Underwater Photography Seminar at Matava in August 2011

You’re a pretty good underwater photographer, but not a pro. You want to step up your game by sharpening your eye, honing your photo trigger finger and getting your lighting down. If you just had one week, you’re thinking, you could get it done. And if you had a patient instructor, minus the intimidating resume and overinflated ego, who’s willing to spend as much time with you as you need, you’d be all set.

Wait! Did you hear that knocking at your door? It’s opportunity. Scuba Travel Ventures is now proud to offer divers the chance to spend a week luxuriating in a Pacific paradise while elevating their underwater photography skills. Noted underwater photographer Dr. Andre Smith is leading a seminar on the subject from Thursday, August 11 to Saturday, August 20 at Matava – Fiji’s leading eco-adventure resort, on the island of Kadavu – for shooters of all levels of skill and experience.

“We’re taking all comers, aiming to make sure that everyone gets the right level of attention,” says Smith, an anesthesiologist by profession who originally hails from South Africa but now calls British Columbia home. “Some resorts and live-aboards offer courses, but they forget that people are on holiday and want to have fun. The diving will be fun and easy and not pressurized.”

The diving goes down in the Great Astrolabe Reef, one of the Pacific’s most radiant dive jewels, located on Kadavu’s southern shore. With an area of about 75 miles, the reef is the world’s fourth largest and features encounters with graceful manta rays, curious reef sharks, a rainbow palette of tropical fish, spectacularly colorful hard and soft corals, walls and mesmerizing passages. Some of the sexiest sites include a handful in the immaculate Naiqoro Marine Reserve, the aptly named Manta Reef, the richly colored Japanese Gardens and Coral Wonderland. It’s all yours to photograph.

Smith says the course – which also features instruction by shooter and trip leader Randy Osgerby – will involve daily classroom sessions, with two days devoted to macro, three to wide-angle and the final day devoted to a diver’s choice, with a slide show at the end of the trip. The majority of the work Smith says he’ll do with his new students will be underwater and after dives to check out the results.

“There’s lots of multitasking on dives and I’m hoping to simplify things for divers so the photography part becomes second nature,” Smith says. “I’m not looking for shooters to compete with each other. But by the end of the week, we’re hoping to turn out confident photographers.”

To check out more of Dr. Andre Smith’s fabulous underwater photography click this link or visit his website: http://andresmith.speedalbum.com/home.htm.

Dive Package $2899

August 11 - 20, 2011

This package includes Round trip airfare from LAX, 7 nights Ocean View Bure accommodations, taxes and airport transfers, all meals, 5 days unlimited seminar boat dives, 5 days underwater digital photography and unlimited shore diving, prizes and give-aways, Traditional Lovo Feast and Kava Ceremony.

Call 1-800-298-9009

Diving in Fiji: Underwater Photography Seminar at Matava in August 2011

Hammerhead in Vatu i Ra on morning dive

Helen's morning dive today!

Body Glove’s Drop Zone: Fiji To Screen At SDSU

Body Glove’s Drop Zone: Fiji To Screen At SDSU

Fiji Instructor Development Course in May 2011

Bula Vinaka,

 

We are now finalising the numbers for the Viti Watersports Instructor Development Course in May.

 

In order to secure a place on the course we require a F$300 deposit. Please email mike@vitiwatersports.com for dates, prices.and further details.

 

Once we have received your deposit, I will email detailed instructions on how to prepare for the course.

 

Please remember that proper preparation is essential and NOW is the time to begin.

 

I am available to visit your resort, or you can send staff to me, so that  I can assess their knowledge and set them a schedule to ensure that they are well prepared.

 

I am also available for staff training in other areas, such as EFR Instructor, Specialty Instructor MSDT etc.

 

Vinaka,

Andrew Redfern

Scuba diving regulators for sale in Fiji at giveaway prices

We have 5 regulators for sale here
in Lami/Suva, Fiji Islands

We used these regulators for teaching and as back-ups during our years of reef surveys and ReefChecks.

Now we are cleaning out our closets we don't need this many anymore (most divers now bringing their own gear).

These regulators have been well maintained and have only seen a  couple of dives since their last service.

This is great chance to pick up a reg at a silly price for your weekend diving!

(I will only sell to certified divers in Fiji who can come and get them in Suva!)

Regulator #1

F$300

• 1st Stage: MARES MR12-DFC
• Primary: US Divers Conshelf SE-8
• Octo: US Divers Conshelf SE (Yellow)
• Gauges: Sherwood boot/compass/SPG/depth gauge

Regulator #2

F$300

• 1st Stage: MARES MR12-DFC
• Primary: MARES MR12-III
• Octo: US Divers Conshelf 22 (Black)
• Gauges: SUNTO boot/compass/SPG/depth gauge

 Regulator #7

F$250

• 1st Stage: US Divers SELECT
• Primary: MARES MR12-III
• Octo: US Divers Conshelf 22 (Yellow)
• Gauges: Aquapro boot/SPG

 Regulator #5

F$300

• 1st Stage: US Divers Conshelf 21
• Primary: US Divers Conshelf 21
• Octo: US Divers Conshelf 21 (Yellow)
• Gauges: AquaLung boot/SPG/depth gauge (ft)

 Regulator #9

F$300

• 1st Stage: MARES MR12-DFC
• Primary: US Divers Conshelf Stainless METAL
• Octo: SeaQuest MIRAGE (Green)
• Gauges: SUUNTO boot/SPG/depth gauge/compass 

If you want the lot then we can discuss a great rate! Drop me an email: stuart at resortsupportfiji.com or call em on 997 5416.

Fantastic location & adventure options, and the people were terrific! - Review of Matava - Fiji's Premier Eco Adventure Resort, Kadavu Island, Fiji - TripAdvisor

I've traveled extensively and for the overall value this was one of the best remote eco-resorts I've ever visited.

The owners and staff treated me like a long-lost friend. Meals were made with local food, prepared very well, served family style, and there was always enough to go around. The guests were from around the world and were fun and friendly.

The staff were helpful, accommodating, friendly and professional. As a diver, I really appreciated how well the dive operation was handled -- gear, boat, dive masters, safety, etc. were all PADI 5-star.

If you open your mind and heart to the local Fijian people, especially if you visit one of their villages, they will be friends for life...

Fantastic location & adventure options, and the people were terrific! - TripAdvisor

Matava wins Environment/Local Sustainability Award at AON Fiji Excellence in Tourism Awards 2010

Matava wins AON Fiji Excellence in Tourism Award 2010

Matava has been awarded the Environment/Local Sustainability Award at the AON Fiji Excellence in Tourism Awards

KADAVU, FIJI ISLANDS – 26th February 2011 – Matava – Fiji’s Premier Eco-Adventure Resort is proud to be announced as the winner of the Environment/Local Sustainability Award at the AON Fiji Excellence in Tourism Awards 2010 for its policies on environmental sustainability and the environment.

The annual Fiji Excellence in Tourism Awards night sponsored by AON was held at the The Warwick Resort and Spa on the Coral Coast on Friday 26th February 2011, and attended by Matava Director, Stuart Gow. Many local tourism operators and business people attended the evening presentations. This year there were over a thousand nominees in the 12 categories. This glamourous event was Red Sea Rig & Cocktail theme, welcoming guests with a 3 course dinner, an awards ceremony & fantastic live entertainment with a turn out of over 400 guests.

The Environment/Local Sustainability Award recognises efforts to preserve the environment & local communities for the benefits of locals & visitors alike in developing & fostering both environmental & national conservation. It also assesses efforts to support cultural initiatives and promote public awareness and education in support of “Fiji Made” products by reducing their carbon footprint.

Matava was proud to be nominated in 3 categories, and was chosen as a finalist in all nominated categories at this year’s AON Fiji Excellence in Tourism Awards. Bite Me Gamefishing Charters and Mad Fish Dive Centre were recognised as finalist in the Fiji Experience Award, and Matava – Fiji’s Premier Eco Adventure Resort was a finalist in the Quality Accommodation Award as well as winning the Environment/Local Sustainability Award.

“We are extremely proud to win this award. We have been lucky to win overseas and global awards for our environmental policy in the past year, but it is especially gratifying to be recognised at home by our colleagues in Fiji.” said Mr Stuart Gow, one of Matava’s Directors.

Richard Akhtar, Managing Director of Matava – Fiji’s Premier Eco Adventure Resort said “At Matava, we are of course both happy and proud to receive this prestigious award. We find it even more important that the industry, by rewarding environmental efforts, choose to take a stand for the environment we depend on. We also see it as an important continuing signal to the community which at the same time can serve to inspire the numerous individuals and companies who have been doing so much, and continue to do even more in the field of environmental enlightenment and conservation. This award has highlighted Fiji’s leading role and efforts in this regard especially.”

About Matava – Fiji’s Premier Eco Adventure Resort:

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 5 Star Dive Resort as well as a Project AWARE GoEco Operator. With more than 14 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.

About AON Fiji Excellence in Tourism Awards:

The awards which have been in existence for 14 years, honour those who have made a significant input to Fiji’s most important industry. The prestigious awards are given to individuals, groups and companies in a broad range of categories; covering accommodation, restaurant and dining, tours and transportation, environmental and local sustainability. Winners were chosen as part of a nomination process which began late last year and closed in January. Recipients of the various awards have proven dedication, active participation and innovation in their fields of speciality, and have thus merited the esteem of the industry. Over the years, the AON Excellence in Tourism Awards has grown in prestige and now not only bestows recognition but serves as an incentive for individuals and companies to aspire to greatness in the sector.

www.Matava.com

# # #

Matava wins Environment/Local Sustainability Award at AON Fiji Excellence in Tourism Awards 2010

How the seahorse gained its shapely body - environment - 25 January 2011 - New Scientist

It is easy to forget that the seahorse is a fish. With its equine head, potbelly and prehensile tail, it rivals the platypus in its peculiarity. But the seahorse's form is not just for show: its arched neck acts like a spring that stores energy, ensuring it is ready to strike when it spots a meal.

Striking shape (Image: George Grall/Getty)

Biologist Sam Van Wassenbergh at the University of Antwerp, Belgium, and colleagues created mathematical models based on the body shape of seahorses and their straight-bodied cousins, pipefish.

The models revealed that seahorses' necks have the elasticity and stability needed to let them lunge forward and grab a passing shrimp, even if it is some distance away. Pipefish, in contrast, cannot strike out so far and must settle for closer prey.

This bend and snap technique is a vital hunting method for most seahorse species, as they are weak swimmers. "Every extra millimetre you can reach becomes important because it means more food," says Van Wassenbergh. Seahorses enjoy a 20 per cent increase in their strike zone thanks to the shape of their head and neck, he says.

"Like everyone, I have always wondered why seahorses look so bizarre," says Adam Jones at Texas A&M University in College Station. "This is the first step in establishing it's an adaptation."

Journal reference: Nature Communications, DOI: 10.1038/ncomms1168

How the seahorse gained its shapely body - environment - 25 January 2011 - New Scientist

Divers Secure Win for Sharks

As we approached the end of 2010, AWARE Divers succeeded in securing a win for sharks. 423 Members of European Parliament (MEP's) have listened to our collective scuba diving voice and signed on the Written Declaration for strengthening the European Union ban on shark finning, ensuring a majority needed for further action.

The European Parliament has now endorsed a resolution on shark finning calling on the EU Commission to deliver a proposal prohibiting the removal of shark fins on-board vessels.

AWARE divers, advocates and supporters like you were instrumental in bringing about this change through emails, letters and phone calls to your representatives. Together we have shown the commitment of European citizens around the world to the conservation of shark species.

Why do European fisheries policies make such a significant difference to shark populations worldwide?

Spanish fishing fleet catches account for over a quarter of all shark fins brought into Hong Kong - a hub for at least 50% and possibly up to 80% of world trade in shark fins

• European fisheries have a major impact on fisheries worldwide - Spain, Portugal the UK and France are among the world's top 20 shark fishing nations responsible for 80 percent of the global catch.
• Non-EU governments and international fisheries policy bodies all look toward the EU when implementing their shark catch limits and bans.
• Enforceable finning bans not only effectively halts the practice of finning but also provide important data about the species caught, vital for robust populations assessments and effective shark conservation and management.

This win could not come at a better time. Together we'll continue to battle for improved shark conservation measures, including work to ensure the EU Commission now comes up with an effective finning ban during 2011.

From all of us at Project AWARE Foundation - thank you.

Kind regards

Suzanne Pleydell
Policy Director, Project AWARE Foundation

Leaf Scorpionfish on Great Astrolabe, Fiji

How Does SeaWeb Help Protect the Ocean?

How Does SeaWeb Help Protect the Ocean? SeaWeb is the only organization exclusively dedicated to ocean communications. So, we understand the importance of continually nurturing new leading voices for a healthy ocean. One important focus of our communications is to help make the seafood marketplace more environmentally, socially and economically sustainable. We do this by facilitating dialogue between all those in the business--from the fishermen and fish farmers to the seafood suppliers, distributors, marketers and retailers--and those in the greater ocean community, including environmental nonprofits, scientists, governments and journalists. In Vancouver, Canada, we will be hosting the ninth annual international Seafood Summit, with the theme of "Responsibility without Borders," from January 31 to February 2, 2011. Each Summit brings together hundreds of delegates from all around the world to explore strategies for addressing the sustainability challenges facing the seafood industry. The program provides opportunities to network, listen to presentations, attend workshops, participate in discussions and take field trips to experience all aspects of the industry. Click here to view the video. Check out this video of attendees at last year's Seafood Summit,  "Challenging Assumptions in a Changing World," held in Paris, France, as they talk about how the Summit has helped the industry make progress toward improving the sustainability of the global seafood supply chain. Why wouldn't you want to help us continue this important work by making a gift to SeaWeb? Make your tax-deductible gift online at our website at www.seaweb.org or via mail to SeaWeb, 8401 Colesville Road, Suite 500, Silver Spring, MD 20910 before December 31, 2010, to ensure that you receive the important tax benefits of your gift this year! Thank you again for your continued support. With warm regards, Dawn M. Martin President

Recognition for Matava at the Virgin Holidays Responsible Tourism Awards 2010 | Matava - Fijis Premier Eco Adventure Resort

MEDIA RELEASE: 29^th November 2010

Recognition for Matava at the
Virgin Holidays Responsible Tourism Awards 2010

Matava has won in the Best in the Marine Environment category at this year’s Virgin Holidays Responsible Tourism Awards 2010 organised by responsibletravel.com.

The Judges said “Matava is a beacon for responsible tourism and an example to other dive sites. They maintain a strong commitment to both the conservation of the marine environment and the development of the local Fijian community. All staff and dive guides are from local villages, they have signed an agreement with local villages designating 3 established marine reserves as 100% no-take zones, across large geographic areas, and even succeeded in assisted in getting marine conservation on to the Fijian National Curriculum.”

At a ceremony hosted at World Travel Market (WTM), Docklands, London, on Wednesday 10^thresponsibletravel.com, organisers and founders of the Awards, and Amanda Wills, managing director of Virgin Holidays, headline sponsor of the Awards.

November, the Awards were handed out by Justin Francis, managing director of

Justin Francis, founder of The Responsible Tourism Awards and managing director, responsibletravel.com, organisers of the Awards said:

“This year I have been heartened by the depth of commitment and connection our winners have shown to the local communities in their destinations. Their successes and pioneering spirits are remarkable and the very real and authentic experiences they have created, set responsible tourism apart. They also remind us that holidays can be both luxurious for visitor and enhancing for local people – helping build schools, water pumps, clinics and conserving cultural and natural heritage.”

Lorna Young accepting Matava’s Award at WTM 2010

Richard Akhtar, Director of Matava – Fiji’s Premier Eco Adventure Resort said:

“At Matava, we are of course both happy and proud to receive this prestigious global award. We find it even more important that the industry, by rewarding similar efforts, choose to take a stand for the environment we depend on. We also see it as an important continuing signal to the community which at the same time can serve to inspire the numerous individuals and companies who have been doing so much, and continue to do even more in the field of environmental enlightenment and conservation. This award has highlighted Fiji’s leading role and efforts in this regard especially.”

Amanda Wills, managing director, Virgin Holidays, headline sponsor of the Awards said:

“I’m once again humbled by the commitment, drive and ingenuity of today’s winners. They have shown us all what can be achieved by the people and places seeking to benefit from tourism, even when the economic climate continues to challenge us all. Their’s is truly an example for the rest of the industry to follow, and I’m delighted that Virgin Holidays is again able to be a part of this celebration.”

Launched in 2004, the Awards are run in association with partners World Travel Market, Metro Newspaper and Geographical

Over the years the Awards have celebrated the best in responsible tourism, and attracted some of the best celebrity supporters, including Michael Palin and Paul Theroux!

In 2010 Simon Reeve, best-selling author, presenter and broadcaster launched the Awards with an exclusive interview in Metro Newspaper:

“The Responsible Tourism Awards focus attention on travel firms that are providing us all with amazing trips that make a difference to a local community while still protecting the environment and our planet. And they remind us that responsible travel is not only better for our world, it’s also more interesting and memorable. Responsible tourism is the future of travel.”

Liz Bonin, Wild Animal biologist, biochemist and presenter of ‘Bang Goes the Theory’ on BBC1 also lent her support to the Awards with an exclusive interview on wildlife and responsible tourism in Metro Newspaper:

“If we make the effort to respect our holiday destinations and contribute responsibly to the local economy by staying in local farms or homestays and exploring the local wildlife through eco-tourism, we benefit by getting a real sense of local culture and discovering hidden treasures we could never get from a faceless resort holiday, all the while knowing that we have our done our bit to keep this planet happy and healthy. The Responsible Tourism Awards are doing a fantastic job at reminding us of our duty to travel in this responsible way.”

For a full list of finalists, see www.responsibletourismawards.com

- Ends -

Notes to editors

About Matava – Fiji’s Premier Eco Adventure Resort

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 5 Star Dive Resort as well as a Project AWARE GoEco Operator. With more than 14 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.

For interviews, images or further information please contact Stuart Gow, Stuart@Matava.com, t: 679-997-5416

About The Virgin Holidays Responsible Tourism Awards

The Awards are the most prestigious and competitive of their kind in the world and are a collaboration between online travel directory responsibletravel.com; UK media partners Metro Newspaper and Geographical Magazine and World Travel Market who host the ceremony. The central tenet of the Awards is that all types of tourism – from niche to mainstream – can and should be operated in a way that respects and benefits destinations and local people.

About responsibletravel.com:

responsibletravel.com is the world’s leading travel agent for responsible holidays. The site offers over 3,500 richer, deeper and more locally distinctive travel experiences that are better for destinations and local communities.

Whether you’re after an action-packed adventure, a relaxing beach escape or a charming countryside getaway closer to home, there’s something to suit all tastes and budgets.

Co-founder, Justin Francis had the original idea for the website on his travels through Africa having completed his MSc in Responsible Tourism. He launched the site with backing from Dame Anita Roddick in 2001 and since then has been included in Courvoisier’s The Future 500, Thames and Hudson’s 60 Innovators Shaping Our Creative Future and taken his place on the Advisory Board of The International Centre for Responsible Tourism at Leeds Metropolitan University. Based in Brighton, England responsibletravel.com also campaigns for positive change in the travel and tourism industry.

Contact:

Stuart Gow
Stuart@Matava.com
+679 603 0685

Alex Lyons
press@responsibletravel.com
+44 (0)1273 648 519

Recognition for Matava at the Virgin Holidays Responsible Tourism Awards 2010 | Matava - Fijis Premier Eco Adventure Resort