SEA&SEA ANNOUNCES DEMA 2007 SALES SEMINARS

SEA&SEA ANNOUNCES DEMA 2007 SALES SEMINARS

Digital underwater photography a major emphasis at DEMA Show 2007 in Orlando.

SEA&SEA dealers seeking key sales techniques and product knowledge for maximizing underwater photography sales and profits in their store should mark their calendars.

These highly informative sales seminars are hosted by professional photographers Andy Sallmon, www.seait.com, and Kevin McDonnell, www.kevinmcdonnell.com, and are offered at no charge. Pre-registration is required and seminar information may be downloaded at www.seaandsea.com/dema.pdf.

Dealers may also reserve space by providing account number, name of company, attendee name(s), and requested date via e-mail to info@tusa.com or by calling Customer Service at (800) 482-2282.

FROM PIXELS TO PROFITS

Hosted by professional photographer Andy Sallmon

Updated and now in its 2^nd year “From Pixels to Profits” was a sell out at DEMA last year. Come back and see what’s new and share in the success.

“From Pixels to Profits” is a step-by-step comprehensive approach toward creating an underwater photo-based retail, training and travel center in your dive store. All the essentials necessary will be discussed. At the end of the presentation Andy will share his latest insights on how to market and teach underwater photography classes, while tying them in to equipment sales and travel opportunities for your customers. Take the first step toward success and be our guest at this fun and dynamic seminar.

Date Time Location

Wednesday 10/31 2:30-3:30pm Convention Center # S220D

Thursday 11/1 2:30-3:30pm Convention Center # S220D

Friday 11/2 10-11:30am Convention Center # S220D

Saturday 11/3 10-11:30am Convention Center # S220D

DIGITAL UNDERWATER PHOTOGRAPHY 101

Hosted by professional photographer Kevin McDonnell

Topics will include: All of the basics shop owners need to know in order to talk and sell digital underwater photography. This is a must-attend seminar for all those who currently sell underwater photography equipment in their stores, and especially for those who are considering opening an underwater photography center. Keep your customers happy by selling them a system that they will be able to use and enjoy. Know your product, know your customer - know what to say and what it means. Tips and cues that you cannot afford to miss - they WILL make the difference toward successful underwater photography sales!

Date Time Location

Wednesday 10/31 4-5:00pm Convention Center # S220D

Thursday 11/1 3:30-4:30pm Convention Center # S220D

Friday 11/2 11:30-1pm Convention Center # S220D

Saturday 11/3 11:30-1pm Convention Center # S220D

Since 1972, SEA&SEA has been the leader in underwater imaging technology. The company offers a complete line of digital imaging products ranging from compact point and shoot cameras to professional housings, strobes, and accessories. Visit www.seaandsea.com for more information. SEA&SEA products are distributed in the United States and territories by Tabata USA, www.tusa.com.

DAN Pocket Guide to First Aid for Scuba Diving

Know exactly what to do for all scuba diving first aid situations.

High-tech laser printing on hard vinyl sheets make this pocket-sized "how to" guide virtually indestructible and completely portable. Waterproof. Dirtproof. You can even mark up pages with a grease pencil then wipe clean. Spiral binding allows you to fully open the book anywhere and lay it flat. Fully illustrated with easy-to-follow instructions. Index-tabbed pages allow you to quickly access the information you need. "What you really need to know, when you really need it!"

Tabbed sections include: Emergency Assistance Plan, Dive Injury Information Form, Safety Assessment, Injured Diver Assessment, Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), Bleeding, Physical Assessment, Field Neurological Exam, Positioning of the Injured Diver, Oxygen First Aid, Bone and Joint Injuries, Carbon Monoxide Toxicity, Decompression Illness (DCI), Subcutaneous Emphysema/Mediastinal Emphysema/Pneumothorax, Seafood Poisoning, Heart Attack/Cardiac Arrest, Seizures, Spinal Injuries, Squeeze/Barotrauma, Seasickness (Motion Sickness), Oxygen Toxicity, Allergic Reactions, Thermal Injuries and Marine Animal Injuries.

Pocket Guides are jam-packed with critical information from field experts. World renowned Pocket Guides have had an international almost cult-like following for over ten years.

Virtually indestructible and completely indispensable, Pocket Guides are perfect for enthusiasts and gift giving. Join the experts and carry Pocket Guides. Select from 28 Sports/Hobbies, Fishing and Emergency Assistance titles.

POCKET GUIDES: The Biggest Little Books You'll Ever Need. Finally, you can take it with you!

Photography Guru Joins DivePhotoGuide as Technical Editor

Popular site for underwater photographers continues to generate interest as its serve the diving world.

DivePhotoGuide.com, a leading website for underwater photographers and videograpghers is pleased to announce that Micahel McNamara, Popular Photography & Imaging Magazine's Executive Technology Editor, a renowned expert on digital cameras, imaging products, color printing, and color management systems, and also an underwater photographer, has joined the growing editorial team as a Contributing Technical Editor

In his position at the largest consumer photography magazine in the US, Mike gets to play with all the toys before the rest of us mere mortals. “DivePhotoGuide.com is fortunate to have Mike reporting on the latest and greatest DSLR's and compact digital cameras that are relevant to the underwater photographer.”, says Jason Heller, CEO.

Since 1999, Michael McNamara has also been the Editor of PP&I’s annual Digital Imaging Guide. Michael studied Ocean Science for three years at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy in New London, CT. In 1992 Mike won the Mexican Government's prestigious "Pluma de Plata" (Silver Quill) journalism award for his feature story and underwater photographs on Cozumel, Mexico. He has also been interviewed numerous times on ABC, CBS, CNN, QVC, and PBS, and has been quoted by USA Today, Business Week, The Wall Street Journal, The Boston Globe, the Photo Industry Reporter, and several other publications.

It's a brave new world out there - the cameras are getting more powerful, workflow, and image storage are necessary skills for today's photographers. Mike's an expert on it all, and he's now here reporting it to the underwater community.

http://www.divephotoguide.com/mike-mcnamara.php

Impressive New Image Collection REEF Now Available

Proceeds from this high-quality collection by Scubazoo to benefit Coral Reef Alliance.

Coral reefs are the largest living structure on the planet, and yet at the present rate of destruction could mostly disappear by 2050. Created by the skeletons of live corals, they make up one percent of the Earth’s surface, are home to 25 percent of all marine fish species, provide food and livelihood for five million people, and generate billions of dollars in goods and services. These underwater marvels are the subject of DK’s REEF (September 2007; hardcover + DVD; $40), a comprehensive and stunning reference to the world’s “rainforests of the sea.” This book is not only a beautiful tour underwater, but it is also a serious call to action.

The superb collection of photographs found throughout REEF is provided by underwater photography specialists Scubazoo . This leading team of marine photographers has recorded these remarkable and important structures, along with equally important marine habitats, including temperate reefs, kelp forests, seagrass beds, and mangrove swamps.

REEF progresses in a series of photographic sections, describing the range of seascapes, the diversity of animals found there, and their survival techniques and behavioral patterns. The book also contains photographic essays that demonstrate the immense pressures—both natural and man-made—that threaten the continued survival of these unique environments. A series of maps highlights the distribution of reefs worldwide, and a behind-the-scenes section shows Scubazoo in action, capturing the images that are featured in the book.

In addition to the gorgeous photography, an accompanying 30-minute DVD offers breathtaking footage of much of the marine life featured in the book. For anyone interested in nature, diving, or conservancy—REEF will provide hours of enlightenment. Visit our website at DK.com to read a Q&A with Scubazoo , view footage from the DVD as well as images from the book, and order your own copy!

For more information about REEF, please contact Carroll Beauvais at carroll.beauvais@dk.com; 646-674-4041 or Mindy Fichter at mindy.fichter@dk.com; 646-674-4042.

About the Authors:

Scubazoo is a dedicated team of underwater cameramen who have devoted their lives to the filming and preservation of reefs worldwide. The scope of their work covers a broad range of projects, including filming for the BBC, National Geographic, Discovery, Animal Planet, and NBC news channels.

The group is based in Sabah, on the island of Borneo, in an area of ocean known as the “coral triangle,” the heart of the world’s fish and coral biodiversity. Most of Scubazoo's personnel originally hail from Great Britain, and all share passion for the underwater world, which they are keen to communicate to as wide an audience as possible.

They dive 365 days a year at some of the world’s top diving locations. As a result, they see creatures and behavior that have rarely—and in some cases never—been filmed before. Their ultimate goal is to raise awareness of the Earth’s marine environment—its creatures and biology—and to highlight the importance and need for its conservation and preservation for the future. Scubazoo has worked to tackle conservation issues with organizations such as the World Wildlife Fund, Greenpeace International, the Reef Environmental Education Foundation, WildAid, and the Shark Trust. Members of Scubazoo are available for interview.

About Sylvia Earle:

Sylvia Earle, foreword writer of REEF, is an oceanographer, marine botanist, ecologist, and author. A pioneering aquanaut and marine explorer, Earle made her first scuba dive at 17. She has since set the women’s depth record for solo diving (1,000 meters/3,281 feet) and logged more than 6,000 diving hours—feats that garnered her the moniker “Her Deepness.” The author of five books and numerous scientific and popular articles, Earle tirelessly calls for the preservation and exploration of the world’s marine ecosystems.

Fiji Scuba Diving

Fiji Scuba Diving

"First things first: There is no island of Fiji. Instead, Fiji is an island nation of about 300 islands, from small remote islets that seem caught in an old South Pacific time warp to some of the modern world's most exclusive private resort islands. So, where to go? Actually, the real question is how do you want to spend your time? Divers can pick and choose from some of the best diving locations in the South Seas (the best known, Taveuni, is legendary for its wall dives), while surfers have long favored several world-class reef breaks off Tavarua island in the Mamanuca chain just west of Fiji's largest island, Viti Levu."

Fiji Scuba Diving

Cool pics from Jane @ Lalati

Some very cool pics from Jane Carlson at Lalati on Beqa, Fiji.

These were all taken on the dive site "Jane's Lane" RIGHT OFF THE WHARF in front of the resort. Walk in, start clicking!

(c) all photos copyright Jane Carlson, Lalati Resort Fiji

Diveaway Fiji - Scuba diving on the Coral Coast: Thank you!

Cool review and letter from a happy Fiji Diver!

Stuart

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Diveaway Fiji - Scuba diving on the Coral Coast: Thank you!

Bula, Alex & Alice!

I just wanted to send you a quick 'hello' from Chicago. We had a great time in Fiji, and really enjoyed our stay at the Hideaway.

One of the absolute, unexpected highlights of our vacation was scuba diving with Diveaway Fiji. As you know, we (myself, Ashley and Kyra) had never before been scuba diving in our lives, and we never even imagined that we would be able to scuba dive while we were in Fiji in March 2007.

Thanks to your positive encouragement and comprehensive instructions, we found ourselves about 30 feet deep in the Pacific Ocean before we knew it. The entire experience was truly amazing. I'll always remember the absolute calm and beauty of being immersed in the fascinating under water world for the very first time!

We can't wait to get back into the water. I'm sure we will plan many of our future vacations with scuba diving opportunities in mind. You have definitely infected the three of us with scuba-fever.

Best of luck to you, and we wish you continued success with your diving business and experiences.

Thanks,

Larry, Judy, Ashley & Kyra"

ACT NOW TO HELP SAVE THIS RARE CREATURE!

Dear Friend of the Ocean,

I am writing to you with very exciting news for the Coral Reef Alliance (CORAL)--and especially for the coral reefs and myriad rare species found in the archipelago of Raja Ampat.

For the next 30 days, CORAL Board member, Dr. Jim Foght, will match every contribution supporting our work in Raja Ampat--dollar for dollar--up to $25,000. Please act now to double the impact of your gift.

As you know, Raja Ampat is home to one of the most pristine reefs in the world with 450 species of hard coral, 600 mollusk species, and as many as 1,100 fish species--including a newly discovered shark that walks on it's fins! But crushing poverty has pushed some local fisherman to use cyanide and dynamite--severely damaging the coral. What's worse, mega commercial fishing companies are threatening to ramp up their operations in these precious waters.

Friend of the Ocean, your gift today will go twice as far to help us stop this destruction.

CORAL is working with the villagers to develop tangible benefits for protecting their coral reef--so they won't be forced to destroy it for their own survival. And, in just two years, we've made significant progress--including a tourism fee system that is generating money immediately for the communities. But I'm sure you can understand there is much more to be done to ensure the reef's long-term survival and to help the local people who depend on the reefs for their livelihoods.

I am reaching out to generous supporters like you, Friend of the Ocean, because I know you'll want to take advantage of this limited opportunity to double your gift today and help preserve one of our planet's most spectacular coral reefs. Thank you!

CORAL is offering Raja Ampat communities an alternative to these ecologically destructive options. However, we cannot sustain our Raja Ampat programs without support from members like you.

Cheers!

Brian Huse
Executive Director

P.S. You won't believe this "walking" shark until you see it for yourself! Click on the link to the right to view a video and, please, help protect this and other rare creatures by making a gift right now. Thank you.

X-RAY MAG Issue No. 18 is published and ready for download

Popular online magazine continues to generate interest with great stories and information.

The September 2007 issue number 18 of X-RAY International Dive Magazine has been released. This late summer issue contains 94 spreads of dive news, travel stories, feature articles and underwater photography. Download of the current issue, archive issues and yearly subscriptions to X-RAY MAG is free.

In the current issue, divers and dive professionals will find comprehensive travel articles on Socorro Island off Mexico’s California peninsula, with text and photos by Barb Roy; Stunning images by Wolfgang Leander and Roger Horrocks freediving with Tiger sharks off South Africa.

Those with technical minds will find Cedric Verdier’s series on rebreathers – this time the subject is “Solo Diving with Rebreathers.” A bit provocative, perhaps? Well, give it a read and see for yourself

The photo and video section of the magazine is this time contributed by Swiss master photographer Kurt Amsler who generously shares his insights into strobe photography- Following a comprehensive news section full of current and compelling news from around the world on diving, divers, travel, education, ocean conservation, shipwrecks, giant squid and marine life, the new equipment and trends in the industry we have a short report on the latest events in Malaysia, the MIDE expo in Kuala Lumpur and Tioman MegaDive. And we tried and tested Scuba & Spa.

Last but not nearly least, we present the stunning underwater sculptures by Jason Taylor

To subscribe or download the current issue of X-RAY MAG free of charge, go to: www.xray-mag.com

Pilot Whales - Fiji - Naigani Island - scuba diving trip, dive in Fiji.

Fiji - Naigani Island - scuba diving trip, dive in Fiji.

Pilot Whales

It was about 20 nautical miles from Naigani Island on a heading of 42 degrees to reach the Vatu Wall, but the trip was worth it. About halfway to this outer reef, we encountered a school of pilot whales heading in the same direction as us. “Captain Rambo” stopped well ahead of them and we waited quietly to see what they would do. Unexpectedly, they came directly towards the boat and then hung around. Neil went straight in with the video camera, wearing his “Nitrox Serious Diver” T-shirt and no fins! The others went in with the first mask and snorkel they could grab then came back for their fins. Everyone raved about their close encounter with these intelligent, inquisitive mammals.

I was sure that the pilot whales would not come in close enough to see underwater, so I decided to take pictures from the boat instead. Well, they came right under us a few times, clicked at the snorkelors, and my old Nikonos could not do it justice! Fortunately, Neil was able to get some good video footage of the whales."

July 2007 NOAA Coral Reef Watch's Satellite Monitoring Products

This map shows the global observations of coral bleaching occurrences combined with NOAA Coral Reef Watch's satellite monitoring products including Sea Surface Temperature, Sea Surface Temperature Anomaly, Bleaching HotSpot and Degree Heating Weeks.

These datasets are added into ReefBase Online GIS each month.

To view the latest July 2007 maps, click here.

http://reefgis.reefbase.org/redirect.aspx?urlid=2320

New version of the ReefBase's Online Geographic Information System (ReefGIS) is now available

ReefBase are pleased to launch a new version of the ReefBase's Online Geographic Information System (ReefGIS): http://reefgis.reefbase.org.

What's new in ReefGIS:

1. A major revision of the entire site which is now matches the look and feel of the main ReefBase website.

2. A new Flash based map with integrated navigation toolbar providing a more user friendly interface and quick access to information.

3. Broader map saving options (.png, .jpg, .tif) provide easier integration of maps into publications or presentations. You can customize the map by modifying the title, adding legend, and including custom notes. A preview function allows you to view customized map before saving. The saved map can then be downloaded directly to your hard drive or emailed to any account.

4. Save selected datasets into various file formats (.xls, .doc, .csv, .txt, .xml). This feature provides for better data sharing. You can easily import the datasets to your system for further analysis.

5. Email the URL of a specific map view (zoomed, specific layers and etc) to colleagues.

6. New maps added include Coral Reef Morphology, Coral Bleaching, NOAA Sea Surface Temperature and Solomon's Post-disaster.

and much more...

ReefBase hope the new look and functionality of ReefBase will benefit your work. They welcome any feedback or comments you may have.

Coral Reef MPAs of East Asia and Micronesia data are now available online and CD format

The "Coral Reef MPAs of East Asia and Micronesia" project is a collaborative effort between The WorldFish Center (ReefBase Project) and Japan Wildlife Research Center (JWRC), and funded by the Ministry of the Environment, Japan, as part of the Japan-Palau ICRI secretariat Plan of Action for 2005 -2007.

The project output has been summarized and published as a new key topic in ReefBase "Key Topics" section.

Click here: http://www.reefbase.org/key_topics/coralreefmpas.aspx