Articles
Call for entrants: Monterey Shootout 2017
The 2017 Monterey Shootout is seeking entrants. It is being held from 25 to 27 August at Monterey, California and features a full weekend of competition, seminars and the notorious Backscatter party!
New study shows high mortality rate of mako sharks
A paper published in the journal Proceedings of the Royal Society B shows that the fishing mortality rate for shortfin mako shark (Isurus oxyrinchus) is significantly higher than has been thought. Researchers found that 30 to 40% of satellite tagged sharks were being captured in fisheries, which when extrapolated, means that the number being killed is 10 times higher than previously believed. (Image from Shutterstock.)
Scientists think pollution is turning sea snakes black
The turtle-headed sea snake in the Pacific ocean typically is black and white striped. However, for the past several year scientists have been observing individuals of this species living in the ocean close to cities exhibiting all black coloration. Claire Goiran, of the University of New Caledonia and lead scientist for the study, believes the darker skin pigment allows the sea snakes to excrete pollutants through their skin faster than lighter colored pigments.
Call for entrants: 2017 SoCal Shootout
The 2017 SoCal Shootout is calling for entrants. It is running from 8 to 10 September and registration is now open. Images must be taken in the Pacific Ocean anywhere south of Pt. Conception to north of the Mexican border and each entrant ca submit up to 8 still images, 3 videos or a combination of both.
Ikelite releases 6-inch dome ports with extended zooms for mirrorless cameras
Ikelite has released two new 6-inch dome ports with extended zooms for mirrorless cameras. One with its dome port extended .375 of an inch and the other extended one full inch. MSRP is $375 and $400 US respectively. A dome shade is expected to be available in late 2017.
Scientists find second garbage patch larger than Mexico in Pacific
Scientists believe they have discovered a second Garbage Patch in the Pacific Ocean. The second Garbage Patch, which contains tiny plastic pieces floating at the surface, is thought to be larger than Mexico. The expedition was led by Captain Charles Moore and explored areas off Chile, Peru, and Easter Island during a six-month voyage. This newly discovered Garbage Patch is primarily composed of tiny bits of plastic that are extremely hard to clean up.
Trip report: Wetpixel Whale Sharks 2017
During late July and August 2017, Wetpixel are running two trips to witness and document the amazing whale shark aggregation that occurs annually off Isla Mujeres, Mexico. Whilst we are there, we plan to post regular updates from the trips, to share some of the imagery captured. Please keep checking back to see updates.
FStoppers reviews the Aquatica Water Wizard remote trigger
Jennifer Tallerico has reviewed the Aquatica Water Wizard for FStoppers. The Water Wizard is a housing for the Pocket Wizard III Transceiver, used for remotely trigger above water lighting. Tallerico used a 15-foot sync-cord from her Ikelite housing to the Water Wizard floating on the surface for testing in a pool environment.