Maldives Regenerates its Corals

Vabbinfaru, Maldives – After years of scientific research, scientists watched astoundingly under the full moon as they witnessed reproducing corals eject pink-orange eggs and copious amounts of sperm, which confirms that the Maldives’ endangered reefs are on its way to regeneration.

“That was the first time in the history of the Maldives that we had discovered coral spawning! It went into our hearts.”, stated by marine biologist, Azeez Hakim, who was one of the watchers that evening. Twelve years ago, a spike in the water temperature, brought about by the El Nino phenomenon, had nearly killed 2/3 of the Maldives coral reefs. Those scientists had blessed the Maldives with a great gift, it was like saving the island from an upcoming economic downfall.

“If the reef is gone, we are gone”, stated by Hakim.

The researchers have found a way to regenerate those coral reefs by using cone-shaped steel frames which served as nurseries for the corals, passing small electric currents through the metal to form limestones, on which the corals could grow after they had produced their eggs and sperm.

The coral reefs play a very important role in the economy of the Maldives. Aside from its beaches and turquoise waters, those reefs lure the tourists as they exhibit pure, natural, underwater beauty, which is basically the main attraction in scuba diving. The corals also serve as building materials for Maldivian homes. And without the coral reefs, coastal erosion could ravage 1,200 islands lying low in the ocean.

“Before 1998, we never thought that this reef would die. We had always taken for granted that these animals would be there, that this reef would be there forever. El Nino gave us a wake-up call that these thing are not going to be there forever.”, Hakim said.

Today, the world is going through another El Nino crisis, and coral regeneration would play a big part in the marine life and the lives of the Maldivian people.

Mumbai’s Parth, World’s Youngest Scuba Diver

Parth Sanghvi of Mumbai is the World’s Youngest Scuba Diver

Mumbai’s Parth Sanghvi broke the world record to be the youngest scuba open water diver this week after he dived 40 feet underwater near Grande Island in Goa, Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI) said today.

10-year-old Parth awarded PADI junior open water scuba divers certificate

Anindya Mukherjee, PADI instructor, said that 10-year-old Parth was awarded PADI junior open water scuba divers certificate on February 23, a day after his birthday, at exactly at 7:01 a.m.

The 10-year-old from Mumbai broke the earlier record of Egypt’s Natasha Turner, who had become the youngest diver at the age of 10 years and three days.

“Parth got the certificate at the age of 10 years and one day, which is two days short than Turner,” Mukherjee said.

Accompanied by his father, Mehul, a certified diver, Parth jumped off the grande Island near Vasco port town in Goa to break the record. Parth is a fourth standard student of CNM School at suburban Ville Parle in Mumbai.

The boy was trained at Goa Aquatic dive resort at Candolim near here before he jumped in for the world record.

“Parth had his first encounter with scuba at the age of nine years and four months when he went to Phillipines for a holiday with the family,” Mehul told reporters in Mumbai.

“The minimum age of scuba diving is ten years, so he took up the bubble maker course where they teach the basics of scuba diving,” Parth’s father said.

Mehul, who runs an import export business in Mumbai, said that Parth was really inspired by experience, so his parents decided that he starts the course on his tenth birthday.

“Three months before he started his course, Parth studied the open water diver manual by PADI,” he said.

In Indian, Sahil Pisharody of Mumbai, had formerly achieved the record of youngest scuba diver of nation when he dived at the age of 10 years six months, Mehul said.

“It was really amazing world down the water. I saw lot of fishes and a ship wreck too,” Parth said.

His coach, Mukherjee, said that the boy came back with two shells, although it is prohibited to disturb anything underwater.

“He said he wanted to show them to his younger brother, so we allowed it,” the coach added.

Norwegians Don Scuba Gear for Google Appearance

While tricks to appear on the images of Google Maps have become common since the launch of the “Street View”,  a couple of guys from Norway just pulled off the best Google “Street View” prank yet. Seems two unidentified gentleman had heard a Google camera car was in the neighborhood, so they decided to dress as ninjas scuba divers and laid (or rather sat) in wait for the unsuspecting car.

As soon as the Google vehicle passed by, the two scuba divers sprang into action. They both leapt from their respective lawn chairs and gave chase as best they could behind the “Street View” car as it traveled down the road with one of the men brandishing a fishing fork. Fortunately for Google, since both the men were wearing diving flippers at the time, the pursuit did not last very long. All the while, however, the Google cameras snapped away at the bizarre chase taking place.

Now it seems no one is exactly sure how these Norwegian men caught wind that there was a Google “Street View” car in their town. What is known, though, is that Google apparently did not mind the funny scene as they posted the photos on Google Maps. Just go to “Street View” level to see the pair on the side of the road and then continue down the street to see them give chase.

Underwater Photography: Snapshots of the Wonders of the Sea

Underwater Photography: Snapshots of the Wonders of the Sea

In the world of underwater photography,  because of all the potential beauty that one can harness with each dive. Its no secret that one can easily develop love for underwater photography. There is a growing population of underwater photography hobbyist and that is why there is now a huge market for it. Cameras used for underwater photography is constantly changing and improving. Manufacturers are aiming to create better underwater cameras that are easier to use, much more durable and can capture much greater detail. The amazing convenience of digital cameras made photography a much more enjoyable hobby or profession since it is abolished the painstaking process of developing. Not to mention you no longer have to be wary when taking shots since its all digital. We have all seen the great shots of fish and amazing marine life in the sea. Before underwater photography was not really an option for a lot of people. But times have changed, photography can now be for everyone and everyone should try underwater photography.

What Is Underwater Photography?

Underwater photography obviously is just what its name implies. Photographs taken underwater. It is safe to assume that underwater photography became a popular hobby because there is just so much beauty under the sea. When there is beauty there is happiness and happiness is always something you would want to share. Underwater photography became popular because scuba divers could see underwater they wanted to share with others.

Documentaries, Movies, National Geographic films all use underwater photography to teach, inspire and tell stories about life underwater.

Underwater Photography Techniques

On a more technical note underwater photography equipment can be both simple or complex, all depending on what kind of photography you would like to employ. Simple cameras range from the disposable ones which are ideal for vacations and amateurs. Disposable underwater cameras typically use film and can be developed at any developing center. You can expect great underwater images even from disposable cameras. But if you are an avid underwater photographer with advanced skills then you will probably not settle for disposable cameras. Some cameras are originally not made for underwater use, but some manufacturers develop add on casings specifically for their cameras so that they can be used for underwater photography and can withstand the pressure underwater.

Underwater Photography Tips.

• Depth and transparency of the water. The deeper you go the less light is available and of course if the water is murky then not much can be seen.

• Light. Cameras usually function best when there is a lot of available light, should there is no adequate light then an alternative light source most commonly known as a camera flash should be used.

• Backscatter. When the flash or strobe light reflect back due to particles in the water, showing specks of light in the photo.

Don’t just scuba dive and keep all the beauty to yourself, make the most out of it and share what you see with others. Do underwater photography.