Articles
The Palau Pledge is unveiled - a new visa entry program
Today, December 7, the island nation of Palau has adopted a new entry visa program for all visitors called the Palau Pledge. All visitors are required to watch a four-minute film about treating the resources of Palau with care and respect. The passport entry stamp includes the pledge that all visitors will be required to sign: a promise to protect Palau for future generations. The pledge has been translated into five languages.
Researchers develop Mantis Cam
Researchers from the University of Illinois have developed a camera that can see polarized light. Called the Mantis Cam, due to the animal’s 16 color receptors and 6 polarization channels, the new cam works by stacking photodiodes on top of each other, which allows for shorter light wavelengths to be absorbed. It will allow the early detection of cancers in humans, and help decode the ways animals communicate underwater.
Video: The effects of filters on color underwater by Daniel Keller
Daniel Keller of Keldan Lights has published a video showing how filters effect the way cameras record colors underwater. Utilizing a side by side rig with two Canon 70D, one equipped with his Spectrum filters and the other one without, it shows that filters will help achieve more pleasing colors than can captured by using camera white balance alone.
Instagram takes steps to safeguard wildlife
Instagram has announced a new policy to try and prevent the spread of imagery that is harmful to wildlife. When an individual attempts to view images that have certain hashtags, this will result in a warning entitled “Protect Wildlife on Instagram” which explains that they should be aware that the hashtag may “be associated with posts that encourage harmful behavior to animals or the environment.”
Results: Anilao Shootout 2017
The results of the 2017 Anilao Shootout have been announced. The event took place from 28 November to 2 December and was run by the Philippines Department of Tourism. Congratulations to Lilian Koh and PJ Aristorenas for their grand prize winning images and to all the participants that produced the amazing imagery that is among the placings.
Editorial: Shark bite tragedy at Cocos Islands
Wetpixel editor Adam Hanlon provides some personal comments about the tragic recent shark bite fatality that occurred off the Cocos Islands, Costa Rica last week. As a community, we should join together to offer our thoughts and support for all those directly affected by the tragedy. It is also important to avoid speculation and incorrect assumptions about the cause.
Fatality from Tiger Shark in Cocos Island
A female scuba diver has died following an encounter with a Tiger Shark while ascending to a safety stop after completing a dive in Cocos Island. A 26-year old dive master, Mr. Jimenez, was also injured by the shark. The female diver has been identified by last name Bhandari and was 49-years old. The diver in Bhandari’s group were visiting Cocos Island with the Undersea Hunter group.
Ikelite announces housing for EOS 6D Mark II
Ikelite has announced their housing for the Canon EOS 6D Mark II camera. It features the new Dry Lock port system and a vacuum valve is fitted as standard. Both shutter release and AF-ON controls feature new curved design
Recent News
- Nikon D600 and Nauticam NA-D600 Review (via DivePhotoGuide)
- Sony Updates Firmware for NEX Series (via DivePhotoGuide)
- Nauticam Announces Housing for Sony NEX 6 (via DivePhotoGuide)
- Indonesia: WWF's Lida Pet-Soede on Overfishing (via DivePhotoGuide)
- RIP Point-and-Shoots? (via DivePhotoGuide)
- Top 10 DPG Features from 2012 (via DivePhotoGuide)
- Sentencing of shark catcher welcomed (via African Diver)
- British Wildlife Photography Awards Now Open (via DivePhotoGuide)
- New York Underwater Photography Society Meeting: Adding Divers… (via DivePhotoGuide)
- Video of the Week: “Life of a Wave Photographer” (via DivePhotoGuide)