AWARE Foundation are teaming up to bring you the 2nd Annual Ocean in Focus Conservation Photography Contest. Ocean lovers worldwide-- submit your most compelling marine conservation images to this one-of-a-kind photo contest.

Grand Prize!

• Seven nights ocean-view accommodations at MATAVA, a premier eco-adventure resort in Fiji. Package includes 5 days 2 tank diving for two and 6 days unlimited shore diving for two as well as roundtrip airport transfers.
• Carbon Offsets through NativeEnergy from your home and car for one year plus carbon offset for one round-trip air flight.
• A DVD copy of A Sea Change, The journey of a man and his grandson to uncover the hard science of ocean acidification.

1st Prize (for each category)

• A sterling silver coral-inspired necklace from Hannah Garrison's AZU studios, originally designed for SeaWeb's Too Precious to Wear campaign.
• Carbon Offsets through NativeEnergy from your car for one year plus carbon offset for one round-trip air flight.
• A DVD copy of A Sea Change.

2nd Prize (for each category)

• A 24"x32" autographed photo print by Bob Talbot.
• Carbon Offsets through NativeEnergy from your car for one year.
• A DVD copy of A Sea Change.

Deadline:

August 27, 2009

Submission Guidelines and Categories >>
Rules >>
Prizes >>
Ocean in Focus Conservation Photography Contest 2009: win a trip to Fiji

Matava announced as Fiji's newest PADI 5 Star Dive Centre - FIJI SCUBA DIVING - Dive the best of Fiji Diving with Mad Fish Dive Centre, Kadavu, Fiji Islands

Matava awarded Kadavu's first ever PADI 5 Star Dive Centre level for on-site scuba operation, Mad Fish Dive Centre

KADAVU, FIJI ISLANDS - 4 August 2009 - Matava - Fiji's Premier Eco-Adventure Resort is thrilled to announce that we have been awarded the PADI 5 Star Centre membership level for our Scuba Diving Centre Mad Fish Dive Centre.

This Prestigious PADI 5 Star Dive Centre status is awarded, on an annual basis, to progressive PADI Dive Centres that excel in providing dive consumers with a full range of diver education programs, equipment selection, and experience opportunities and that actively promote aquatic environmental awareness.

"We are extremely honored that PADI has selected us to become a 5 Star Dive Centre," said Matava Director and PADI Instructor Development Staff instructor Stuart Gow. "We have made a concerted effort over the past several years to create the best diver training program we could and have invested heavily in training, staff and facilities to do so. We want to thank PADI for acknowledging our efforts and now, with Kadavu's first 5 star rating, hope to bring even more people in the dive industry."

A PADI 5 Star Dive Centre is active in its community presenting a professional image consistent with, or better than, the norm of the marketplace.

These dive centers embrace the PADI System of diver education and are committed to providing customers with quality products, services and experiences.

"At Matava and Mad Fish Dive Centre, we are of course both happy and proud to be awarded this prestigious membership level." said Matava Director, Mr Richard Akhtar.

"By awarding Matava and Mad Fish Dive Centre the 5-Star certification, PADI is really saying we have achieved the best quality and performance rating possible. We have worked very hard to reach that level and will continue to do so."

Ian Cumming, Regional Manager, PADI Asia Pacific said "Congratulations to Matava - Fiji's Premier Eco Adventure Resort and their committed dive staff for reaching the level of PADI 5 Star Dive Resort. The prerequisites for this rating can only be achieved through delivering to their guests a high level of diver education, diving experience as well as offering great diving adventures with a sound conservation focus. Having dived with the Matava dive crew myself I know firsthand that their operation is what PADI expects of our 5 Star Dive Resorts!"

"Well done and I wish them all the best in their continued focus on diver education, marine conservation and amazing diving experiences along the Great Astrolabe Reef." he continued.

"We also see this as a great step forward and opportunity for all dive centres, both on Kadavu and in the Fiji Islands, to move forward in their standards to achieve truely world class service and capabilities required for this membership level."

Mr Akhtar finished by saying "We would like to thank all friends and clients of Matava and Mad Fish Dive Centre past and present who have contributed to the success of our PADI Dive Centre and we look forward to exciting times ahead."

Matava announced as Fiji's newest PADI 5 Star Dive Centre - FIJI SCUBA DIVING - Dive the best of Fiji Diving with Mad Fish Dive Centre, Kadavu, Fiji Islands

Trend Green and Grow Your Business - Matava - Fijis Premier Eco Adventure Resort

PADI Undersea Journal - 3rd Quarter 2009

Trend Green and Grow Your Business article

Matava highlighted in this recent professional diving journal for PADI Professionals.

We recommend Foxit Reader for pdf reading.

Trend Green and Grow Your Business - Matava - Fijis Premier Eco Adventure Resort

Dive-a-Thon 2009 (Now in July!)

Dive-a-Thon is SDOF's largest fundraiser of the year, with the goal to "get divers diving" - while spreading our message of ocean stewardship. Similar to a walk-a-thon, divers seek financial pledges from friends and family to support their diving goal during the month of July. Divers choose to set fundraising goals and compete to log the most minutes underwater. ANY diver in the world can register for this event, and registered divers can get credit for dives completed ANYWHERE in the world during July.

Whether you are newbie, a professional, or not a diver at all, you can help SDOF and win great prizes in the process! You can choose to be in either the Competitive, Social, or Non-Diver category.

Prizes are awarded based on points: Each $1 raised earns you 2 points. Each 1 minute logged earns you 1 point. The tax-deductible registration fee is $25 and includes a FREE event t-shirt. Registration opens on June 1st! Fundraising begins July 1st - runs through August 9th at 11:59PM

FREE AIR FILLS for all Dive-a-Thon participants! Register/Login to learn more!

Click Here to Register

Already registered? SDOF DAT Portal Log In

Click here if you do not see a list on the left of participants

Ways to Donate:
Click on the names in blue link on the left
or send a check with the participant's name in the memo section to:
SDOF - 1875 Quivira Way C-5, San Diego, CA 92109

Prizes include:

Fiji Dive Vacation for 2! Including roundtrip airfare from LAX, 7 nights / 8 days, 5-days of 2-tank diving, unlimited shore diving & all meals Sponsored by Air Pacific & Matava Fiji’s Premiere Eco Adventure Resort

Many thanks to our generous sponsors:

Air Pacific, Matava Fiji’s Premiere Eco Adventure Resort, Whites Diving, Baja Expeditions, Ocean Enterprises, Pinnacle Aquatics, Underwater Kinetics, Atomic Aquatics, Waterhorse Charters, Aqua Lung, Marissa Dive Charters, Chammyz, Stahlsac, SeaWorld San Diego, Hornblower Cruises & Events, Roddenberry Dive Team, Sempra / SDG&E, California Dive News, Outdoor Travel Adventures, DiverWire, Renegade Designs.

The San Diego Oceans Foundation | Member Portal

Major first for resorts - Fiji Times Online

DIVE students of Matava Resort will not only learn how to dive but given an opportunity to participate in conservation projects.

This is after the Kadavu-based resort became the first in the Asia Pacific region to sign up for Project AWARE C-Card scheme.

Project AWARE Foun-dation works in partnership with divers and water enthusiasts to combat challenges facing underwater environments.

The project inspires conservation by incorporating its messages in dive training materials as well as creating awareness and education campaigns.

The AWARE certification card scheme ensures that all of the resort's PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) students, whose cards are processed online, automatically receive one of the three new Project AWARE versions of their PADI certification card.

"The donation will be paid for out of Matava's profits, and not be charged to the student.

"The student will be given the chance to further donate to Project AWARE at the end of their course, as is normally offered on every PADI course worldwide.

"This effort shows Matava's support for underwater conservation by issuing Project AWARE's limited edition c-card as every PADI certification or replacement card." Matava director Richard Akhtar said.

The donations will support underwater and shoreline clean-ups and marine debris prevention, coral reef monitoring and conservation, shark protection, research and education improved resource management, environmental education for divers and children.

"This year marks the 20th Anniversary of Project AWARE and they depend on support from divers and dive centres such as us to enable them to continue with ongoing projects that are essential for the long term protection of the underwater environment." said Mr Akhtar.

Major first for resorts - Fiji Times Online

Hold onto your dive buddy's hand in Fiji | Stuff.co.nz

In the silent blue depths of the Fijian coral reef, having my hand grabbed by the diver next to me was the tactile equivalent of a shout in the ear.

The diver happened to be my husband and the signal he was urgently passing on was the presence of a green turtle swimming just metres away from us.

The turtle lazily crossed our path and glanced at us with glassy black eyes before disappearing around the corner of a coral-covered outcrop. But my hand was not released from the vice-like grip my appointed dive buddy had chosen to apply.

Instead, it was yanked and pumped even harder as another creature had been spotted gracefully gliding across the sea floor below us.

It was a black-tipped reef shark moving with effortless guile some 10m away. The slow sway of its lithe grey body was enough to propel it through the water at a far greater speed than we could muster with the collective thrashing of our fins; an indication of the coiled power it held in perpetual anticipation.

Our dive trip seemed to have turned into a dive safari but without the ability to zoom off at top speed if things got hairy.

Thankfully the reef shark is virtually harmless to divers, and spotting one is just part of the pleasure of exploring the underwater world which divides and surrounds the Fijian archipelago.

Spread out across a geographical area more than twice the size of Tasmania, the islands which together form Fiji far from contain the country's natural beauty.

A greater part of the nation's bounty is to be found submerged beneath the oceans and channels which separate the beaches, forests and occasional towns of the land.

Turtles, sharks and other creatures are only a part of Fiji's marine treasures, as there is far more to explore in the pale blue light of the deep.

Spectacular coral reefs with deep canyons and natural swim-through tunnels also abound in this corner of the Pacific – plus a number of shipwrecks.

We had arrived at Matangi Private Island Resort, in the country's north-east, hoping to see just some of these marine marvels in the time we had.

As it turned out, we only needed a single day of diving. The island, located off the mainland of Taveuni, has its own dive shop and a daily program of diving for visitors who want to do more than just laze on the soft sand beaches or snooze in their traditional-style bures.

A resident Fijian divemaster accompanies guests to locally renowned sites such as the Great White Wall, and the remote location means divers are rarely sharing a site with others, which can be common to popular areas closer to Viti Levu.

We had headed out that morning with not one instructor, but two. Bale was the Fijian expert, while Ally was a training instructor whose family had acquired the island as a coconut plantation before tourism became a more lucrative business.

Heading out into the open ocean, the neat rows of the trees on the higher hills had belied the island's history, and Ally had explained why so many divers were attracted to the resort.

"It's unusual for me to see any other dive boats in the places we go to – we say it's like going to your reef," she said. "We're very lucky to have all kind of reef here, with loads of soft corals, and even places where there are resident turtles."

Our marine encounter came just moments into our first dive, at a site called Broken Reef. We had descended to the edge of a circular reef with deep aisles of coral, which had been named after the fact that more exposed areas had been devastated by cyclones.

Despite its moniker, the deeper, sheltered coral was in pristine condition, and massive giant clams waited on the sea floor, like gaping mouths with iridescent gums.

After re-surfacing and changing tanks, we headed to The Wreck - a dive site with a unique tale to it.

The owners of Matangi Island had bought a boat with the idea of creating an artificial wreck by sinking it at a deep and sheltered location. They towed the boat to the island, mooring it near the shore until they decided exactly where it would be best sunk.

The only problem with the plan was that a vicious storm broke out, and the boat broke its moorings and drifted into the open ocean.

It then sank in a shallow and exposed part of the reef and has since been dismantled by a combination of strong tides and severe storms.

The engine is the only major chunk to remain intact, but sits at a depth of just a few metres – making it accessible for snorkellers as well as divers.

Other parts of the ship were strewn across the reef as we began an exploration of the site from a deeper corner. Some of it had already been covered with soft coral, which had tiny tentacles swaying in the swirling current.

We followed the trail of the wreck along the channel on a gradual incline, stopping when some piece of marine life intrigued us. There were pincushion starfish as big as footballs, a blue-spotted stingray and more giant clams.

As we reached the box-like engine in the shallowest part of the reef, the currents swirled more strongly around us. Inspecting the remnants was an ideal way of making the routine safety stop – a divers way of decompressing.

Glancing back into the deep channel, a swaying section of grey caught my eye, tipped with a corner of black. This time, it was my turn to grab my dive buddy's hand.

Hold onto your dive buddy's hand in Fiji | Stuff.co.nz

Project saves reefs - Fiji Times Online

By ASHWINI PRASAD
Wednesday, July 15, 2009

+ Enlarge this image

Divers inject coral with Sodium Bisulphate to save it from dying.

TO prevent the reef system from degrading, Treasure Island resort has a program which has been successful.

Environmental Officer Katrina Masitabua said following a site survey for Crown of Thorns Outbreak (COTS) in May 2007 by Ocean Antics Consulting it was decided that a program be put together to try and reduce the overall number of COTS on the house reefs surrounding Eluvuka Island, more commonly known as Treasure Island.

Initially the program started out as a voluntary operation involving all staff who were paid $1 per crown, this then dropped to $0.50 per crown. This quickly degenerated and the program died down.

"This remained so for a short time before management decided there was a high chance that most of the reef system would be degraded and lost.

"Several divers were then employed specifically for COTS diving and the program in still on going today. Monitoring is conducted daily via surveys of frequented reef patches by the islands, she said.

The close proximity of the island's house reefs to other sunken reef patches is a possible means of migration of COTS populations from one healthy reef to the next making control efforts an ongoing occurrence that must be maintained for what would likely be years.

COTS divers on the island started out using injection guns injecting COTS with a solution of Sodium Bisulphate, which is the most inexpensive method apart from physical removal, she said.

In December of 2008, divers began removing them physically and records of COTS sizes ranging from 13cm to 40cm were kept.

In the month of June, 2009 a total of 403 COTS were removed from the surrounding reef, a lot less than the 862 individuals that were removed in May of the same year.

Project saves reefs - Fiji Times Online