Articles
Online tool for shark identification
A new online tool to aid researchers, marine managers and lay people to identify shark species is now available. Elasmo Key allows the user to input physical characteristics, geographical and type of habitat, protected status, and scientific names. It will then produce an illustrated list of shark species that have these characteristics.
Von Wong: Strawpocalypse
Photographer Von Wong has highlighted the issues around plastic straws in his latest imagery and an installation. Called “The Parting of the Plastic Sea,” it is in Saigon and features over 168,000 straws which were gathered over six months by clean up groups. These were then cleaned, sorted, and attached to a 3.3m (10 ft+) tall art installation called the strawpocalypse.
Paper published on the effects of underwater flash impacts on subjects
A paper published in the Nature Scientific Reports Journal details the results of a scientific investigation into the effect that underwater flash photography has on its subjects. The research suggests that there seems to be little or no behavioural or biological impact on animals that are repeatedly exposed to flashes. The paper’s authors contrast this with the profound effect that occurs if animals are physically touched or manipulated.
Olympus announces the OM-D E-MX1
Olympus has announced the details of the OM-D E-MX1 mirrorless camera. Designed for professional use, it features a redesigned AF system, 5 axis image stabilization and a native ISO range of Low to 25,600 with a base on 200. It has a 20.4-megapixel Live MOS Micro Four Thirds sensor backed by Dual TruePic VIII image processors.
Show Report: BOOT 2019
BOOT, held in Dusseldorf, Germany, is the world’s largest watersports show. Held over 17 large halls, it showcases everything from yachts to surfboards. Diving occupies one hall, and an increasingly large number of underwater imaging product booths has created a specific zone in an adjacent hall. We will be adding updates from the show over the next few days, rounding up all that is new and exciting!
Florida Shark Fin ban needs support
Legislation has now been tabled in the Florida State Legislature that will end the trade in the fins of sharks or rays. If passed, the ban will include both the fins of animals caught within the state’s waters and fins imported via its ports. Bills have been filed in the Senate (352) and House (99) but they need public support to move forward and be voted into law.
Government Support for shark protection at CITES 2019
Pew reports that a record 67 governments have co-sponsored proposals extending protection to 18 shark species at the forthcoming CITES meeting, due to be held in Colombo, Sri Lanka, from 23 May to 3 June this year. (Image by Shutterstock)
Video: Costa Rica Deep Sea Connections
The Schmidt Ocean Institute’s Costa Rica Deep Sea Connections project is underway. It is currently the deep sea areas and sea mounts in the coastal margin of Costa Rica around the Cocos Islands. Specifically, they are sharing amazing footage captured by their ROV of the creatures that are endemic at depths of around 3,500 m (11,500 ft.) of depth.
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