Freediving, Whale Births & Indonesia's Shark Crisis

In Today's Email:

• AIDA's 31st Freediving World Championship

• A sperm whale's birth was captured on video for the first time ever

• Award-Winning Dive Mask from "Avatar 2: The Way of Water"

• Dolphin Spectacle: Pod Swimming in Bioluminescent Waters

• Indonesia's Whale Shark Crisis: Delicacies vs. Laws

The 31st AIDA Freediving World Championship

🐡 Deep Breath Alert: The 31st AIDA Freediving World Championship is set to take place from September 21 to 29 in Limassol, Cyprus. Marking the grand finale of this year's freediving marathon, the event lineup typically features two pool World Championships (both AIDA and CMAS competitions), two depth World Championships (again, both AIDA and CMAS), and the notable Vertical Blue competition—where many world records tend to be established. This championship promises to be a culmination of the year's most impressive freediving feats.

A sperm whale's birth was captured on video for the first time ever

🐳 Whale of a Discovery: Scientists have, for the first time, captured the sights and sounds of a baby sperm whale's birth. And guess what? It's as mesmerizing as it sounds. Canadian whale biologist Shane Gero described this incredible moment, which took place off the coast of Dominica, as "surreal." Just another day in the office, right?

Award-Winning Dive Mask from "Avatar 2: The Way of Water"

🎬 Lights, camera, dive! The groundbreaking full-face dive mask from "Avatar 2: The Way of Water" isn't just a movie prop. This high-tech marvel just snagged the “Best in Class” and “Gold” accolades from the Australian Good Design Awards. Why the hype? Think exceptional visibility, advanced comms, and top-notch safety. A brainchild of Weta Workshop and Design + Industry, with insights from diving maestro John Garvin, this mask isn't just revolutionizing film production underwater. It's catching the eyes of divers, marine buffs, and rescue squads. Plus, eco-warriors rejoice: it's designed for complete recyclability. 🤿🏆

Dolphin Spectacle: Pod Swimming in Bioluminescent Waters

✨ A Glowing Night Off the Cali Coast: Imagine a calm night boat ride, then witnessing a spectacle straight out of a sci-fi movie. That's what went down for Patrick Coyne on a Newport Coastal Adventure tour. The California man stumbled upon a pod of dolphins swimming through bioluminescent waters, and guess what? He caught the whole neon blue extravaganza on video. What's lighting up the show? Algae blooms causing a radiant phenomenon known as red tides. It's not just a pretty sight; the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) says these glowing waters might even serve as a defense mechanism for marine life. Nature's rave party, anyone? 🐬💡

patrickc_la

View more on Instagram

Indonesia's Whale Shark Crisis: Delicacies vs. Laws

🦈 Whale Shark Delicacy? Think Again. Last month, when a whale shark washed ashore in West Java, Indonesia, it didn't get a respectful burial or a concerned crowd; instead, it was swiftly chopped up for its meat and bones—a rare treat in the region. But here's the twist: munching on these mammoth fish? Totally illegal since 2013. Yet, data from 2002 to 2022 reveals this isn't a one-off incident. Whale sharks continue to be butchered and sold along Java's southeastern coast, whether they're stranded or unintentionally caught. Indonesia's ban on the capture and trade of these giants seems to have some, let's say, enforcement issues. 🚫🍣 Dive deeper into the story with the full article here.

P.S. to all the new people that joined today… Welcome aboard, bathrooms are on the left. Feel free to hit reply and let me know what you think of this!