Shark Finning and Sustainable Fishing

There continues to be quite a bit of publicity around the issue of Shark Finning in the news and in the courts.  What is Shark Finning?  Shark fins are by far the most valuable part of a fished shark and are in high demand for the Asian delicacy shark fin soup. Shark "finning" refers to the removal of shark fins and the discard at sea of the much less valuable shark carcass. The finless and often still living sharks are thrown back into the sea to save room on board for more valuable species like tuna and swordfish.

According to the Shark Alliance report, "Shark Alert", "the disparity between the exceptionally valuable shark fins and less valuable shark meat creates an economic incentive to take sharks solely for their fins. Shark finning contributes to an extraordinary waste of resources, unsustainable shark mortality and serious decline in shark populations." 

Much of the regulation efforts today are aimed at requiring shark fisheries to bring the entire shark back before finning. Since they have to store the entire shark, the take is less, and fewer sharks are taken per fishing outing.  Other efforts are aimed at effecting the Demand Signal.  Shark Fin soup is the main source of that shark fin demand . Major personalities like Celebrity chef, Gordon Ramsay, have embarked on a personal campaign against the brutal and destructive shark fishing industry and ask restaurants to stop serving shark fin soup.  Click here to catch episodes of Gordon Ramsay’s Shark Bait journey. Of course, the allegations that Ramsay was filmed shark fishing just 18 months earlier probably haven't helped his cause.  Despite his apparent hypocritisism,  the cause is noble.

The key to any of this is for the world to determine and enforce sustainable practices, offer alternatives to peoples where shark finning/fishing is currently their only source of living.  Easier said than done, but complete regulation is unlikely and for some cultures, perfectly acceptable.

Why does Project AWARE support sustainable shark fisheries?


Sharks are particularly vulnerable to overfishing because most grow slowly, mature late and only produce very few young. Indeed, very few shark fisheries are currently well managed and many have ended in the collapse of shark populations and associated industries. However, not all sharks are threatened and in some cases shark meat may be a primary source of nutrition. There is scope for a shared ocean resource, responsibly managed. Project AWARE works towards securing sustainable, science-based conservation policies. Our goal is shark fisheries policies, both nationally and internationally, that heed reputable scientific advice, take a precautionary approach to fishing limits, protect threatened species, implement recovery plans and enforce effective bans on the wasteful practice of finning.

Bottom line from my perspective, Be responsible, Be reasonable and Be Involved.

Reef Friendly Sunscreen...or Not?

Protecting our reefs is of utmost importance, both for the sport of scuba as well as the health of the planet. The coral reefs are under increasing threat for both global warming and the tourists that want to appreciate them.  As it turns out Chemicals in many sunscreens trigger viral infections that result in coral bleaching. Chemical UV barriers are the culprit. But how can a little sunscreen cause so much damage?  Lets do the math. About 78 million tourists visit areas with coral reefs annually. About 25% of the sunscreen they slather on is left behind.  This amounts to about 4-6 thousand tons of sunscreen in the water!  That is alot of sunscreen and you can see that effect can be significant.

What can you do? Since there are no regulations to define what "reef friendly" sunscreen is, be cautious when you see a sunscreen labeled as such. Instead look for sunscreens with plant-based ingredients.  They break down faster.  Also, go with physical UV barriers vice chemical.  Wear that rash guard, and/or use titanium dioxide or zinc oxide. Many rash guards offer great UV protection and leave nothing behind in the water. Also chemical UV barriers are believed to mess with your hormones in many cases. Using titanium dioxide or zinc oxide are better for you in that regard.

So be a friend to the reefs and look for sunscreens that meet these guidelines.  Save the reefs for posterity and help save the planet for your kids.

Let it Snow!

Christmas morning, kids asleep watching the weather channel, hoping for snow, not wanting to shovel it. why is it we get so fascinated with the weather this time of year?  How can you wish for snow and dream of warm sandy beaches at the same time!

My paradoxical dilemma will soon be overcome by laughing giggling excitement when the kids get up.  The turkey to cook and the stories to share.  Merry Christmas to all, warm cold or wet!

Chilly Willy 2010

Out first Chilly Willy Dive of the year was a great success!  We had a mix of "Wet Divers" and "Dry Divers", Seasoned Divers and New Divers. 

Nothing like setting up in the snow, heating the Apple Cider, gearing up with a "Nip" in the air! 

Now the "Quarrabbean" was just a s murky and cold as ever, but the "Event" made the Day and Build Comaradarie.

You gotta try it!

Why Scuba Lessons are the Best Gift for Christmas!

What could be a better than giving a gift of "Awe" and "Beauty" and "Adventure"??? Lets think about this.  Big Screen TV?  Game systems?  How about living reefs or an ever-changing landscape of motion and excitement?  Fresh air, sun, exercise or ...not?

If you really want to give a special gift to someone that is sans-commercialism, encourages environmental awareness and travel all over the world, give the gift of Scuba and see how it changes that special person's life!

So... why do people scuba dive?


For some it's the beauty of the reef and the marine life that inhabits it, for others it's the thrill of discovery deep inside a wreck or cave - everyone has a different reason for scuba diving, but most would agree that it's for the sheer enjoyment of experiencing the underwater world, a world so far removed from ours that it will truly amaze you. Whether you want to relax while photographing brightly colored tropical fish, be thrilled by the power and grace of a school of sharks, or make a living working underwater, scuba diving has it all.

Give a life-time of enjoyment - Give Scuba.

Happy Holidays!

DEMA 2010

PATRIOT flew to Vegas to re-energize at DEMA 2010 in Las Vegas, NV. Vegas is just a fun place to begin with, and DEMA 2010 was the adventure we expected. First of all, it is a great place to re-connect with Dive Buddies, fellow professionals and make many more connections. This year was no exception. The vendors were out in all their glory and PADI and DAN showed their usual support.

Some new styles and new gear was of course the really cool thing about walking the floor at DEMA. The Floor seemed hugely long this year. You needed good walking shoes! So what floated PATRIOT’s boat this year? Let see…this year there was a pretty good list.

Regulators:

Regulator first stages are getting smaller and better laid out for Recreational Divers and Techies. Bullet-Proof second stages are becoming the norm in many brands. Zeagle, Sherwood and Cressi topped our list here. Way cool.

Wet Suits:

2011 will see Zeagle taking a great line, Pinnacle, to even greater heights. New suits with improved fit, quality and comfort. Look for Pinnacle by Zeagle Suits in March 2011. Awesome.

Xcel continues to make some of the best, Eco-friendly suits on the planet and will roll out some new styles in 2011. Look for improved wrist seals and their signature bamboo lining. PATRIOT will be bringing the Xcel Line onboard for 2011

You’ll probably never find a better fitted wet suit than those made by Body Glove. Exciting styles, quality designs for all watersports. We were very impressed by their design, allure and value and we’ll be bringing Body Glove suits onboard in 2011.

Fins:

Sherwood is bringing in two new lines of fins. New colors and performance improvements for sure. Their top new model will include Spring Straps standard.

Cameras:

The follow-on to Sea Life’s ever so popular entry level camera, the Reef Master Mini, will be out in March, 2011. (its about time!) The Reef Master Mini-II will boast improved resolution, its bullet-proof housing and extra features at a very affordable price. Their new Video/Lighting system is very versatile. With multiple settings it truly turns your DC 1200 into a video system. The cool thing is that it pairs nicely with the Pro-Flash.

Cool Stuff

SeaDoo Explorer X. Way cool solid addition to the SeaDoo line. Speed up to 3.3 mph, 2 hour run time, easy boot type charger, rated to 160ft and only 32 lbs. This was one of those “Gotta have it” items. So we “Got it” in the store now!

Much Much more. Great parties with Divers Alert network, and an outstanding Premier of the Drop Zone - Fiji Movie. The stars were there and Body Glove out did themselves with the event. Many times these type events are like watching paint dry…not this time. Fun and fabulous. Well Done PADI/Body Glove!

Let me know if you have any other questions…always a lot to take in at DEMA!

Jeff (jeff@patriotscuba.com)

Diving Season is Not Over!

So while there is still wet suit diving in Northern VA, Dry Suit Season is coming.  Just like Night Diving gives you a new perspective on familiar dive sites, so does cooler water.  Dry Suit Diving is easy, and with the proper training opens up new worlds of discovery.  The secret is that you do not have to be cold!

Once you try it in your local diving area, you'll realize you just opened 60% of the planet up to you!  Great Lakes Wrecks, New England Lobstering, Octopus wrestling and six gill sharks in the Northwest, etc!

Come on in!  (with a Dry Suit) the water is fine!