tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27602465895806888312024-03-14T01:53:37.942-04:00Aqua Action BlogAqua Action Dive Centerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02509865980805709597noreply@blogger.comBlogger25125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2760246589580688831.post-30019988100548766062018-12-03T10:30:00.000-05:002018-12-05T09:56:13.088-05:00Hydration and SCUBA<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Staying hydrated sounds like an easy task, however, it can be more difficult than you think especially while SCUBA diving. Let's be frank, more odds are against you being acceptably hydrated from the moment you get to you dive destination if not before hand. As we all know dehydration can increase our chances of decompression sickness. Here is a general play by play of our inevitable dehydration as habitual bubble blowers.</span><br />
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<u><b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">TRAVEL DAY: </span></b></u><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">You packed your bags, stood in line at TSA, drank your coffee to keep the blood moving, and took the small cup of water passed down by the flight attendant. Jumping from flight, to layover, to flight, to cab, to finally the resort. How many times did you have to use the restroom? Honestly? You've already started your dive vacation off on a dehydrated note. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><u><b>ARRIVED!</b></u> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Now you have checked into your room, wandered around the resort, got your dive bags prepared for your 8am boat departure and found a nearby beach bar or restaurant. Soaking in the Jimmy Buffet band and snacking on your well earned nachos and mahi tacos, your salt intake and whatever alcoholic beverage you may or may not have indulged in is gradually adding to your liquid deficit. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-99hyUASiltg/XAVKRBpNghI/AAAAAAAAAKc/mugxnBcnR2cVmpVtFaPZG52FkkSb1BmiwCLcBGAs/s1600/tank%2Bwater.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-99hyUASiltg/XAVKRBpNghI/AAAAAAAAAKc/mugxnBcnR2cVmpVtFaPZG52FkkSb1BmiwCLcBGAs/s320/tank%2Bwater.jpg" width="320" /></a> </span><br />
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<u><b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">DIVE DAY!</span></b></u><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">All the travel, all the packing and money saving has lead to this moment. Now you're in the humid, tropical, paradise overlooking your dive boat and crew lugging your dive bags from the shop to the boat. You may have enjoyed a cup of coffee from the resort and followed that up with a glass of water or two, but does this compensate for what you've lost thus far? </span><br />
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<u><b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">DURING THE DIVES!</span></b></u><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Number one rule of diving? "Just keep breathing!" The simple act of breathing dehydrates you! Condensation occurs as you breath out, even more so with that dry compressed air we breath as divers. Breathing compressed air can have you lose nearly 16oz of water in a 60 minute dive. They say there are two types of divers, those that pee in their wetsuit, and those that lie about it. If you're peeing you MUST be hydrated correct? Incorrect, peeing in your wetsuit occurs due to a little thing called immersion dieresis. That is a fancy word for your blood pooling from your limbs to keep warm after jumping into cooler water. Even those tropical climates, the water temperature is lower than our normal 96.8 degree core temperature. This pooling increases your blood pressure thus making you have to pee more, inevitably losing more hydration. After a</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> long day out on the sea there's a good chance you got a bit more sun that you had hoped. Sunburns also are a huge contributor to dehydration. Be sure to lather up with some reef safe sunscreen and stay under shade as much as possible. </span><br />
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<u><b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">NOW WHAT?</span></b></u><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Now that we have all this knowledge of how our bodies are struggling to stay hydrated what can we do to help or prevent this? The answer, stay actively hydrated. Keep your body hydrated on a constant especially the weeks leading up to a dive trip. On average we should be drinking at least 8, 8oz cups of water a day, however, asking your doctor for a more individualized amount is recommended. Avoid caffeine during travel and limit your alcohol consumption. DAN suggests we drink a cup of water 15-20 minutes before the dive rather than guzzle down a liter right before. They also suggest you eat food with plenty of water content ie fruits and veggies. Lastly, be sure to rinse off with fresh water post diving. The salt on your skin will continue to pull water from you. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">We hope this article was helpful in keeping you happy and hydrated. We look forward to diving with you here at Aqua Action Dive Center in St. Thomas, USVI soon!</span><br />
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Aqua Action Dive Centerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02509865980805709597noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2760246589580688831.post-65811931455063291692018-07-29T13:01:00.002-04:002018-07-29T14:13:04.662-04:00PADI International Dive Day at Aqua Action Dive Center 2018<h2 style="text-align: center;">
PADI International Women's Dive Day</h2>
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<strong><span style="color: magenta;">On July 21st, 2018 Aqua Action Dive Center was proud to host </span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="color: magenta;">PADI Women's Dive Day Event.</span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="color: magenta;"> During this event, we took the Ocean Express out to Buck Island and completed a two tank dive. Our first site, at Dive Flag Rock, we saw sharks, banded shrimp, lobster and more. Our second dive site, the ship wreck Cartanza Sr. was teeming with fish, sea urchins, and sea turtles! We ended this outstanding trip with a champagne toast and headed back in for the beach BBQ held on our white sand Secret Harbor Bay. </span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="color: magenta;">Back on shore we had 4 Discover Divers taking their first breaths under water with Instructor Rob! He took two groups out on shore dives after a quick refresher lesson and saw sting rays, arrow crabs, Sargent Majors, Parrot fish and more!</span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="color: magenta;">Big shout out to our grill master Aaron for cooking hamburgers and hot dogs for our group of snorkelers and divers. In honor of Women's Dive Day we gave out free snorkel rentals to anyone wanting to explore the bay from the top of the water. </span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="color: magenta;">Sunset Grille, our neighbor on the bay was kind enough to set up a bottomless mimosa, sangria, and bloody mary bar for all of our Women's Dive Day participants. </span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="color: magenta;">We ended a beautiful day out on the water and beach with a raffle for a Cressi snorkel set. Mask, snorkel and fins! Our winner sure was happy! </span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="color: magenta;">Thank you to everyone who took photos and allowed us to publish them! Our girl Squid took some stellar video of those sharks too!</span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="color: magenta;">We look forward to doing this again next year!</span></strong></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">JAWS!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">That Pre-dive glow</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Coral captures our eye</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Life is better down here</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Instructor Rob and his DSDs</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cool </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Instructor Courtnie</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Raffle Time!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hawksbill Turtle</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dive Briefing </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Group pic after dive 1</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Snorkelers/BBQ</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">CHEERS!!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cartanza Sr.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Girls 1 Adam 0 </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Adventure awaits</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Come dive the Caribbean!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Funs about to begin</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">fish need buddies too</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here lobster.. lobster.. lobster..</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Buddy Diving</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EiZLOUGQqmA/W13riDx1xKI/AAAAAAAAAJg/_u9L42ylKp8RIYL2Lh9cA5zi66tpeqRagCLcBGAs/s1600/37657580_10156202187661758_2584748375710629888_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="180" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EiZLOUGQqmA/W13riDx1xKI/AAAAAAAAAJg/_u9L42ylKp8RIYL2Lh9cA5zi66tpeqRagCLcBGAs/s320/37657580_10156202187661758_2584748375710629888_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">WINNER WINNER CHICKEN DINNER!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iaClKIG4st4/W13ribIWOPI/AAAAAAAAAJk/0qn7RprlNlYiQ6qRB44EAsRv8llaJfRagCLcBGAs/s1600/37661130_10156202187381758_8295478789601755136_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="180" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iaClKIG4st4/W13ribIWOPI/AAAAAAAAAJk/0qn7RprlNlYiQ6qRB44EAsRv8llaJfRagCLcBGAs/s320/37661130_10156202187381758_8295478789601755136_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bottomless Drink Station Thanks Sunset Grille</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tmnhgZhjEbI/W13ri_bTxlI/AAAAAAAAAJo/V1W4-I-neeMUJxzB-Wum0MDumoLy0gBwwCLcBGAs/s1600/37673650_10156202187301758_4550469003448942592_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tmnhgZhjEbI/W13ri_bTxlI/AAAAAAAAAJo/V1W4-I-neeMUJxzB-Wum0MDumoLy0gBwwCLcBGAs/s320/37673650_10156202187301758_4550469003448942592_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grill master Aaron and captain Adam</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uKR53XNa3qk/W13rjDJEtiI/AAAAAAAAAJs/c31Wj-mNsMoStaf8dRhf4vGkf9YEt6QPwCLcBGAs/s1600/37678330_10156202187831758_2465907648537559040_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="180" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uKR53XNa3qk/W13rjDJEtiI/AAAAAAAAAJs/c31Wj-mNsMoStaf8dRhf4vGkf9YEt6QPwCLcBGAs/s320/37678330_10156202187831758_2465907648537559040_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">About to head out!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shark butt!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YmkWEsv_F0U/W13rkll06xI/AAAAAAAAAJ4/nedbe7f6NOAbRmHdvZDgNBqhDvgMTC1TQCLcBGAs/s1600/37714385_10214836578807008_344726320128720896_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YmkWEsv_F0U/W13rkll06xI/AAAAAAAAAJ4/nedbe7f6NOAbRmHdvZDgNBqhDvgMTC1TQCLcBGAs/s320/37714385_10214836578807008_344726320128720896_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
Aqua Action Dive Centerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02509865980805709597noreply@blogger.com0Estate Nazareth, St Thomas, VI 0080218.3184866 -64.852248700000018-7.2035479 -106.16084270000002 43.840521100000004 -23.543654700000019tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2760246589580688831.post-82664674592034426422018-06-12T14:19:00.003-04:002018-06-12T14:19:37.340-04:00Thank You Hurricane Relief Workers!<span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b> Thank You Hurricane Relief Workers!</b></span><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b> It has been 9 months since we got hit by 2 category 5 hurricanes in a matter of days of eachother. We have had a long recovery process and with that we have a very important group of people we would like to reach out and thank! All of those contracted through FEMA we appreciate the sacrifices you have made to leave home and spend months here on our little piece of paradise to help us rebuild our lives.</b></span><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b> At Aqua Action Dive Center, we have been racking our brains trying to find a way to thank you all for everything, so we decided the best way to thank you all is by doing what we do best... let's go diving! </b></span><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b> We will work around your busy schedule to get you certified. If you already are a diver, consider yourself family and take advantage of our friends and family discount on continued education courses, dive trips, and Discover Dive courses. </b></span><span id="goog_1190133697"></span><br />
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<span id="goog_1190133696"></span>Aqua Action Dive Centerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02509865980805709597noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2760246589580688831.post-82915452828109433392018-01-02T12:49:00.002-05:002018-01-02T12:49:41.035-05:00Welcome 2018!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7fh_TIvaXus/WkvF1Gy-sMI/AAAAAAAAAGk/b4yy0_To6eIf5-5MgRDW3Avx3Z1IfybCgCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/st%2Bthomas%2Bscuba%2Bsunset.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7fh_TIvaXus/WkvF1Gy-sMI/AAAAAAAAAGk/b4yy0_To6eIf5-5MgRDW3Avx3Z1IfybCgCK4BGAYYCw/s320/st%2Bthomas%2Bscuba%2Bsunset.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: red;"><b>Happy New Year! </b></span> </span></div>
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While 2017 brought it's excitement and challenges (read: two category 5 hurricanes in 2 weeks in September for us here on St Thomas, USVI), we are very grateful to report that our business not only survived, but is getting back on it's feet. We are open every day, and diving frequently! <br />
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We wish everyone, in the Caribbean and abroad, a prosperous and adventurous 2018!!<br />
<br />
<br />Aqua Action Dive Centerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02509865980805709597noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2760246589580688831.post-58667077602134163572016-12-01T14:15:00.001-05:002016-12-01T14:15:18.613-05:00
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<div style="margin: 0px 0px 11px;">
<span style="color: #4472c4; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;">Emily Post’s Boat Diving Etiquette</span></div>
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<div style="margin: 0px 0px 11px;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Most experienced divers have been on a boat where the
practices of naïve or less experienced divers detracted from the overall
experience. While many of the topics I am going discuss would help alleviate
some </span><span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">of this discomfort, I am really
trying to project safe and practical concepts that will help prevent personal
disappointments and safety concerns for all boat divers. In this blog I will
suggest some standard boat diving procedures that will enhance your experience.</span></div>
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<div style="margin: 0px 0px 11px;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The two most important times on a boat are the briefings. A
good crew will give you a safety briefing on the boats equipment itself and the
dive. Good safety briefings are often entertaining. They should contain
information on how to use the important safety equipment and what will be
expected of you in common boating emergencies. The dive briefing will cover entry
and exit procedures as well the depth, bottom time, underwater communication
and hand signals, as well as points of interest and maybe a history of the
site. Often times, passengers don’t pay attention to these briefings just like
they tune them out on an airliner or worse yet talk through them preventing
others from paying attention. Unlike an airliner almost all boats are different
and have different procedures. The worst diving injuries occur when getting off
the boat or getting back on the boat. I recently read an article in an Alert
Diver magazine about a divemaster. </span><span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Even
though this was not his boat and he was on vacation he felt that being a
divermaster meant those silly rules in the briefing didn’t apply to him. When
it came his time to exit the water he held onto the swim platform to remove his
fins. (This was not the procedure that was briefed.) The stern went up with a
wave. He was sucked under the swim platform. When the boat came back down it
crashed into his ribs breaking 2 of them and ended his vacation. Before you
stand up to get in the water make sure you are ready. Your mask on your face
and your regulator in your mouth. </span><span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Don’t
stand up until the crew is ready for you. It is too easy to fall over and knock
out your dive buddy or fall off the back of the boat while making last minute
adjustments. When you surface inflate your BCD then while reboarding a boat
keep your regulator in your mouth and your mask on your face from the time you
surface until you are sitting down. First you won’t drown and second, you are
protected should you fall back into the water. LISTEN to the briefings. The
crew who works the boat everyday knows better than anyone else how to have a
safe and enjoyable experience on it.</span></div>
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<div style="margin: 0px 0px 11px;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">While I have concluded my stand on briefings, I would like
to emphasize what you should do if one is not presented or inadequate. You
should know where the first aid equipment, oxygen, and the fire fighting
equipment is. You should also ask about the radio. Remember channel </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">16 </span></b><span style="font-family: Calibri;">is the international hailing and
distress channel. If the Captain and crew don’t want to provide you with
adequate answers to these questions you should rethink your choice about
boarding the boat.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 11px;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Before you board a boat always ask permission from a crew
member. Although they usually appreciate your willingness to move things along,
you may be in the way of them completing important preparations. I am really
thankful when divers offer to help. However, don’t be embarrassed if the crew
declines. Especially when boating maneuvers are involved. The crew usually has its
own way of doing things very efficiently and a helper, more often than not, throws
a monkey wrench in a well oiled machine. If you have ever watched Riann or I do
our ballet dance around the boat when we depart or return you will know what I
am talking about. Furthermore, there may be a safety or liability issue
involved that you are unaware of.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 11px;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Last but not least, bring only what you need. Make sure your
equipment is well marked. Do you know how many manufacturers make black BCD’s…
ALL OF THEM. You don’t have to prove you are a great diver by bringing every
piece of equipment you own. More often than not it gets spread out all over the
deck and misplaced. I had a customer who spent his whole dive mad at his son
for losing a $1000 dive computer and failed to enjoy his experience. Oh wait,
did I forget to mention this guy chewed me out because I suggested he leave his
technical equipment at home only to watch him unpack 2/3 of it on the boat?
While he was diving I found it under a pile of his unneeded equipment. I’m not
talking about things like sunglasses, cell phones, and sun tan lotion. Some of
these are necessary for important reasons. Ask a crew member where you should
put them to keep them dry and safe. My cell phone is always in the driest place
on the boat. Neither sunglasses nor masks belong in a weight box. I should add
up the cumulative value of such items I find in a weight box in 1 month. </span><span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I’ll bet it’s in the thousands of dollars.
WEIGHTS BREAK THINGS. They don’t belong where tanks are going to go either. Don’t
leave sunglasses hanging from a bungy or a mask sitting on a bench or tank
well. I like to attach my mask to the chest strap of my BCD. That way I know no
one will sit on it or crush it with a tank. I never have trouble finding it
when I am ready to get back in the water either. A weight left on a bench means
a blackened toe nail. Keep all weights on the deck so they don’t wind up on
your foot. Spray on sun tan lotions make a boat deck SLIPPERY. Put it on before
you board the boat.</span></div>
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<div style="margin: 0px 0px 11px;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Camera buckets are for cameras. The most common reason for a
camera to leak is a giant stride entry. The second most common cause is the
improper use of a camera bucket. Camera owners, for the most part, are careful
about placing not throwing their cameras in. Defogging agents can be very harsh
on o-rings and gaskets. Make sure the bucket you are putting your mask into is
not exclusively a camera bucket.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 11px;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Be a courteous boat diver. Listen to the briefings. Be aware
of your equipment and try not to invade the space of others. Follow common
sense boat diving procedures and you will have a much more pleasurable boat
diving experience.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 11px;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Until next time always make your total number of ascents
equal your total number of descents.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 11px;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Your really cool blogger,</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 11px;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Duane</span></div>
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike>Aqua Action Dive Centerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02509865980805709597noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2760246589580688831.post-41397898610125596292016-11-15T11:15:00.000-05:002016-11-15T10:08:13.767-05:00How Long Do They Live?In the last few weeks I have often been asked how long does that fish live? While I am not an expert on the phylum Chordata (Fish both boney (osteichthyes) and cartilaginous fish like sharks and rays (chondrichthyes), I will demonstrate that the answer is very subjective depending on the specie we are talking about.<br />
<br />
Most often this question is asked while I am describing the life of Parrot Fish. Most parrot fish start out life with both male and female sex organs. Beginning as a female they mature and become a male as their production as a female ceases. At this point they also change appearance into the bright beautiful parrot fish we commonly identify with.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qEuimcmuDJA/WCsZIxlEEDI/AAAAAAAAAF8/Ry34FpxkdbIBFeCTx4KlfW5L-zN6wrt6wCK4B/s1600/femalestop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qEuimcmuDJA/WCsZIxlEEDI/AAAAAAAAAF8/Ry34FpxkdbIBFeCTx4KlfW5L-zN6wrt6wCK4B/s200/femalestop.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Female Stop Light</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rY6PsydwU04/WCsYZLBa7AI/AAAAAAAAAFk/21PIRjAkYMI1blIoYebFBTp3tlJoJZ7UwCK4B/s1600/male%2Bstop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rY6PsydwU04/WCsYZLBa7AI/AAAAAAAAAFk/21PIRjAkYMI1blIoYebFBTp3tlJoJZ7UwCK4B/s200/male%2Bstop.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Male Stop Light</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9rMmwTdd7Hs/WCsYkndF5GI/AAAAAAAAAFs/WDkq09x71-03jlxEU1TkjJBwAR_3zy2GACK4B/s1600/femalequeen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="125" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9rMmwTdd7Hs/WCsYkndF5GI/AAAAAAAAAFs/WDkq09x71-03jlxEU1TkjJBwAR_3zy2GACK4B/s200/femalequeen.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Female Queen</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><div>
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MsBnosD6u4k/WCsYmznJGLI/AAAAAAAAAF0/UVHJmzqBtuURYetLfwx7dheLcmnHVtA2gCK4B/s1600/male%2Bqueen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="149" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MsBnosD6u4k/WCsYmznJGLI/AAAAAAAAAF0/UVHJmzqBtuURYetLfwx7dheLcmnHVtA2gCK4B/s200/male%2Bqueen.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div>
Male Queen</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">The above pictures courtesy of public domain internet access.</span><br />
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While most parrot fish go through this metamorphosis not all do. The marble parrotfish, for example stays the same sex through out it's life.<br />
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Studies demonstrate that and actively reproducing female parrot fish will not change sex. This suggests tat while they are actively producing estrogen they cannot make the change. On the other hand testing that injected testosterone into female parrot fish did induce the change. So the question is unanswered. Is it a failure to produce estrogen or another trigger that jump starts the production of testosterone that makes male characteristics become dominant? I am sure that Chordata experts will eventually answer this question but for now I will continue to ponder it.<br />
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Back to the life span of fish. Generally, the larger the specie the longer it will live. Here are some examples:<br />
<ul>
<li>Small fish like blennies live 1 to 3 years. </li>
<li>Parrot fish, a more medium sized specie live 5 to 7 years.</li>
<li>Larger specie like tarpon live 50 to 60 years.</li>
</ul>
<div>
Some of you will inevitably ask about sharks. Sharks live about 20 to 30 years but this to is subjective. The Greenland Shark lives around 400 years. It doesn't even reach sexual maturity until it is 150 years old. After raising 2 kids, I doubt most of us would survive an adolescent stage lasting this long in our children.</div>
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For most of you that ask this question the answer is 5 to 7 years. Remember the answer needs to be more specific and I will gladly research the answer for your favorite specie.<br />
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<div style="margin: 0px 0px 11px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Until next time always make your total number of ascents equal your total number of descents.</span></div>
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<div style="margin: 0px 0px 11px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Your really cool blogger,</span><br />
<br />
Duane</div>
Aqua Action Dive Centerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02509865980805709597noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2760246589580688831.post-81514245280626314572016-10-27T08:44:00.000-04:002016-10-27T08:44:00.796-04:00
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<div style="margin: 0px 0px 11px;">
<span style="color: #4472c4; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;">AND OTHER OPEN WATER MISCONCEPTIONS.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 11px;">
<span style="font-family: calibri;">In my last blog I talked about common issues that lead to
water in the mask. I discussed at length how this problem is often caused
because divers misunderstood the instructions that they were given. When I
teach a skill I try to make sure my students understand WHY they are doing it
to help avoid these misunderstandings. During this blog I will discuss mask on
the forehead, right hand release weight belts, the controlled emergency
swimming ascent and neutral buoyancy skills.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 11px;">
<span style="font-family: calibri;">Since I discussed a mask issue the last time let’s start
with another one. Why don’t we put our mask on our forehead? If your answer is
“because it is a sign of distress”, you would be wrong. Ask yourself “Why is it
a sign of distress?” A clear thinking diver would not want to get hit in the
face with an unusually high wave that could possibly drowned him and/or cause
him to lose is mask. Since having your mask on the forehead would make your
face vulnerable to such a situation and probably cause you to lose your mask, a
diver who is thinking clearly would not want either to happen and would keep is
mask on his face. Since a diver who is thinking clearly would not put his mask
on is on his forehead, it is assumed that the diver may not be thinking clearly
when it is. A diver who is not thinking clearly could be because he is
disoriented and in distress. Therefore, if you see a diver with his mask on his
forehead he maybe in distress and should be checked on. If you feel you must
remove your mask at the surface put it around your neck. This shows you are at
least making a conscious clearly thought out choice. The best place for your
mask is on your face and the best place for your regulator is in your mouth
until you are safely back on board the boat.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 11px;">
<span style="font-family: calibri;">I saw a diver put his weight belt on backwards the other
day. That is, he put it on with a left hand release. I brought this to his
attention. He replied, “I am left handed so my instructor told me to do it that
way.” BAD INSRUCTOR. The reason we reason we put our weight belt on with a
right hand release is because all divers are taught this so that a person
responding to an emergency will know which belt to pull quickly. </span><span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: calibri;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: calibri;">Many of the older BCD’s and a few of the newer
ones have a belt with the same release. That release is put on left handed. This
avoids confusion when dropping a weight belt that could increase the risk of a
serious accident. This skill has been brushed off more and more by newer
technologies. Weight belts are not as common place with the invention of weight
integrated BCD’s. Most BCD’s now use fastek clips instead of weight belt releases.
This makes the weight belt less commonplace. Some divers think it is ok to put
all of their weight in non-quick release pockets. Danger Will Robinson! Always
keep the lion’s share of your weight where it can be quickly released in an
emergency. If this means wearing a weight belt make sure the release is in your
left hand when putting it on so that the clasp is opened by pulling to your
right.</span></div>
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<div style="margin: 0px 0px 11px;">
<span style="font-family: calibri;">PADI is big on acronyms. (Ya think? Professional Association
of Diving Instructors.) One of the most misunderstood is CESA. It didn’t amaze
me that a Divemaster candidate did not know what this means. While some of the
literary gadgets and pneumonics help us remember important things this is one
that I think often confuses the issue. CESA stands for Controlled Emergency
Swimming Ascent. If you have to use this procedure you have already screwed up
twice. You didn’t watch your gauge and ran out of air. You are too far away
from your buddy. This skill is taught so that a person who has run out of air
can ascend safely to the surface when the surface is closer than their buddy.
To perform it, simply signal that you are out of air so that if someone does
see you they know what is going on. Raise your low pressure inflator over your
head with your left hand so that you can release any air trapped in your BCD.
Put your right hand over your head like Superman to prevent running into
anything, like the boat, on ascent. Look up opening your airway and slowly
hummmmm or blow bubbles into your regulator. This keeps your airway open so
that expanding air in your lungs can escape without causing an over expansion
injury. Finally swim to the surface slowly. SLOWLY. The operative word in
Controlled Emergency Swimming Ascent is CONTROLLED. Don’t race to the surface
and get decompression sickness. Ascend at a normal ascent rate of about 60 ft.
per minute or slightly slower than the small bubbles exiting your regulator.
When you reach the surface you are out of air. Orally inflate your BCD by
blowing into the mouthpiece on your inflator hose while pushing the deflate
button. Release it and repeat until you are positively buoyant. Another option
to get buoyant would be to grab the RIGHT hand release and drop your weight
belt or weight pockets.</span></div>
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<div style="margin: 0px 0px 11px;">
<span style="font-family: calibri;">Your instructor may have had you perform a skill called fin
pivots. It is like doing push-ups on the bottom. No he didn’t want to help you
prepare to join the Navy SEALS. In fact you shouldn’t be using your hands at
all. This skill and hovering are actually the backbone of being a great diver.
They should be teaching you to use breathing to control your buoyancy and not
your BCD. Even carrying extra weight as a dive guide I never have to use air in
my BCD as a mechanism to control my buoyancy. Try it! If you inhale deeply you
can ascend. If you exhale deeply you will descend. That is what these skills
are meant to be teaching you. The rest of the time a normal controlled
breathing rate will allow you to move through the water with only a small
variation in depth. THIS IS BUOYANCY CONTROL!!!!! </span></div>
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<div style="margin: 0px 0px 11px;">
<span style="font-family: calibri;">The next time you go diving watch divers who you respect as
being great divers. You won’t see their mask on their forehead. You won’t see
their weight belt on backwards. You will see them diving almost motionless
through the water with no air in their BCD. Finally, you won’t see them run out
of air. But, in the unlikely event they did, you would see them do a proper
Controlled Emergency Swimming Ascent.</span></div>
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<div style="margin: 0px 0px 11px;">
<span style="font-family: calibri;">Until next time always make your total number of ascents
equal your total number of descents.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 11px;">
<span style="font-family: calibri;">Your really cool blogger,</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 11px;">
<span style="font-family: calibri;">Duane</span></div>
Aqua Action Dive Centerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02509865980805709597noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2760246589580688831.post-26501757110977980562016-10-23T11:15:00.002-04:002016-10-24T17:20:54.723-04:00<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 11px;">
<span style="color: #4472c4; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;">WHY IS THERE WATER IN YOUR MASK?</span></div>
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<div style="margin: 0px 0px 11px;">
<span style="color: #4472c4; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">And other
open water skills misconceptions.</span></span></div>
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<div style="margin: 0px 0px 11px;">
<span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"> A</span></span><span style="font-family: "calibri";">re you one those of
those divers who always seems to have water in your mask? After 21 years as an
instructor, dive guide, dive boat captain and former dive shop owner, I
frequently see divers clearing their mask incorrectly. This isn’t the only
mistake I see divers make because they misunderstood either the mechanics or
purpose of skills they were taught in open water class. In this and the next blog
I will debunk some of these mysteries. Focusing on mask clearing today.</span></div>
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<div style="margin: 0px 0px 11px;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7nnsL0mTB7M/WA566y4G_hI/AAAAAAAAAFI/k11xeISDk5gCF6caAExDTDaz_9z5KU1SwCK4B/s1600/mask.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7nnsL0mTB7M/WA566y4G_hI/AAAAAAAAAFI/k11xeISDk5gCF6caAExDTDaz_9z5KU1SwCK4B/s200/mask.jpeg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: "calibri";">When we are taught to clear our masks in open water class,
the instructor often teaches us to “pull gently at the bottom of the mask to
break the seal.” Unfortunately, many students graduate with the understanding
that they must pull the bottom of their masks away from their face. While it
does help get most of the water out of your mask I guarantee that there will
still be some left. </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">YOU DO NOT NEED TO
PULL THE MASK AWAY FROM YOUR FACE. </span></b><span style="font-family: "calibri";">This usually results in water being
sucked back in when you reseal it against your face because divers stop blowing
air before they let the mask back into place. Most of the time you can get rid
of the water without using your thumbs at all. Take one or two fingers of each
hand and place them firmly on the top of each lens or the top of the frame.
Next, push the mask firmly against your forehead. Not up but straight back.
Then start blowing air out your nose like you are trying to get rid of that big
snot wad. (You wouldn’t believe the disgusting things instructors see swimming
around in your masks when it is done correctly and you are congested.) But that
is ok and part of our job. Don’t be embarrassed by it. Next, tilt your head
back and change your position so that you are looking towards the heavens. This
allows all the water to settle in the bottom of the mask and be forced out when
you are blowing. A diver who is swimming along in a nice horizontal posture
will not get all of the water out of his mask until he gets himself in a more
upright position allowing the air between the skirt and his skin to become the
lowest point. Finally, in rare occasions, use your thumbs to break the seal and
not pull the mask away from your face. Try it and see how easy it really is.</span></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">There are some other reasons that will cause your mask to
have water in it. Facial hair is common. Putting a little silicone grease on
your moustache generally helps with this. You could also try shaving a small
area right below your nose to provide a smooth surface for your mask to seal
against. Funny enough, the guy on the boat with the shortest hair is usually
the one with some stuck between his mask and his face. I have long hair and an
extra two seconds to insure none of it is in your mask will avoid a lot of frustration during your dive. </span></div>
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<div style="margin: 0px 0px 11px;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">All faces are different shapes. For example, divers usually
live happy lives so we get “smile lines”. These are the wrinkles that form on
either side of your nose and mouth when you smile. There are hundreds of mask
styles to choose from. Keep trying them on until you find one that seals
correctly. To do this, make sure all of your hair is out of the way and push the
mask gently against your face and don’t use the strap. Inhale through your nose
so that the mask sucks to your face. Block your palette to your nose so that if
you talk you would hear a nasally voice. If the mask stays on your face until
you exhale through your nose it is a good fit. When a mask fits me right I can
carry on a conversation without it falling off.</span></div>
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<div style="margin: 0px 0px 11px;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">If you follow these instructions the next time you are
diving you will have less of a problem with water in your mask. Guess what? You
will see better and enjoy your dive more.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 11px;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Until next time always make your total number of ascents
equal your total number of descents.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 11px;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Your really cool blogger,</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 11px;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Duane</span></div>
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike>Aqua Action Dive Centerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02509865980805709597noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2760246589580688831.post-7615726602251525382016-10-16T14:40:00.001-04:002016-10-16T14:40:17.914-04:00
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<div style="margin: 0px 0px 11px;">
<span style="color: #4472c4; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;">CARIBBEAN LOBSTER PRIMER Part Deux</span></div>
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<div style="margin: 0px 0px 11px;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">This should be titled barely legal. However, I am going to
cover the ins and outs of lobsters in Virgin Islands waters. We will talk about
the Virgin Islands lobster laws. I will also include a little about what is
desirable and what isn’t. For more information on identification, anatomy, and
behavior please refer to my last blog, Caribbean Lobster Primer. So here it is
the Virgin Islands Lobster Hunting Practices.</span></div>
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<div style="margin: 0px 0px 11px;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">There are no licensing requirements to take lobsters in the
U.S. Virgin Islands. We do have regulations. Most of them pertain to the
Caribbean Spiny Lobster. This is the one most of us prefer to catch and eat.
The pregnancy laws do apply to all lobsters. </span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 11px;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Lobsters in the USVI have no season. A diver or snorkeler
may catch them year round providing they have a 3.5” carapace. This means the
main shell from the notch between the horns to the end of the shell where the
tail starts must be 3.5”. Only 2 lobsters may be taken by a diver in any one
day. </span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 11px;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">All lobsters must be landed whole. This way a carapace could
be measured by an officer if needed. “Wringing” a lobster (the practice of
twisting the tail off and discarding the head before reaching shore) is a USVI
no-no. If a leg or antennae breaks off you are required to bring that back with
you as well. You may only take lobsters by trapping them snaring them or
grabbing them by hand. </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">SPEARING LOBSTERS
IS ILLEGAL. </span></b><span style="font-family: Calibri;">If you remember what I said last week about lobster blood then
you know that the chemical receptors on the smaller forked antennae sense the
blood and won’t return to that hole knowing another lobster was injured there.
By the way, just like squid lobsters have hemocyanic or copper based blood that
is therefore blue in color.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 11px;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Finally, it is illegal to take a pregnant female of any specie
of lobster. This includes females who currently possess sperm caps and not just
displaying eggs under the tail. Sperm caps are the two dark grey or black
looking smears found on the abdomen of the female just in front of the tail. Sometimes
they merge and appear as one.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 11px;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5AYLzHjMzz0/WAPIajYC3XI/AAAAAAAAAEc/B6bzotJZ69kKcn27emXlzxAp8rjOeP9KgCK4B/s1600/malefemale.gif" imageanchor="1"></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VR_YbhOJScw/WAPIic0RxsI/AAAAAAAAAEk/MNpmrzpQkLoFDBTqDtDjJ6gV8DAcybT6ACK4B/s1600/Spinlobs_lineart%2Bmale%2Bfemale.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="153" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VR_YbhOJScw/WAPIic0RxsI/AAAAAAAAAEk/MNpmrzpQkLoFDBTqDtDjJ6gV8DAcybT6ACK4B/s200/Spinlobs_lineart%2Bmale%2Bfemale.jpg" width="200" /></a><img border="0" height="144" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5AYLzHjMzz0/WAPIajYC3XI/AAAAAAAAAEc/B6bzotJZ69kKcn27emXlzxAp8rjOeP9KgCK4B/s200/malefemale.gif" width="200" /></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 11px;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Finally, be aware of you are hunting “bugs”. Much of the
south east end of St. Thomas surrounding the mangroves and the waters extending
to St. John are protected against fishing or hunting of any kind. The waters
included in the St. John National Park can be hunted with the same restrictions.
If you are hunting around one of the islands Like the Capella Islands (Capella
and Buck Island), The Flat Cays, and Saba you need to be careful as well
because they are wildlife sanctuaries and these privileges do extend off shore.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 11px;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The ideal lobster to catch and eat is a male roughly 1.5
lbs. (just barely legal). Our first instinct is to take the biggest lobster we
can find. The problem with this is cooking them. When the tail gets too large.
Big tails don’t taste as sweet and often become too gummy or chewy because they
have to be over cooked. Almost all females that reach this size are perpetually
pregnant and are therefore, off limits. If you do decide to catch a lobster
over this size use the whole thing. Really large lobsters have tasty legs that
can be eaten like crab legs. The meat inside the carapace makes a delicious
bisque. The muscle inside the first knuckle of the antennae is very tasty and
sweet just like the claws of Maine or American lobster.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 11px;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We find lobsters hidden in holes, overhangs, and crevices.
Do you know why? Females prefer these places to protect them elves while they
tend their eggs during pregnancy. The other reason lobsters search out these
spots is to protect themselves during molting. Yes, lobsters shed their shells
just like snakes shed their skin. This leads me to another undesirable catch. A
molting lobster is not worth catching. When the new shell is not fully developed
you cannot successfully separate the meat from the new shell making it
difficult to eat.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 11px;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Caribbean spiny lobster tastes pest when served fresh. Don’t
plan on poaching more than 2 freezing them doesn’t provide the best results
anyway. If you focus on the tale, start by either twisting off of the main body
or inserting your knife between the tale on an angle towards the head and under
the carapace. Then make a a 300 degree conical cut removing as much meat as you
can. Remove a section of the antennae about 2” longer that the tale. Insert the
wide end of the antennae into the anal vent pushing it until you see it stick
out the other end. By pulling it through you can invert the mudline or
intestines without contaminating the meat. I like to use double fulcrum shears
to cut along the bottom of each side of the belly and across the tail at the
base. Grab a hold of the now loose exoskeleton and peal it off the belly like a
banana. The tail is now ready to cook. For boiling drop the entire tail in
water that is already boiling. The shell will start to turn orange the meat
will turn white and the shell will start to release the tail. On the smaller
lobsters that I like to eat this takes about 6 minutes. I actually prefer
grilling them. They need to go shell side up on medium heat. Covering or
butterflying them helps. Keep moving them around the coals every few minutes
until the shell starts to release the meat. I encourage butterflying the tail
if you don’t take my advice and go out to catch larger lobsters.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 11px;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I never attempt to catch a lobster I don’t intend to eat. I
look for lobsters I believe will meet the size criteria. I never attempt to
catch a lobster I think is female. You might ask how I know. It’s simple Look
at their legs then peak under her skirt. Seriously this is a valid answer. The
rear legs of a female have an extra claw that looks like a thumb. Then as you
look upwards under the tail, you may notice extra swimmerets or feathers. The
tail of a female is generally more rectangular in shape where the male’s is
more tapered.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 11px;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Ignorance of the law is no excuse and fines can be
considerable. Be environmentally friend when you are hunting lobsters. Take
what is legal, what is in the limit, and only what you can tastefully eat.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<div style="margin: 0px 0px 11px;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b>BONUS SECTION</b>: Thank you to Bill Westman our former Captain and Divemaster for these incredible pictures of lobsters preparing to mate and mating on a night dive at The Legends of Little St. James.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 11px;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4RACxU3j9eM/WAPJKjW_fLI/AAAAAAAAAEs/vlvJiREMtvg55sW9H-1htj0jcDsFLykZQCK4B/s1600/lobstercourting.JPG" imageanchor="1"><b><img border="0" height="150" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4RACxU3j9eM/WAPJKjW_fLI/AAAAAAAAAEs/vlvJiREMtvg55sW9H-1htj0jcDsFLykZQCK4B/s200/lobstercourting.JPG" width="200" /></b></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AO4WYEbHReo/WAPJLiFuxUI/AAAAAAAAAE0/3IhZLFTJbrk-8CTG2fUjBBVSoS8rjj-BACK4B/s1600/lobstermating.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AO4WYEbHReo/WAPJLiFuxUI/AAAAAAAAAE0/3IhZLFTJbrk-8CTG2fUjBBVSoS8rjj-BACK4B/s200/lobstermating.JPG" width="200" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 11px;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Until next time always make your total number of ascents
equal your total number of descents.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 11px;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Your really cool blogger,</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 11px;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Duane</span></div>
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike>Aqua Action Dive Centerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02509865980805709597noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2760246589580688831.post-75562016471066183282016-10-06T20:23:00.002-04:002016-10-06T20:23:33.640-04:00<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 11px;">
</div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 11px;">
<span style="color: #4472c4; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;">CARIBBEAN LOBSTER PRIMER</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 11px;">
</div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 11px;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">You asked I respond. In this blog, I will discuss the mating
habits, characteristics, and anatomy of Caribbean lobsters. I will finish up
with the variations of lobsters in the VI. However, in my next blog, I will
talk about the Virgin Islands lobster laws. I will also include a little about
what is desirable and what isn’t. So here it is the Virgin Islands Lobster
Primer.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 11px;">
</div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 11px;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">I have personally seen 6 different species of lobster here.
They fall into 2 categories, Langouste or spiny lobsters and Slipper lobsters.
While I will talk more about these later, they all have a few things in common.
These lobsters are all closely related to each other but very distantly related
to the lobsters with claws we are used to seeing in the North Atlantic. “Maine”
lobsters evolved about 30,000,000 years before our lobsters walked the earth.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 11px;">
</div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 11px;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">All of these lobsters have 3 distinct features. They all
have a tail. They all have a carapace under which are attached 10 legs making them
decapods. They all have antennae and not large claws. While the spiny lobsters
have long thin antennae the slipper lobsters are broad and flat, plate like if
you will. They also have smaller forked antennae closer to the centerline which
are used to taste the water for chemicals. Recent studies suggest they may also
be used to sense slight electromagnetic anomalies beneath the sand that could
signify food as well. </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 11px;">
</div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 11px;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">As we will discuss in the fishing laws next week it is
important to bring all pieces of a lobster back. If you have never noticed, the
blood of a lobster is an extremely sticky glue like substance. These smaller
receptors can find this substance stuck to rocks and coral and make a great
lobster hole useless. The lobsters will know that another lobster has been
injured there and won’t return there to molt or reproduce.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 11px;">
</div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 11px;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">The next time you are swimming along and find what appears
to be a dead lobster on the bottom turn it over an examine it. If the insides
appear to be black or moldy then yes Virginia you may have found a dead
lobster. But more than likely you will see a clean looking pale orange to light
brown coloration. This is because lobsters molt their exoskeleton. Exoskeleton
means they have no bones on the inside. Their skeleton is on the outside. As
the lobster starts to outgrow its shell, a new soft pliable and expandable
shell will start to form underneath. When it is ready the outer shell will
start to let go from the tail near the carapace first. Then, as it comes fully
loose, the lobster will back out of the carapace and walk away to a sheltered
hiding place to let the new shell fully expand and become hard again. This is
one reason we find lobsters hiding in overhangs and holes. It protects them
while the shell hardens.</span></div>
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</div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 11px;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iNvVlNeX8uE/V_blURd4dXI/AAAAAAAAADA/p-h2sUwIHiwQRxtZPNbleDcrNAfkDMcsQCK4B/s1600/malefemale.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iNvVlNeX8uE/V_blURd4dXI/AAAAAAAAADA/p-h2sUwIHiwQRxtZPNbleDcrNAfkDMcsQCK4B/s1600/malefemale.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iNvVlNeX8uE/V_blURd4dXI/AAAAAAAAADA/p-h2sUwIHiwQRxtZPNbleDcrNAfkDMcsQCK4B/s320/malefemale.gif" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div>
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E0w7nnSERyI/V_bnDHsEYRI/AAAAAAAAADM/1fIMNCepmN8-4NVsTwNVyjQz06o87dAtQCK4B/s1600/Spinlobs_lineart%2Bmale%2Bfemale.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="244" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E0w7nnSERyI/V_bnDHsEYRI/AAAAAAAAADM/1fIMNCepmN8-4NVsTwNVyjQz06o87dAtQCK4B/s320/Spinlobs_lineart%2Bmale%2Bfemale.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "calibri";">The other main reason we find lobsters hiding in such secret
places is reproduction. It provides excellent cover for the female to move to
the opening and irrigate the eggs while she is incubating them. If trouble
appears she only needs to back up a foot or so and the aggressor can’t get to
her. On the underside of a male lobster between the last two legs you will see
2 scrub brushes. These <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iNvVlNeX8uE/V_blURd4dXI/AAAAAAAAADA/p-h2sUwIHiwQRxtZPNbleDcrNAfkDMcsQCK4B/s1600/malefemale.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iNvVlNeX8uE/V_blURd4dXI/AAAAAAAAADA/p-h2sUwIHiwQRxtZPNbleDcrNAfkDMcsQCK4B/s1600/malefemale.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a>are the male sex organs. The female has two flat spots
in the same location. When they mate the male literally paints two sperm patches
that are a dark gray or black in color and sometimes merge together on these
flat places. The last leg<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iNvVlNeX8uE/V_blURd4dXI/AAAAAAAAADA/p-h2sUwIHiwQRxtZPNbleDcrNAfkDMcsQCK4B/s1600/malefemale.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iNvVlNeX8uE/V_blURd4dXI/AAAAAAAAADA/p-h2sUwIHiwQRxtZPNbleDcrNAfkDMcsQCK4B/s1600/malefemale.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a> on each side of the female has a small claw that
sticks out resembling a thumb. When she drops her orange hair like strands of
eggs, she uses this claw to scrape off the sperm and inseminate the eggs herself.
As the eggs mature into jelly like strands, she can pick out the dead ones and
help to prevent disease, parasites, and fungus from overtaking healthy ones
using this special claw.</span></div>
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</div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 11px;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">As I said in the beginning I have personally identified 6
different lobster species here. The first 3 are from the Palinuridae family. These
are the spiny or langouste lobsters. They include:</span></div>
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</div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 11px;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">The Caribbean Spiny Lobster which is the easiest one to spot
and most often hunted.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 11px;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tjsd2qVK5CE/V_bn-SuqzTI/AAAAAAAAADY/IPjbk29V_eUfqL4vTu0Y2d1wDJx9ek5nQCK4B/s1600/spiney%2Blobster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tjsd2qVK5CE/V_bn-SuqzTI/AAAAAAAAADY/IPjbk29V_eUfqL4vTu0Y2d1wDJx9ek5nQCK4B/s1600/spiney%2Blobster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="131" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tjsd2qVK5CE/V_bn-SuqzTI/AAAAAAAAADY/IPjbk29V_eUfqL4vTu0Y2d1wDJx9ek5nQCK4B/s200/spiney%2Blobster.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">The Spotted Lobster which resembles the spiny but is much
smaller and tastier.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-azMYNisHnZ8/V_bofIwf2CI/AAAAAAAAADo/o3HJ5usaGHwkBp_kW3Xp9E37dz1MX3ykwCK4B/s1600/spotted%2Blobster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-azMYNisHnZ8/V_bofIwf2CI/AAAAAAAAADo/o3HJ5usaGHwkBp_kW3Xp9E37dz1MX3ykwCK4B/s200/spotted%2Blobster.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
</div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 11px;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">The last is the Copper Lobster which I could not find a
great picture of.</span><span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "calibri";">These resemble the
other two but are much smaller, about 5” long. I have seen only exoskeletons
during the day but I have seen 2 on night dives as they are nocturnal. They are
a brighter yellow in color.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 11px;">
</div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 11px;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">I often hear divers say “I saw a
slipper lobster on that dive”. They are right but they are wrong. Most commonly
they saw the first member of the Scyllaridae family. These are the slipper
lobsters. They include:</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 11px;">
</div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 11px;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">The Spanish Lobster. The most
common in VI waters.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-63Wssr2SEuY/V_bo19R45QI/AAAAAAAAAD0/f73nG7xGNqcw9Pud-UPUY7gwUjuLFCb2gCK4B/s1600/spanish%2Blobster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="142" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-63Wssr2SEuY/V_bo19R45QI/AAAAAAAAAD0/f73nG7xGNqcw9Pud-UPUY7gwUjuLFCb2gCK4B/s200/spanish%2Blobster.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">The Regal Slipper Lobster.
Certainly the most colorful.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JVp6vJf-_lY/V_bo-X75ZhI/AAAAAAAAAD8/bbL96per22EtSSN6uE8pvYDLwOjuGcLGgCK4B/s1600/regalslipper.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JVp6vJf-_lY/V_bo-X75ZhI/AAAAAAAAAD8/bbL96per22EtSSN6uE8pvYDLwOjuGcLGgCK4B/s200/regalslipper.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 11px;">
</div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 11px;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">The Sculpted or Sculptured Slipper
Lobster.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tl5ALc6y0oE/V_bpHurbCiI/AAAAAAAAAEI/PlrsglDshOc3vAsaGLde07xjHNkh_S9fACK4B/s1600/sculpted%2Bslipper.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tl5ALc6y0oE/V_bpHurbCiI/AAAAAAAAAEI/PlrsglDshOc3vAsaGLde07xjHNkh_S9fACK4B/s200/sculpted%2Bslipper.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">The next time you see a lobster you will know a lot more
about what you are seeing. When you get back on the dive boat I hope you too
will share some of this information with your new diving friends. Next week I
will share the VI lobster regulations and talk about hunting, preparing and
cooking lobster.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 11px;">
</div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 11px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 11px;">
</div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 11px;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Until next time always make your total number of ascents
equal your total number of descents.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 11px;">
</div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 11px;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Your really cool blogger,</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 11px;">
</div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 11px;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Duane</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 11px;">
</div>
Aqua Action Dive Centerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02509865980805709597noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2760246589580688831.post-10352995227922533002016-09-29T15:32:00.002-04:002016-09-30T09:36:07.701-04:00<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #0070c0; font-size: large; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;">DO I HAVE TO WEAR A SNORKEL?</span></b><br />
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 11px;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">This is a common question asked when people board a dive
boat. My answer is it is not required but I encourage it. Let me tell you why.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 11px;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">The other day I asked my friend John if I could relay his
story. He was diving on a new dive site in favorable but less than ideal
conditions. He is actually a great diver although he has only been diving a
short time. Before he got back to the boat he realized he was low on air he
ascended. After inflating his BCD he was really low on air and struggled to get back
to the boat admitting he swallowed a lot of sea water. I noticed that when I
went diving with him this week he had put his snorkel back on his mask.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 11px;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">A few years ago, when I owned a dive shop I read an article
in Alert Diver magazine. It stated some interesting facts. Roughly 80% of all
diving accidents happen to people not wearing a snorkel. At first glance a lot of
you will say well almost 90% of all diving accidents occur at the surface so
that makes sense. But do the math. That means more than 90% of the diving
accidents that occur under water happen to people who don’t wear snorkels. The
point of the article was this </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">“Almost
all diving accidents happen because the diver failed to do something he was taught
in Open Water Class or attempted to do something he wasn’t taught in Open Water
Class.” </span></b><span style="font-family: "calibri";">I will accept that the increase in some of the more technical aspects
of diving within the recreational community has spawned some of this. However,
the point of the article was </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">“A diver
who fails to use a snorkel, a required piece of equipment, has already accepted
that the education provided for him by diving experts doesn’t apply to him all
the time.”</span></b></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 11px;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Another day I was diving with a diver who I actually asked
to wear a snorkel. He refused saying he was extremely experienced and assured
me that in his 100 dives he had no need for one. Maybe I should have insisted.
We were doing a scheduleD 40 min. drift dive. The reason for this was that the
most scenic portion of the dive was too dangerous to bring a boat in and the
strong current would have prevented us from returning to the starting point. Instead
of informing me of the exact amount of air he had left when I asked he gave me
the “time out” sign which generally means you have half a tank left. He was
actually below 1000 lbs. Minutes later I saw him heading to the surface where I
joined him. He was struggling to keep his head above water so I hit his
inflator and his tank went dry before I got it filled enough to make him
positively buoyant. I then dropped his weights and orally inflated his BCD the
rest of the way. I asked if he could swim with me away from the dangerous area
so the boat could retrieve us. He said he didn’t think he could because he was
out of air and had no snorkel. I had to tow a 240 lb. diver to safety because
HE didn’t wear a snorkel and HE was experienced enough to not need it.
Apparently he was experienced enough to keep an eye on his air and report it
accurately… NOT!</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 11px;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">I have over 8400 dives and if you do the math this means I
have spent almost 2/3 of a year in my life underwater. I always wear a snorkel.
I understand that sometimes a snorkel could be a safety hazard as in cave
diving and wreck diving. It can also be a hindrance for some underwater photographers
and videographers. But, divers like myself may not always be there to rescue
you as in this last story. It’s still your decision but a smart and safe diver
wears a snorkel.</span></div>
<b></b><span style="background-color: #666666;"></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 11px;">
<span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: "calibri";">Until next
time always make your total number of ascents equal your total number of
descents.</span></span></div>
<span style="background-color: white;"></span><span style="color: #444444;"></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 11px;">
<span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: "calibri";">Your really
cool blogger </span></span></div>
<span style="background-color: white;"></span><span style="color: #444444;"></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 11px;">
<span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: "calibri";">Duane.</span></span></div>
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike>Aqua Action Dive Centerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02509865980805709597noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2760246589580688831.post-60744277259132196632016-09-22T14:35:00.000-04:002016-09-22T14:35:54.671-04:00
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #0070c0; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">DID YOU SEE THE
CUTTLEFISH ON THAT DIVE?</span></b></div>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jjKDVSoetM0/V-Qiw4IySFI/AAAAAAAAACw/1sZRjpNcHFgq9TjhUec6TauTMFQPBAfqgCK4B/s1600/Squid%2BBetty%2BWills.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="251" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jjKDVSoetM0/V-Qiw4IySFI/AAAAAAAAACw/1sZRjpNcHFgq9TjhUec6TauTMFQPBAfqgCK4B/s320/Squid%2BBetty%2BWills.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by Betty Wills</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: calibri;">No I
didn’t!!! This is a conversation had frequently by experienced and
inexperienced divers on our boat. In fact it happened again yesterday. The
common Caribbean Reef Squid is large enough to be mistaken for a cuttlefish.
However, cuttlefish don’t exist in the Caribbean.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: calibri;">Peculiar traits</span></span></b></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: calibri;">Squid are
members of the class cephalopoda. Cepha means head and poda means foot so you
could call them head feet. Other cephalopods are octopus and… you guessed it
cuttlefish. They really have no torso hense, their name. Only possessing a head
and tentacles they have no bones and are therefore invertebrates.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: calibri;">Cephalopods
are carnivores. They use their tentacles to eat fish, mollusks ie. clams,
scallops, and conch, and crustaceans like shrimp, crab, and lobster. The
tentacles pull the food to a small parrot like beak which tears the food into
bite size morsels.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: calibri;">Humans have
one heart with 4 chambers. 2 are ventricles. They build the pressure for the 2
atria to distribute to the body. One ventricle and one atria supply the
oxygenated blood to the body for consumption. The other pair sends the blood
now higher in carbon dioxide to the lungs to be reoxygenated. </span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: calibri;">In contrast,
some squid have 2 hearts each with one atria and one ventricle. One heart sends
the blood to the gills for oxygen while the other heart sends it to the body.
Other squid have 1 heart with 1 ventricle and 2 atria. In this case the
ventricle supplies the pressure while each atria boosts the blood to the
respective organs. One to power the body and one for respiration.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: calibri;">While we are
on the circulatory system, Sam reminded me that Cephalopods have a green blue
blood. You have heard the term hemoglobin. Our blood has iron based proteins
that carry oxygen making it red. Squid, octopus, and cuttlefish all have
hemocyanic blood which is copper based proteins giving their blood a blue green
tint.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: calibri;">Cephalopods
skin is composed of many special cells called chromatophores. This allows them
to change color and patterns rapidly. You might think this serves well for
camouflage. You would be right. However, cephalopods have extremely large
brains compared to their body mass and are therefore very intelligent. They use
their color changes to communicate with each other rapidly. Divers often enjoy
watching a chorus line of squid moving in synchronization as if they were all
attached by wires. This is because the subtle changes in color pass the
seemingly choreographed moves from one squid to the next almost
instantaneously.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: calibri;">Reproduction</span></span></b></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: calibri;">Sometimes you
might notice a squid split down the middle with 2 different colors, generally
red and blue. Then, in a split second it will reverse. When squid mate, anywhere
from 2 to 5 males will compete for a females attention. The healthier the
female the healthier males she will attract insuring survival of the fittest.
Females are generally larger than males. But, the largest or healthiest of the
males will insert himself between the other males and the female. He turns red
on the side closest to her telling her “Hey baby I’m hot for you”. The other
half turns blue telling approaching males to take a cold shower. If the
advances come from the opposite side of the female he will switch his location
and reverse his colors sending the same messages. Knowing this, if you pay
attention you can stop and watch the act in process. I was fortunate enough to
witness it, know what was happening, and stop some inexperienced divers to
watch a National Geographic moment of a lifetime.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: calibri;">Once a male and
female have separated to mate she may not accept him. He performs a dance
blowing water on her until she finally gives in and says “I really don’t have a
headache get it over with.” This usually
occurs in a very short time but can take as much as an hour. She has to be
selective as she can only reproduce once. Males can fertilize more than one
female. Squid reach maturity for reproduction within 1 to 2 years. At this
point, the males have the largest male sex organ for their body size in the
animal kingdom. It is short lived though as they die shortly after breeding
season. After he inserts a packet of sperm onto the female he tries to find
another partner until breeding season is over. The now “impregnated” female
fertilizes her eggs by using her tentacles to relocate the sperm to her egg
sack much like lobsters but that is another blog (stay tuned). When the eggs
are fertilized she attaches them to the bottom usually in shallow water but I
have seen them as much as 40 ft or 33 m deep. The clumps of eggs look like groups
of white night light bulbs. If you look closely you can actually see the embryonic
squid inside. When the female is done depositing her eggs her work on earth is
through and she passes on.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: calibri;">The next time
you see cuttlefish… excuse me </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: calibri;">SQUID, </span></b><span style="font-family: calibri;">freeze.
Watch them closely. Don’t forget to look behind you. My wife Laura always does.
A school of squid usually sends out 2 sentry squid to detract you from the main
body. Then she turns around and sees the entire school.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: calibri;">Until next
time always make your total number od ascents equal your total number of
descents.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: calibri;">Your really
cool blogger </span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: calibri;">Duane.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<br /></div>
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike>Aqua Action Dive Centerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02509865980805709597noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2760246589580688831.post-54335750533282791012016-09-15T15:59:00.000-04:002016-09-15T15:59:04.213-04:00<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="color: #4472c4; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><b>TAKING
GREAT PICTURES</b></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QTNud1V4ym8/V9lFaj8xowI/AAAAAAAAACg/2IDKWLkW9EQICmPVWZl4znS3EfUrTm92ACK4B/s1600/Cathyturtle.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="105" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QTNud1V4ym8/V9lFaj8xowI/AAAAAAAAACg/2IDKWLkW9EQICmPVWZl4znS3EfUrTm92ACK4B/s320/Cathyturtle.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">photo by Cathy Church from cathychurch.com</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sjeC4KLerSg/V9k_UPRw_TI/AAAAAAAAABw/_Xhb85jaoo4AzaxInQ2kfBMajcsnphcPgCK4B/s1600/Davidsealionpup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sjeC4KLerSg/V9k_UPRw_TI/AAAAAAAAABw/_Xhb85jaoo4AzaxInQ2kfBMajcsnphcPgCK4B/s200/Davidsealionpup.jpg" width="160" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div>
<span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: xx-small;">photo by David Doubilet from pinterest</span></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">When you look
at great pictures by legendary photographers like Jim and Cathy Church, David
Doubilet or great amateur photographers like Faithe Evans and Steve Judd you </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">won’t</span></b><span style="font-family: "calibri";"> notice they all have one thing in
common. For example: they all enjoy different subjects or they all frame their
pictures differently.<span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"> </span></span><span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">They do have
in common well composed photographs that center on the important subject that is
well framed and well positioned to capture the essence of the subject. So why
is it that they don’t take blurry photographs of fish butts that are so far
away that you have to squint to even see them in the picture?</span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"></span> </span></div>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YZoMllh1-9A/V9k_nl45ObI/AAAAAAAAAB4/RB8AV1Xo0_MA3j_ifSPhgHoPv9L_vd2LACK4B/s1600/faithefrogfish.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YZoMllh1-9A/V9k_nl45ObI/AAAAAAAAAB4/RB8AV1Xo0_MA3j_ifSPhgHoPv9L_vd2LACK4B/s200/faithefrogfish.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">by Faithe Evans from Facebook</span><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mDZMvFz-_w8/V9k_pndsqwI/AAAAAAAAACA/b0Mr_42aypIJSNLyQlSWQN7NNyw4iRrMwCK4B/s1600/Steveanemone.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"></a></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">FOOLED ALL OF YOU!!!</span></span></b></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">The answer is
great buoyancy. While I will address some of these other issues in another blog,
I would like to take a stab at the most important aspect of great photography…
being in control of yourself.</span></span></div>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mDZMvFz-_w8/V9k_pndsqwI/AAAAAAAAACA/b0Mr_42aypIJSNLyQlSWQN7NNyw4iRrMwCK4B/s1600/Steveanemone.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><br /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Last Friday
the divers following me noticed that a school of Blue Runners got into my
shadow and followed me for a good portion of the dive as if I was a large fish
myself. I used this example as a lesson that the calmer, smoother, and more
naturally you move non-threateningly through the water the more you become a
natural part of the environment. If you are non-threatening then the sea life
will come to you instead of you chasing it.</span></span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mDZMvFz-_w8/V9k_pndsqwI/AAAAAAAAACA/b0Mr_42aypIJSNLyQlSWQN7NNyw4iRrMwCK4B/s1600/Steveanemone.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><br /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mDZMvFz-_w8/V9k_pndsqwI/AAAAAAAAACA/b0Mr_42aypIJSNLyQlSWQN7NNyw4iRrMwCK4B/s1600/Steveanemone.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mDZMvFz-_w8/V9k_pndsqwI/AAAAAAAAACA/b0Mr_42aypIJSNLyQlSWQN7NNyw4iRrMwCK4B/s200/Steveanemone.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">by Steve Judd from facebook</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mDZMvFz-_w8/V9k_pndsqwI/AAAAAAAAACA/b0Mr_42aypIJSNLyQlSWQN7NNyw4iRrMwCK4B/s1600/Steveanemone.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">The amateurs
I mentioned are great examples. Steve and Faithe are capable of approaching
their subjects smoothly, naturally, and SLOWLY. They don’t hold on to rocks or
worse yet coral or a sponge to hold position. They use a skill we were all
taught in our Open Water training… Hovering.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><br /></span></span></b></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><br /></span></span></b></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><br /></span></span></b></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Back to Basics</span></span></b></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Neutral Buoyancy
Check.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">If you want
to improve your photographs go back to your basics. Start with a neutral buoyancy
check. Holding a normal breath of air you should be able to completely deflate
your BCD and sink to eye level. NO HANDS
NO KICKING. Once you are in that position the surface of the water should cross
the bridge of your nose. If you continue to sink you are wearing too much
weight. If you can’t sink to eye level add a little.</span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"> </span></i><span style="font-family: "calibri";">When you exhale you should sink.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Fin Pivots</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Laying on the
bottom you should take a deep breath and continue to inhale until your torso
rises off the bottom. As soon as this starts to happen, exhale until you sink
back to the bottom again. NO HANDS NO KICKING. If you can’t get off of the
bottom drop a few pounds until you can.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Hovering</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Hovering
maybe the most important of all of these skills to good photography. Start in
any position you are comfortable. Take a deep breath to rise off of the bottom
a foot or two. Then control your breathing by exhaling if you feel you are
going up and inhaling if you feel you are sinking. NO HANDS NO KICKING. As you improve at this skill practice it in
other positions until you are comfortable holding your place in any position.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Continuing Education</span></span></b></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">If you
continue to have problems managing these skills see your local dive shop and
take the PADI Peak Performance Buoyancy specialty course. This course also
covers things like. old wetsuit vs. new, 7mm full suit vs. 3mm shorty, steel
tank vs. aluminum, 80 cu. ft. vs. 63 cu. ft., and full tank vs. empty tank. Did
you know that 80 cu. ft. of air weighs about 4 lbs. Therefore, if you are down
to 750 psi. you are 3 lbs. lighter at the end of the dive than you were at the
beginning.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Another
option is to ask a dive guide or a diver you respect as having good buoyancy
control watch and advise you. I have been an instructor for 21 years and I have
yet to stop learning.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Practice</span></span></b></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">As you
continue diving if you have a few minutes on the bottom before the group gets
down or at the end of the dive when those low on air are ascending…practice. I
practice every time I am working with students and sometimes while I am leading
dives and no one even notices.</span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XUyIjhEznZ4/V9lANMuSsDI/AAAAAAAAACI/AKkFzWeHcPMkwzyz9HE_kR6_aQ2CpGQrACK4B/s1600/faithe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XUyIjhEznZ4/V9lANMuSsDI/AAAAAAAAACI/AKkFzWeHcPMkwzyz9HE_kR6_aQ2CpGQrACK4B/s200/faithe.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TVcSrM2i4OE/V9lAPayFMmI/AAAAAAAAACQ/eNAP0vKf1O04okl-I76tDCKREbC3reb6QCK4B/s1600/steve.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TVcSrM2i4OE/V9lAPayFMmI/AAAAAAAAACQ/eNAP0vKf1O04okl-I76tDCKREbC3reb6QCK4B/s200/steve.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: x-small;">Faithe and Steve exhibit good buoyancy skills</span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Let me
challenge you with some goals. I only need
6 lbs. of weight to stay down with an aluminum 80 and a 3mm shorty. When I
guide I wear 12 lbs. so that I have a few extra in case someone needs it.
First, I never have to add air to my BCD to control my buoyancy. Conservatively
I suggest, if you are adding air you are at least 4 lbs. too heavy. Second, when
you have good enough control, try moving through the water by inhaling,
exhaling then changing your body position. You can actually swim without using
your hands or feet albeit slowly with this technique. When you reach this point
you too will be able to close up on the subjects you want to photograph in a
non-threatening manner and get that cover shot.</span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;"></span><span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;"><br /></span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: left; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TVcSrM2i4OE/V9lAPayFMmI/AAAAAAAAACQ/eNAP0vKf1O04okl-I76tDCKREbC3reb6QCK4B/s1600/steve.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><br /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Always make
your total number of ascents equal your total number of descents.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Your really
cool blogger,</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Duane</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<br /></div>
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike>Aqua Action Dive Centerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02509865980805709597noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2760246589580688831.post-89482048719670782052016-09-08T15:18:00.005-04:002016-09-08T15:18:54.077-04:00<b>Feather Duster Worms</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
Hello Aqua Action blog followers.<br />
<br />
Amy has moved on to new adventures and I, Duane Hausch, will be filling her fins.<br />
I will attempt to provide you with relevant and interesting information just as she did.<br />
Like this...<br />
<br />
<b>Feather Duster Worms</b><br />
<b>.</b><br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ctorvvJhoUQ/V9GuOvRuEcI/AAAAAAAAABM/hmFnnSvtK9Y5qaIluTB3otRXwAYNNu5ZwCK4B/s1600/Feather%2BDuster.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ctorvvJhoUQ/V9GuOvRuEcI/AAAAAAAAABM/hmFnnSvtK9Y5qaIluTB3otRXwAYNNu5ZwCK4B/s400/Feather%2BDuster.png" /></a> <br />
Photo compliments of Albert Kok from Wikipedia<br />
<br />
<br />
Many new divers marvel at this flower that magically disappears when I snap
my fingers. Eventually, as they gain more experience they realize that these
are so common that they lose interest in them. <br />
<br />
Waning interest in seeing them aside this is actually a very interesting
animal and not a flower. Recently one of our regular divers asked me how they
reproduce. So here is your answer John.<br />
<br />
<br />
Feather Duster Worms 101:<br />
<br />
Feather Dusters are actually worms. For you taxonomists they are polychaetes
and the one pictured is Sabellidae.<br />
<br />
Polychaete basically means multiple bristles. Each worm has 8 thoracic
sections each having chaetae or bristles along the bottom or venteral side. As
they have no legs, these bristles help them move in and out of their home which
is a calcium carbonate based tube The head has two fan shaped clusters called
radioles that are used for filtering food out the water. These are the
feathers.<br />
<br />
Hold onto your hat movie goers. Polychaetes have been around since the Early
Jurassic period. As long as there have been living organisms there have been
dying ones. While much of their food supply is filtered out of the water they
are detrivores. This means that they help sweep up dead and decaying matter to
keep the reef clean.<br />
<br />
Another key to the survival of these worms is their ability to reproduce.
Polychates reproduce both sexually and asexually. Much like coral each animal
can produce both male and female gametes (eggs and sperm) in the water column
during broadcast spawning. When a male and female gamete collide by
happenstance fertilization occurs and our new little wormie floats around
planktonicly until it becomes large enough to settle to the bottom and start it’s
own little tube. <br />
<br />
When you see clusters or colonies of them, you are seeing clones. In asexual
reproduction the last thoracic segment of the worm falls off and generates a
new worm while the head grows a new tail.<br />
<br />
So the next time you see Feather Duster or Christmas Tree Worms don’t wave
your magic hand and make them disappear. Instead look a little closer like I
have. Maybe you too will realize their markings are as individual as
snowflakes.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Email me at <a href="https://www.blogger.com/null">seo@aadivers.com</a> to let me
know what you would like to see me write about next.<br />
<br />
Until then make your total number of ascents equal your total number of
descents.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Your Really Cool Blogger,<br />
<br />
Duane<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<br /></div>
Aqua Action Dive Centerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02509865980805709597noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2760246589580688831.post-28650793703085657072016-08-03T18:00:00.000-04:002016-08-03T18:00:18.722-04:00How to be a Good Dive Buddy<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FTYxQn3lJK4/V6EM4Aady8I/AAAAAAAA0Mk/4YP2dy3V58gqCj-_fSj171hnnu9HXAuugCLcB/s1600/DstWed10_465_CplGearBeach-LG%2BPADI.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FTYxQn3lJK4/V6EM4Aady8I/AAAAAAAA0Mk/4YP2dy3V58gqCj-_fSj171hnnu9HXAuugCLcB/s400/DstWed10_465_CplGearBeach-LG%2BPADI.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Diving with a buddy is more practical, safe, and fun. <span class="_Tgc">© PADI 2016</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Dive
buddies are great. They are someone to travel with, someone to explore
with, and someone to create new memories with. They may be your
boyfriend or girlfriend, husband or wife, your kid, your mom or dad,
your friend, your co-worker, or someone that you just met! The purpose
of a dive buddy is to make your dives more practical, safe, and fun. But do you know what it takes to be a good dive buddy? </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zZP_KXZAuvM/V6EPkreU9fI/AAAAAAAA0NQ/astITHA8HoQgw5PN0Z8tg9fP-bEqsrJGQCLcB/s1600/Diver%2BPADI.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zZP_KXZAuvM/V6EPkreU9fI/AAAAAAAA0NQ/astITHA8HoQgw5PN0Z8tg9fP-bEqsrJGQCLcB/s400/Diver%2BPADI.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="_Tgc">Practice your buoyancy © PADI 2016</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EqMrlsNjtwI/V4UwnCqSG1I/AAAAAAAAz68/G4GsTctUgPgzTZ-xF16LAsEimzul2YIrACPcB/s1600/Mask%2Bclearing.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EqMrlsNjtwI/V4UwnCqSG1I/AAAAAAAAz68/G4GsTctUgPgzTZ-xF16LAsEimzul2YIrACPcB/s400/Mask%2Bclearing.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mask skills should be practiced often <span class="_Tgc"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">- Image by TauchSport_Steininger via <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/49329116@N08/4624971077" target="_blank">Flickr</a></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>1. Stay sharp on your own skills so you can help yourself and your buddy</b></span> </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Make
sure you are up to date with all of your dive knowledge and skills.
Just because you are certified does not mean that you don't have to
practice. Read our blog "<a href="http://aadivers.blogspot.com/2016/07/skills-every-diver-should-practice.html">Skills every diver should practice</a>." It is also very important to stay fit for diving.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JN5fAOHDV_0/V6EPkws9BHI/AAAAAAAA0NU/t2JA8BQ4GpQPo3OOU6HOKrQQycqGQukJwCLcB/s1600/DSC_0035-land_low%2BPADI.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JN5fAOHDV_0/V6EPkws9BHI/AAAAAAAA0NU/t2JA8BQ4GpQPo3OOU6HOKrQQycqGQukJwCLcB/s400/DSC_0035-land_low%2BPADI.jpg" width="267" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="_Tgc">Know your buddy's equipment © PADI 2016</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>2. Be familiar with your buddy's equipment</b></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Know
how to release your buddy's weights in case of an emergency, and be
familiar with your buddy's alternate air source in case you need to use
it. If your buddy has an underwater signaling device to get your
attention, make sure you know what to listen for.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7cHREVGREf8/V6ERi71QgyI/AAAAAAAA0Ng/u-XGebc-nScIQY9Ffpii1nOGS-WyeP6YACLcB/s1600/scared-lady.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7cHREVGREf8/V6ERi71QgyI/AAAAAAAA0Ng/u-XGebc-nScIQY9Ffpii1nOGS-WyeP6YACLcB/s400/scared-lady.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image by Vera Kratochville via <a href="http://www.publicdomainpictures.net/view-image.php?image=16468" target="_blank">Public Domain Pictures</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>3. Don't pressure your buddy into a dive (s)he is not comfortable doing</b></span> </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Staying
within your training and personal limits will help to keep you safe.
Respect your buddy's limits; they may be different than your own.
Emergencies happen much more often when you dive outside of your
training or personal limits.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DO0QwOWkkzs/V6EM4QWd2xI/AAAAAAAA0Mw/JjLWtA4ty3YPfuszv-2hkAo9fFCfGJIBACLcB/s1600/MSD_web_08%2BPADI.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DO0QwOWkkzs/V6EM4QWd2xI/AAAAAAAA0Mw/JjLWtA4ty3YPfuszv-2hkAo9fFCfGJIBACLcB/s400/MSD_web_08%2BPADI.jpg" width="267" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pre-dive safety check with your buddy <span class="_Tgc">© PADI 2016</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>4. Do a pre-dive safety check with your buddy before every dive</b></span> </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Practice good habits to prevent accidents before they happen. Do a buddy check together, remembering <i><b>BWRAF</b></i>.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i><b>B</b></i> - BCD (inflate),</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i><b>W </b></i>- Weights (do you have them, are they secured properly, and are they balanced?),</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i><b>R </b></i>- Releases (all releases clipped and snug),</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i><b>A </b></i>- Air (Do you have a full tank, is it fully open, and can you breathe through both of your second stages?),</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i><b>F </b></i>-
Final check (Do you have your mask, fins, and any accessories you plan
to dive with? Are conditions reasonable? Are you both feeling up to
it?). </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">There
are some silly sentences that can help you remember what to check.
Here are a few examples, but feel free to be creative and make up your
own:</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7ZTRmIa6mZI/V6ESTL-hXLI/AAAAAAAA0No/YfXNRY-oI60Uw6-6eRA6ocLoNpyrMjFlwCLcB/s1600/Fluffy_white_bunny_rabbit.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7ZTRmIa6mZI/V6ESTL-hXLI/AAAAAAAA0No/YfXNRY-oI60Uw6-6eRA6ocLoNpyrMjFlwCLcB/s200/Fluffy_white_bunny_rabbit.jpg" width="170" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image by Ross Little via <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/rosslittle/205743020/in/photolist-jbues" target="_blank">Flickr</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Big White Rabbits Are Fluffy</span></span></b></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U7wTPD3ASjY/V6ET7r37vsI/AAAAAAAA0N0/O2WB9_tXfaEK_L1u7GSTjrV0yVdC3eupgCLcB/s1600/beans%2Brice%2Bfish.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U7wTPD3ASjY/V6ET7r37vsI/AAAAAAAA0N0/O2WB9_tXfaEK_L1u7GSTjrV0yVdC3eupgCLcB/s200/beans%2Brice%2Bfish.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image by Leonardo Laporte via <a href="http://www.public-domain-image.com/free-images/2016/01/22/img_20150402_215108.jpg" target="_blank">Public Domain Images</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Beans With Rice And Fish</span></span></b></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qbWzbJDzgA8/V6EVZMskNdI/AAAAAAAA0OA/QCCYW-uRgBIsLwcMIxc-0OaOfa2esmtyQCLcB/s1600/burger%2Bfries.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="132" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qbWzbJDzgA8/V6EVZMskNdI/AAAAAAAA0OA/QCCYW-uRgBIsLwcMIxc-0OaOfa2esmtyQCLcB/s200/burger%2Bfries.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image by Yuya Salto via <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/studiomohawk/4787165390" target="_blank">Flickr</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Burgers With Relish And Fries</span></span></b></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PVIIWm-tF9s/V6EWUbK-H7I/AAAAAAAA0OI/F5F4TJ7NR4UxedeZTyoUqq-51asM1-avACLcB/s1600/Marilyn_Monroe_Blonde%2BWomen.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="141" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PVIIWm-tF9s/V6EWUbK-H7I/AAAAAAAA0OI/F5F4TJ7NR4UxedeZTyoUqq-51asM1-avACLcB/s200/Marilyn_Monroe_Blonde%2BWomen.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image via <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blond#/media/File:Marilyn_Monroe_in_Gentlemen_Prefer_Blondes_trailer.jpg" target="_blank">Wikipedia</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Blonde Women Really Are Fun</span></span></b></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-37E00WXz1SE/V6EYzqbEcYI/AAAAAAAA0OU/q4WVAPUzKnUmXOE4QgLqNthaLbsZ0tpgwCLcB/s1600/brunette%2Bwoman.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-37E00WXz1SE/V6EYzqbEcYI/AAAAAAAA0OU/q4WVAPUzKnUmXOE4QgLqNthaLbsZ0tpgwCLcB/s200/brunette%2Bwoman.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image by Parafly via <a href="https://pixabay.com/en/woman-fun-bathing-paddling-swim-523521/" target="_blank">Pixabay</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Brunette Women Really Are Fun </span></span></b></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KUIaWmNC9lM/V6EZU_tYVFI/AAAAAAAA0OY/RBzALJZkCUsM_Y20ubIQzQKmZHSnrFUywCLcB/s1600/Bruce%2BWillis.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KUIaWmNC9lM/V6EZU_tYVFI/AAAAAAAA0OY/RBzALJZkCUsM_Y20ubIQzQKmZHSnrFUywCLcB/s200/Bruce%2BWillis.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image by Loren Javier via <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/lorenjavier/5686291142" target="_blank">Flickr</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Bruce Willis Ruins All Films</span></span></b></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></b></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Once
you have made the pre-dive safety check into a habit, it will become
quick and easy. I can't even count how many times I've seen even
experienced divers jump into the water without doing a pre-dive safety
check. At the least they look like a fool when they hit the water and
they forgot something important. At the worst it can lead to an
emergency.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BIbbSaatAQk/V6EM39QKxiI/AAAAAAAA0Mc/7w7s4kVuDQgRQWTcokh65zpbMV9Nob8ywCLcB/s1600/Descent%2Bline%2BPADI.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BIbbSaatAQk/V6EM39QKxiI/AAAAAAAA0Mc/7w7s4kVuDQgRQWTcokh65zpbMV9Nob8ywCLcB/s400/Descent%2Bline%2BPADI.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Descending with buddy <span class="_Tgc">© PADI 2016</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>5. Descend with your buddy</b></span> </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">A
good buddy stays at the same level with his/her buddy while
descending. Even if your ears are capable of equalizing rapidly, don't
rush down to the bottom. If your buddy has a problem and needs your
help you won't be there to help him/her. While you're sitting on the
bottom waiting for your buddy, you're chugging through your air because
you consume more air at depth. You are also absorbing more nitrogen at
depth, and wasting no-decompression time while your buddy makes his/her
descent.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XBCzx1-Rg5g/V6EM3j5N4kI/AAAAAAAA0MQ/4Lv9g2Ui3mMHDdBcnHYnEsyFNaeM60HbACLcB/s1600/DSC_0135deep_low%2BPADI.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XBCzx1-Rg5g/V6EM3j5N4kI/AAAAAAAA0MQ/4Lv9g2Ui3mMHDdBcnHYnEsyFNaeM60HbACLcB/s400/DSC_0135deep_low%2BPADI.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stay close to your buddy <span class="_Tgc">© PADI 2016</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>6. Stay with your buddy during the dive</b></span> </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Though
you don't have to hold hands during the dive, you should always be
within about 10 feet or less (depending on visibility). This is to
avoid buddy separation, and to be readily available for one another in
the event of an out of air emergency. Work on your buoyancy control,
though, so you're not constantly running into one another. It feels
very claustrophobic to be constantly colliding with your buddy. There
is no reason to rush on a dive. The slower you go, the more you usually
see. Don't make your buddy have to struggle to keep up with you. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-q8-U9v57Y3c/V6EM4qZLGvI/AAAAAAAA0M4/7EjQZtJJAKMFDksgpIHPRCK-zvZZ88vBgCLcB/s1600/School%2Bof%2Bfish%2BPADI.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-q8-U9v57Y3c/V6EM4qZLGvI/AAAAAAAA0M4/7EjQZtJJAKMFDksgpIHPRCK-zvZZ88vBgCLcB/s400/School%2Bof%2Bfish%2BPADI.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="_Tgc">Share interesting encounters with your buddy © </span>PADI 2016</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>7. Share the interesting things you find with your buddy</b></span> </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">One
of the most fun things about diving is finding interesting fish and
creatures. Make sure your buddy sees what you are looking at so you can
share the experience. There are many hand signals for fish and
creatures, and they are fun to learn. You can make up your own, too!</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mtDvLXKSXas/V6EM3qdMOQI/AAAAAAAA0MU/jyN2iOlUsFkya1FIEOy4mQ1o7HEAlaTuQCLcB/s1600/AAS%2BAscent%2BPADI.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mtDvLXKSXas/V6EM3qdMOQI/AAAAAAAA0MU/jyN2iOlUsFkya1FIEOy4mQ1o7HEAlaTuQCLcB/s400/AAS%2BAscent%2BPADI.jpg" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Alternate Air Source Ascent <span class="_Tgc">© </span>PADI 2016</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>8. Check your buddy's air</b> </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Check
your buddy's air from time to time. It is important to know how much
air your buddy has so you can both get back to the boat or to your exit
point with at least 500-700psi of air left. Avoid running out of air,
since it puts both of you in unnecessary danger. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0PiTg7c--SA/V6EM4nXgXwI/AAAAAAAA0M0/R0zENjkV-UQQI16B3ysx2M7NjteXhZMSgCLcB/s1600/Safety%2BStop%2BPADI.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0PiTg7c--SA/V6EM4nXgXwI/AAAAAAAA0M0/R0zENjkV-UQQI16B3ysx2M7NjteXhZMSgCLcB/s400/Safety%2BStop%2BPADI.jpg" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Safety stop with your buddy <span class="_Tgc">© PADI 2016</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>9. Ascend with your buddy</b></span> </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">At
the end of your dive, ascend together with your buddy. You should both
get into the habit of doing a 3 minute safety stop at 15 feet before
ascending, and ascending slowly from every dive - no faster than 1 foot
per second. Remember to deflate the expanding air from your BCD's as
you ascend so you are always in control and never being buoyed up by
your BCD. As soon as your heads touch the surface, make sure you both
inflate your BCD's so you are positively buoyant and not in danger of
sinking back down. Grab onto the line behind the boat if you are boat
diving so you don't drift away.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1spfiMD_FPM/V6EM5CaOp8I/AAAAAAAA0NE/n3yeDp29x0ICcUW8j-Q8CNiaQOCAegLCQCLcB/s1600/eLearning_web_03%2BPADI.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1spfiMD_FPM/V6EM5CaOp8I/AAAAAAAA0NE/n3yeDp29x0ICcUW8j-Q8CNiaQOCAegLCQCLcB/s400/eLearning_web_03%2BPADI.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Log your dives with your buddy <span class="_Tgc">© PADI 2016</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>10. Log your dives together & talk about them</b> </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Every
dive can be a learning experience. Even though you are certified, you
are never finished learning. Was there anything either of you could
have done differently? Did you stick to your dive plan? How clear was
communication with your buddy? Are there any skills either of you
should work on? Did you see any new fish or creatures? Talk to your
dive guide, grab a book from your local dive shop, or go online to find
out what interesting new creatures you saw. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">The ocean is an amazing place, and is best when shared! Now you know how to be a great buddy!</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pedDU3T-_4I/V6EM4FaOPHI/AAAAAAAA0Mo/rsR2UAdZpzQ7nq1WgZirf-mndRTXbVl7QCLcB/s1600/GoPro_web_05%2BPADI.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pedDU3T-_4I/V6EM4FaOPHI/AAAAAAAA0Mo/rsR2UAdZpzQ7nq1WgZirf-mndRTXbVl7QCLcB/s400/GoPro_web_05%2BPADI.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="_Tgc">Dive buddies © PADI 2016</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="_Tgc"><br /></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="_Tgc"><br /></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="_Tgc"><br /></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0St Thomas 00802, USVI18.335361 -64.9534009000000217.853008499999998 -65.598847900000024 18.8177135 -64.307953900000015tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2760246589580688831.post-28797898635384978922016-07-27T18:00:00.000-04:002016-07-27T18:00:23.640-04:00Things that Sting and How to Avoid Them - Part 2 - Fire coral & Stingrays<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8yIB_H-X5-s/V46D_FT0yAI/AAAAAAAA0BA/EqSaQHl1u4gLayTfJPq5vv4KrwPaJiQTwCLcB/s1600/Southern_stingrays_at_stingray_city.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Disclaimer - I am NOT a doctor. I am
just a scuba instructor who has been around for a while and has seen
(and been stung by) a lot of things. This is not meant to replace
professional medical advice or replace visiting your doctor or calling
the professionals at <a href="http://www.diversalertnetwork.org/contact/" target="_blank">Diver's Alert Network</a>
for advice. If any of your symptoms are severe or are affecting your
breathing or pulse, please get yourself to a hospital immediately! </span></span></i><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
________________________________________________________________________<br />
<br />
<u><b><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">FIRE CORAL</span></span></b></u> <br />
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--BTY8uXvei4/V45uL0uilUI/AAAAAAAAz_c/gXYfSMmK2G8Y4ef9vIcXx3fmCKU_Gc0LgCLcB/s1600/Millepora_alcicornis_%2528Branching_Fire_Coral%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--BTY8uXvei4/V45uL0uilUI/AAAAAAAAz_c/gXYfSMmK2G8Y4ef9vIcXx3fmCKU_Gc0LgCLcB/s400/Millepora_alcicornis_%2528Branching_Fire_Coral%2529.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image by Nhobgood Nick Hobgood via <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fire_coral#/media/File:Millepora_alcicornis_%28Branching_Fire_Coral%29.jpg" target="_blank">Wikipedia</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>FIRE CORALS</b>
- <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">They c</span>ome in many shapes and sizes, but their brownish orange color helps
distinguish them from the other corals. Fire corals are not true
corals. They secrete a hard skeleton and add structure to the reef like
other corals, but they are more closely related to jellyfish. Among
the more commonly seen types of fire coral are branching fire
corals and encrusting fire corals. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vTgOJkTGnDo/V45wRK8buqI/AAAAAAAAz_w/yc-4D0cR9f8YKhsrnd0heuw1-bVUWK-DACLcB/s1600/Millepora_sp._%2528Encrusting_Fire_Coral%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vTgOJkTGnDo/V45wRK8buqI/AAAAAAAAz_w/yc-4D0cR9f8YKhsrnd0heuw1-bVUWK-DACLcB/s400/Millepora_sp._%2528Encrusting_Fire_Coral%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Image by Nhobgood Nick Hobgood via <a href="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/ca/Millepora_sp._%28Encrusting_Fire_Coral%29.jpg" target="_blank">Wikipedia</a></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Y0_bLLkI_Zs/V45woxHiwPI/AAAAAAAAz_0/Hw7LqAZlkSobhbnTUDy4SKAwFU-JOVs3ACLcB/s1600/Fire_coral%252C_Red_Sea%252C_Egypt_-SCUBA%252C_-pictures%252C_-photography_%25286621042077%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Y0_bLLkI_Zs/V45woxHiwPI/AAAAAAAAz_0/Hw7LqAZlkSobhbnTUDy4SKAwFU-JOVs3ACLcB/s400/Fire_coral%252C_Red_Sea%252C_Egypt_-SCUBA%252C_-pictures%252C_-photography_%25286621042077%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Image by Derek Keats via <a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Fire_coral,_Red_Sea,_Egypt_-SCUBA,_-pictures,_-photography_%286621042077%29.jpg" target="_blank">Wikipedia</a></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Branching fire corals often have
white coloration near their tips. Encrusting fire corals can form on
anything that has been underwater for an extended period of time. Fire
corals can encrust on mooring lines, dock pillars, rocks, shipwrecks, sea weed, and even
other corals.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4Uz6e-nSH6I/V45u72jcBAI/AAAAAAAAz_k/zx8bhes_1AUM-g1s6cyLtuW49uLZQcbmwCLcB/s1600/Fire%2Bcoral%2Bup%2Bclose.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4Uz6e-nSH6I/V45u72jcBAI/AAAAAAAAz_k/zx8bhes_1AUM-g1s6cyLtuW49uLZQcbmwCLcB/s400/Fire%2Bcoral%2Bup%2Bclose.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image by Public.Resource.Org via <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/publicresourceorg/493831319" target="_blank">Wikipedia</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">If
you look very closely you can see tiny white hairs or bristles coming
from the fire coral. Each of these fine hairs contains a "nematocyst"
that is barbed and contains a toxin. <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">F</span>ire corals use <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">their </span>barbed
toxic nematocysts by shooting them out to paralyze their prey (plankton)
as well as to defend <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">themselves</span> against potential predators when they get
too close. It's these almost microscopic nematocysts that stick in your
skin and cause you extreme pain when you touch fire coral. </span></span></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hSfJlolRIyc/V45xzu78Y3I/AAAAAAAA0AE/uoG7QTTL4-IhG31jvIyikdWEvdMgkwo1wCLcB/s1600/Fleet_mooring_inspections_130926-N-ZZ999-004.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hSfJlolRIyc/V45xzu78Y3I/AAAAAAAA0AE/uoG7QTTL4-IhG31jvIyikdWEvdMgkwo1wCLcB/s400/Fleet_mooring_inspections_130926-N-ZZ999-004.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image by Steel Worker 2nd Class Metro Sayre via <a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Fleet_mooring_inspections_130926-N-ZZ999-004.jpg" target="_blank">Wikipedia</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2r9QVMk1lwo/V450FimgCAI/AAAAAAAA0AQ/VFnX1xQ4gJUHQpicMMqkDeL5r_QkG7kygCLcB/s1600/rash%2Bguard.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2r9QVMk1lwo/V450FimgCAI/AAAAAAAA0AQ/VFnX1xQ4gJUHQpicMMqkDeL5r_QkG7kygCLcB/s400/rash%2Bguard.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image by Amy Kelley</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">To
avoid getting stung, cover your skin with a rash guard or a wetsuit and
keep a safe distance from the reef. If there is a lot of surge, give
an even wider cushion of safety. Divers should practice good buoyancy control, and consider taking PADI's <a href="http://www.padi.com/padi-courses/peak-performance-buoyancy">Peak Performance Buoyancy</a> course to improve their contro<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">l in the water. </span>Be aware that fire coral can encrust
on any underwater surface, so avoid touching, brushing into, or grabbing
onto anything underwater. It is important not to touch things underwater for conservation purposes too - you don't want to harm any underwater <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">organisms</span>! If you find it necessary to hold onto a
mooring line and you are not wearing gloves, look at the line carefully
before deciding where to grab it. Avoid the parts of the line that seem
to be covered in hydroids or fire coral. Instead of grabbing the line
with your whole hand use what I like to call "shrimp claws." That means
grabbing the line delicately with just two fingers.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Oq0eXHRvfqo/V453IzaXtsI/AAAAAAAA0As/xhKxg40eansMF5BFnlHKvOQFDyezxVr7QCLcB/s1600/Fire%2Bcoral%2BMillepora_dichotoma%252C_Mar_Rojo.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Oq0eXHRvfqo/V453IzaXtsI/AAAAAAAA0As/xhKxg40eansMF5BFnlHKvOQFDyezxVr7QCLcB/s400/Fire%2Bcoral%2BMillepora_dichotoma%252C_Mar_Rojo.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image by Derek Keats via <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/dkeats/6377763395/in/photolist----9nPM5g-8xh9jP-b65z8T-b65w6a-aqDgNC-asmzqe-auXdvA-aHzGRR-4Fdkn8-asyk6X-azHrba-6i2oXc-aDyBi3-87vWfG-87vWhw-88SwDg-85n3RY-4FoSQ9-6i6xGS-88h4bY-4HU3Qo-6qxYUQ-gjh6fW-8NQzeL-8NQziy-5meLyd-9nPMQV-hYnxK3-fdXZVa-54a3sP-8Daq8o-frbTTT-fedAS9-frbVwR-p1oTF5-faYVYK-fs5e9s-fs5eRN-foDrNC-fopa6t-79iLx1-dQqprP-fcMRLJ-fedwYf-aajL9S-faXZa2-aajKEY" target="_blank">Flickr</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">In saying that, I have been stung by fire coral numerous times. I can tell you from personal experience that it <i>does </i>feel
like fire. It is not pleasant at all. For me, the pain is usually
very intense and gives me a head rush because it triggers endorphins to
help my body cope with the pain. I am usually with students or guiding
divers when it happens, so I do my best to suck it up and pretend like
nothing happened. It most often occurs when there is significant surge
and I am focused on helping another diver rather than paying attention
to my own position in the water. </span></span></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jBP9-HR2624/V452RcSvmBI/AAAAAAAA0Ak/mdB_OdDXV8oEDwQypbUpI7gZpiglkwpUACLcB/s1600/Fire%2Bcoral.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jBP9-HR2624/V452RcSvmBI/AAAAAAAA0Ak/mdB_OdDXV8oEDwQypbUpI7gZpiglkwpUACLcB/s400/Fire%2Bcoral.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image by Razvan Marescu via <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/rmarescu/2900834281" target="_blank">Flickr</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">If
you do touch fire coral you will know it. You will feel a painful,
hot, fiery sting, and will probably see a welt or a rash soon after you <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">accidentally brus<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">h up against</span></span> <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">the fire coral</span>.
Avoid the temptation of rubbing the sting, as you will spread the toxic
nematocysts around and end up getting stung even more. Flush seawater
over your sting, and when you get out of the water rinse it with
vinegar. Acids have been proven to stop the nematocysts from continuing
to fire. Later on, the sting location may begin to itch severely. Try
to avoid scratching it. Instead, apply anti-itch medication and take
Benadryl if the itching is unbearable. Tylenol or Ibuprofen can be used
to reduce the pain. If the sting is so bad that it affects your
breathing or pulse, seek emergency medical care immediately.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
______________________________________________________________________</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><u><b>STINGRAYS</b></u></span></span><br />
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8yIB_H-X5-s/V46D_FT0yAI/AAAAAAAA0BA/EqSaQHl1u4gLayTfJPq5vv4KrwPaJiQTwCLcB/s1600/Southern_stingrays_at_stingray_city.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="263" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8yIB_H-X5-s/V46D_FT0yAI/AAAAAAAA0BA/EqSaQHl1u4gLayTfJPq5vv4KrwPaJiQTwCLcB/s400/Southern_stingrays_at_stingray_city.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0000ee;">Image by Barry Peters via <a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Southern_stingrays_at_stingray_city.jpg" target="_blank">W<span style="color: #0000ee;">ikipedia</span></a><u><br /></u></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cXAaEOksikM/V46FxS2LTpI/AAAAAAAA0BU/pbU5B7K4WykXZeBucLvGcL7mvH60pnyJACLcB/s1600/Steve_Irwin.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="341" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cXAaEOksikM/V46FxS2LTpI/AAAAAAAA0BU/pbU5B7K4WykXZeBucLvGcL7mvH60pnyJACLcB/s400/Steve_Irwin.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image by Richard Giles via <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/richardgiles/78439513/" target="_blank">Flickr</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>STINGRAYS - </b>Despite
their reputation as man-killers after the untimely death of Steve
Irwin, the Crocodile Hunter, stingrays are actually very gentle
creatures. They are by no means "out to get you." However, people can
get stung by stingrays when they feel threatened. Every creature needs a
defense mechanism to survive, and the stingray defends itself by
arching its tail forward and plunging its venomous sharp barb into
whatever threatens it. Stingrays only sting out of self-defense. In
Steve Irwin's case, the stingray felt threatened because Steve hovered
too closely and directly above it. In most cases when someone is
injured by a stingray, they accidentally step on one.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-l7D_MK703Kw/V46E9t992II/AAAAAAAA0BI/8sS7cjZn0vw5tGiozQLAoMABH_h4MDy9gCLcB/s1600/Stingray%2Bspiracle%2BTaeniura_lymma_by_Marek_Jakubowski.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-l7D_MK703Kw/V46E9t992II/AAAAAAAA0BI/8sS7cjZn0vw5tGiozQLAoMABH_h4MDy9gCLcB/s400/Stingray%2Bspiracle%2BTaeniura_lymma_by_Marek_Jakubowski.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><span style="color: black;">Image by Mar</span><span style="color: #0000ee;"><span style="color: black;">ek Jak<span style="color: #0000ee;">u</span>bow</span><span style="color: #0000ee;"><span style="color: black;">ski via</span> <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spiracle#/media/File:Taeniura_lymma_by_Marek_Jakubowski.jpg" target="_blank">Wikipedia</a></span></span><u><br /></u></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UKZtN2f89UU/V46HOnYCFyI/AAAAAAAA0Bg/xGIus_MXIJ8NsdO4Z3DINi9IO595f383wCLcB/s1600/Male%2BStingray_under.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UKZtN2f89UU/V46HOnYCFyI/AAAAAAAA0Bg/xGIus_MXIJ8NsdO4Z3DINi9IO595f383wCLcB/s400/Male%2BStingray_under.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image by Adamantiaf via <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stingray#/media/File:Stingray_under.jpg" target="_blank">Wikipedia</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Stingrays
eat mollusks, shrimp, crabs, and small fish. They can be found along
the reef, in sea grass beds, and in the sand. They shuffle through the
sand, using mostly their sense of smell and electroreceptors to find
their prey. While resting, stingrays often partially bury themselves in
the sand. Stingrays are quite incredible to watch. They use their
spiracles, the openings behind their eyes, to take in water and to expel
the undigest<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">i</span>ble bits as they filter through the sand for food. Next
time you are snorkeling or diving and find a stingray, take some time to
observe <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">it</span>, but give <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">it </span>plenty of space. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-92jLUeA0OKE/V46H-wVV7PI/AAAAAAAA0Bo/8yPiEA9SQ6AYmUEj9Pm3KMPFfW6QFrVKACLcB/s1600/Southern%2BStingray%2BDasyatis_americana_.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-92jLUeA0OKE/V46H-wVV7PI/AAAAAAAA0Bo/8yPiEA9SQ6AYmUEj9Pm3KMPFfW6QFrVKACLcB/s400/Southern%2BStingray%2BDasyatis_americana_.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image by Tomas Willems via <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Southern_stingray#/media/File:Dasyatis_americana_.jpg" target="_blank">Wikipedia</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fT2f52V0A1A/V46JZf9bwWI/AAAAAAAA0B4/x4VnY5ukfWouOEZY_IfMTqyFwPy6BlFUgCLcB/s1600/Stingray%2Bshuffle.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fT2f52V0A1A/V46JZf9bwWI/AAAAAAAA0B4/x4VnY5ukfWouOEZY_IfMTqyFwPy6BlFUgCLcB/s400/Stingray%2Bshuffle.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image by Jlwelsh via <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/jlwelsh/3310386903" target="_blank">Flickr</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">To
avoid any negative encounters with stingrays while diving or
snorkeling, do not touch them or corner them. Especially avoid hovering
above them, as that is their strike zone if they feel threatened.
While hanging out at the beach, shuffle your feet through the sand so
you don't accidentally surprise a stingray hiding in the sand. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qay3WUpD4os/V46I3U9zsJI/AAAAAAAA0B0/Dl-tGrBj3os1slc1KLVjBXzTXpDry7pygCLcB/s1600/Hidden%2Bstingray.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="283" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qay3WUpD4os/V46I3U9zsJI/AAAAAAAA0B0/Dl-tGrBj3os1slc1KLVjBXzTXpDry7pygCLcB/s400/Hidden%2Bstingray.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image by Andrew Beckwith via <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VE2OjMtXXS4" target="_blank">YouTube</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I
cannot say firsthand how badly a stingray sting hurts, since I have
never been stung by one. However, I am certain that it is an extremely
unpleasant and very painful experience. It would be like being stabbed
with a serrated knife, plus the effects of the venom. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-G2_wTNkgGwo/V46NZdkRx_I/AAAAAAAA0CI/UMG6B3QqvYMtT0l49ITdh-YBLZjagBd5wCLcB/s1600/Stingray%2Bbarb%2BDasyatis_pastinaca_black_sea_stinger.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-G2_wTNkgGwo/V46NZdkRx_I/AAAAAAAA0CI/UMG6B3QqvYMtT0l49ITdh-YBLZjagBd5wCLcB/s400/Stingray%2Bbarb%2BDasyatis_pastinaca_black_sea_stinger.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image by Freebin via <a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Dasyatis_pastinaca_black_sea_stinger.jpg" target="_blank">Wikipedia</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">If
you get stung by a stingray, stay calm. Remove the stinger (unless it
is in a vital organ, such as with Steve Irwin). Apply pressure to stop
the bleeding. Evaluate the severity of the symptoms, and determine
whether or not emergency medical care is necessary. Typical symptoms
include pain, swelling, bleeding, and muscle cramps. If bleeding is
severe and uncontrollable or breathing or circulation are affected,
consider it a medical emergency and get to a hospital immediately. If
it's not an emergency, soak the wound in hot water (but don't burn
yourself!) for 30-90 minutes to deactivate the venom and relieve the
pain. You can take a painkiller such as Tylenol or Ibuprofen to ease
the pain, and an antihistamine such as Benadryl to relieve itching and
swelling. Keep the wound clean and monitor it for signs of infection.
</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SnM2YSdBevw/V451C3P_R8I/AAAAAAAA0AU/fZUCaNUuGYIBextcgjIoW5XuCfPsEtVlgCLcB/s1600/Stingray_injury.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SnM2YSdBevw/V451C3P_R8I/AAAAAAAA0AU/fZUCaNUuGYIBextcgjIoW5XuCfPsEtVlgCLcB/s400/Stingray_injury.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image by Symac via <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stingray_injury#/media/File:Stingray_injury.jpg" target="_blank">Wikipedia</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.diversalertnetwork.org/" target="_blank">Diver's Alert Network</a>,
also known as "DAN," is the dive industry's number one dive safety
resource. Every diver should have their phone number, since they are
the best resource for dive safety. They have a 24 hour emergency
hotline, as well as an information line for non-emergency medical
questions. Even non-members can get free advice. I highly recommend becoming a DAN member, since they provide
affordable and high quality dive insurance, travel insurance, a monthly
magazine called "Alert Diver," and a wide variety of dive safety
educational resources. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">DAN Non-emergency medical information line </span></span></b></div>
<div class="number" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">+1-919-684-2948</span></span></b></div>
<div class="contact" style="text-align: center;">
<div class="indent">
<b><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Mon-Fri 8:30am to 5:00pm EST.</span></span></b></div>
<div class="number">
<b><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">+1-800-446-2671</span></span></b></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">A
big "Thank You!" to our local diver John F. for suggesting this blog
topic! I look forward to hearing everyone's ideas and suggestions for
future blog topics. Feel free to leave comments on this blog or on our <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AquaAction">Aqua Action Divers Facebook page</a>.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1St Thomas 00802, USVI18.335361 -64.9534009000000217.853008499999998 -65.598847900000024 18.8177135 -64.307953900000015tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2760246589580688831.post-497237723240893652016-07-20T18:00:00.000-04:002016-07-20T18:00:01.754-04:00Things that Sting and How to Avoid Them - Part 1 - Urchins and Hydroids<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Disclaimer - I am NOT a doctor. I am
just a scuba instructor who has been around for a while and has seen
(and been stung by) a lot of things. This is not meant to replace
professional medical advice or replace visiting your doctor or calling
the professionals at <a href="http://www.diversalertnetwork.org/contact/" target="_blank">Diver's Alert Network</a>
for advice. If any of your symptoms are severe or are affecting your
breathing or pulse, please get yourself to a hospital immediately! </span></span></b></i><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">_______________________________________________________________________________ </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><u><b>SEA URCHINS </b></u></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span><br /></span></span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UXS-ITHl_FM/V44-8MVxMcI/AAAAAAAAz9c/-_asvEjpiZgC6lDLg5MQ_igagebiF1INQCLcB/s1600/Tripneustes_ventricosus_%2528West_Indian_Sea_Egg-top%2529_and_Echinometra_viridis_%2528Reef_Urchin_-_bottom%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UXS-ITHl_FM/V44-8MVxMcI/AAAAAAAAz9c/-_asvEjpiZgC6lDLg5MQ_igagebiF1INQCLcB/s400/Tripneustes_ventricosus_%2528West_Indian_Sea_Egg-top%2529_and_Echinometra_viridis_%2528Reef_Urchin_-_bottom%2529.jpg" width="298" /></a></span></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Image by Nick Hobgood via <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sea_urchin#/media/File:Tripneustes_ventricosus_%28West_Indian_Sea_Egg-top%29_and_Echinometra_viridis_%28Reef_Urchin_-_bottom%29.jpg" target="_blank">Wikipedia</a></span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>SEA URCHINS</b> - Often
looked at by snorkelers and divers as an evil enemy, sea urchins
are very underappreciated. If you take a moment to observe them you
will see and hear that they are magnificent creatures. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-On1OLcSajZ8/V45Bk794BXI/AAAAAAAAz9w/kWWTnUCTFq88MDodWm_ptThFi5DOsUoCgCLcB/s1600/Urchin%2Bpooping.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-On1OLcSajZ8/V45Bk794BXI/AAAAAAAAz9w/kWWTnUCTFq88MDodWm_ptThFi5DOsUoCgCLcB/s400/Urchin%2Bpooping.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Image by Jon Bondy via <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V4vdf8t_f8I" target="_blank">YouTube</a></span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">When
they move their spines around in the glistening sunlight it is like
they are dancing. Some urchins have beautiful coloration if you look
closely (reds, purples, blues). The crackling sound of the urchins
scraping algae off the reef sounds like an underwater orchestra.
Without the urchins, the reef could get overrun with algae and the many
creatures that depend on urchins for food could be in trouble. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Fd8mwUBobyc/V448_r94SII/AAAAAAAAz9I/RSKcSkhhdnUBz1NKs4x7FCLpCV648HlVgCLcB/s1600/Bird%2Beating%2BUrchin.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Fd8mwUBobyc/V448_r94SII/AAAAAAAAz9I/RSKcSkhhdnUBz1NKs4x7FCLpCV648HlVgCLcB/s400/Bird%2Beating%2BUrchin.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Image by LadyCopperhead via <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RbkcMiGdSFA" target="_blank">YouTube</a></span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ikWUd91TGz8/V449kwMSRoI/AAAAAAAAz9M/2MPJ_br6Ow43ye-bvZgjiQLun-FFeBjygCLcB/s1600/Sponge_crab_eating_a_sea_urchin.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ikWUd91TGz8/V449kwMSRoI/AAAAAAAAz9M/2MPJ_br6Ow43ye-bvZgjiQLun-FFeBjygCLcB/s400/Sponge_crab_eating_a_sea_urchin.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Image by Sasquatch via <a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Sponge_crab_eating_a_sea_urchin.jpg" target="_blank">Wikimedia</a></span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7Z9ML3HZmn4/V44-QUW1myI/AAAAAAAAz9U/rsKp3Laz7WUMTJGzI5FLdVKF-_DGwJUeQCLcB/s1600/Saddle_Wrasse_are_feeding_on_sea_urchin_in_Kona.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="366" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7Z9ML3HZmn4/V44-QUW1myI/AAAAAAAAz9U/rsKp3Laz7WUMTJGzI5FLdVKF-_DGwJUeQCLcB/s400/Saddle_Wrasse_are_feeding_on_sea_urchin_in_Kona.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Image by Brocken Inaglory via <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sea_urchin#/media/File:Saddle_Wrasse_are_feeding_on_sea_urchin_in_Kona.jpg" target="_blank">Wikipedia</a></span></span></td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Among the creatures that
eat urchins are birds, fish, crabs, lobster, octopus, and sea stars. A
snorkeler or diver who pays attention to small details will notice that
sea urchins are often home to fish fry (newly hatched tiny baby fish)
and little shrimp. They use the urchin's spines for protection so they
don't become an easy meal for another creature on the reef. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-z7VDyvJeqD8/V448MBPCSWI/AAAAAAAAz9A/zm3kHn_rvBwTbEsaMMGJkJkcRSunljQtwCLcB/s1600/Sea_Urchin_in_Shedd_Aquarium_%2528Chicago%252C_IL%2529_28Nov07.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-z7VDyvJeqD8/V448MBPCSWI/AAAAAAAAz9A/zm3kHn_rvBwTbEsaMMGJkJkcRSunljQtwCLcB/s400/Sea_Urchin_in_Shedd_Aquarium_%2528Chicago%252C_IL%2529_28Nov07.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Image by Ingvar-fed via <a href="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/0/01/Sea_Urchin_in_Shedd_Aquarium_%28Chicago%2C_IL%29_28Nov07.JPG" target="_blank">Wikipedia</a></span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Every creature needs a
way to protect itself, or it would never survive. The sea urchin's way
of protection is through it's spines. Many species have long, sharp,
sometimes venomous brittle spines that can puncture and break off in
your skin. Sea urchins are found in relatively shallow areas where
there is algae growth because algae is an important food source for
urchins. Avoid shallow rocky areas, because there are likely sea urchins
there! </span></span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WvINM5MwRHM/V45TgaPtgoI/AAAAAAAAz_M/rxB6CVC6qnwRe0C0jG8p9fK1jUXcgZ2EwCLcB/s1600/Stand%2Bin%2Bsand.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WvINM5MwRHM/V45TgaPtgoI/AAAAAAAAz_M/rxB6CVC6qnwRe0C0jG8p9fK1jUXcgZ2EwCLcB/s400/Stand%2Bin%2Bsand.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image by Amy Kelley - Only stand in the sand</td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">To avoid stepping on urchins, ONLY STAND IN THE SAND! When
snorkeling or diving, be aware of your surroundings and give plenty of
distance between yourself and the urchins.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-awkceI3JBRU/V45AP3jrEMI/AAAAAAAAz9o/vGSuoIDEX0sG-Qig50Hxl4AKjBmD7tRJQCLcB/s1600/Common_Longspined_Sea_Urchin%252C_Diadema_paucispinum_at_Abu_Dabab_Reefs%252C_Red_Sea%252C_Egypt_SCUBA.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-awkceI3JBRU/V45AP3jrEMI/AAAAAAAAz9o/vGSuoIDEX0sG-Qig50Hxl4AKjBmD7tRJQCLcB/s400/Common_Longspined_Sea_Urchin%252C_Diadema_paucispinum_at_Abu_Dabab_Reefs%252C_Red_Sea%252C_Egypt_SCUBA.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Image by Derek Keats via <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/93242958@N00/6208253054" target="_blank">Flickr</a></span></span></td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I will admit that once
upon a time I was pretty dumb and thought that if I picked up a very
small long spine sea urchin very very carefully, I could avoid getting
stung. I was surprised to find that these creatures are incredibly
talented at defending themselves. The little urchin pointed its spines
in the direction of my hand and actually dug one of its spines into my
skin. Ouch! The long spine sea urchin is one of the urchins that is
venomous, and even though I only got one little spine in my hand it was a
deep, throbbing pain and I definitely learned my lesson! </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ENKfJsdcgDM/V45Cqwe3h9I/AAAAAAAAz94/230-G1QdmEgjG9aK7B_Asg498F1NemyBACLcB/s1600/sea%2Burchin%2Binjury.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ENKfJsdcgDM/V45Cqwe3h9I/AAAAAAAAz94/230-G1QdmEgjG9aK7B_Asg498F1NemyBACLcB/s400/sea%2Burchin%2Binjury.jpg" width="292" /></a></span></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Image by <span style="color: black;"><a data-action="follow" data-rapid_p="144" data-track="commentUserNameClick" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/ex_magician/">Michael (a.k.a. moik) McCullough </a></span></span></span></td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BH7jrgZD55g/V45DjZoaSgI/AAAAAAAAz-E/IdZ0eQapcTgkcaNs2eG7XZk-fpS7f3kVwCLcB/s1600/Urchin%2Bspines%2Bin%2Bfoot.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BH7jrgZD55g/V45DjZoaSgI/AAAAAAAAz-E/IdZ0eQapcTgkcaNs2eG7XZk-fpS7f3kVwCLcB/s400/Urchin%2Bspines%2Bin%2Bfoot.jpg" width="300" /></a></span></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Image by Michael (a.k.a. moik) McCullough via <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/ex_magician/4418018187" target="_blank">Flickr</a></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1VO7VOusaFs/V45ExOo78eI/AAAAAAAAz-M/JIBgPY4jrDoSxpGux21EHuvhUxY_k7bIQCLcB/s1600/foot-bath-650874_1920.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1VO7VOusaFs/V45ExOo78eI/AAAAAAAAz-M/JIBgPY4jrDoSxpGux21EHuvhUxY_k7bIQCLcB/s400/foot-bath-650874_1920.jpg" width="265" /></a></span></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Image by Graceie via <a href="https://pixabay.com/en/foot-bath-herbs-sage-spa-650874/" target="_blank">Pixabay</a></span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">If
you accidentally get urchin spines in your skin you should remove any
large spines that are sticking out with tweezers, then soak it in water
as hot as you can tolerate without burning yourself for at least 30
minutes. Trying to dig the spines out is not a good idea. You will see
that they just disintegrate into a million little pieces and digging will likely lead to infection. Apply an antibiotic ointment and take acetaminophen
or ibuprofen to relieve the pain.<br />____________________________________________________________________________</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><u><b>HYDROIDS</b></u></span></span><br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FYiJBlc4f5c/V45Faxu5Q4I/AAAAAAAAz-Q/dZ82qgyDrAc4idOxKE3LErrqAkBP0PdSQCLcB/s1600/Hydroid.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FYiJBlc4f5c/V45Faxu5Q4I/AAAAAAAAz-Q/dZ82qgyDrAc4idOxKE3LErrqAkBP0PdSQCLcB/s400/Hydroid.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Image by Bernard Picton via <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leptomedusae#/media/File:Halecium-muricatum.jpg" target="_blank">Wikipedia</a></span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>HYDROIDS</b>
- Look like tiny underwater ferns or feathers, but are actually
colonies of tiny animals related to jellyfish. They are often
overlooked because they are so small, but they are one of the most
abundant creatures in the sea. Hydroids can be found on almost anything
that has been underwater for any length of time: sea weed, mooring
lines, the underside of boats, docks, sea grass, rocks, the reef, conch
shells...you name it! Next time you are in the ocean, you are sure to
see hydroids now that you know about them. If disturbed, individual
hydroids break off from the colony and float freely in the water. Each
one of these little hydroids can sting you. Hydroids sting both as a
way of protecting themselves and as a way of capturing prey. If you have eve<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">r</span> felt something sting you in the ocean but didn't see anything, there is a good chance that it was a hydroid.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7VZwn_tSgYE/V45F41CldjI/AAAAAAAAz-Y/QiQYenS8rwIjF6qfDhZY8mqKNnyO3daKgCLcB/s1600/Hydroid%2B2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="295" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7VZwn_tSgYE/V45F41CldjI/AAAAAAAAz-Y/QiQYenS8rwIjF6qfDhZY8mqKNnyO3daKgCLcB/s400/Hydroid%2B2.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Image by NPS Photo - Larry Basch via <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pennaria_disticha#/media/File:Pennaria_disticha,_Samoa.jpg" target="_blank">Wikipedia</a></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">How badly you will react
to a hydroid sting depends on how sensitive your skin is. People with
tough skin might just feel the initial sting and a burning sensation,
and then have no further reaction. People with more sensitive skin
could end up with a rash, welts, or blisters that could show up
immediately or hours later. I have very sensitive skin and tend to
react severely to stinging things. For me, it hurts pretty intensely,
but usually for just a few seconds. The worst of it is the itching that
usually happens hours later and sometimes lasts over a week. For some
reason it's usually relatively tolerable for me during the day, but I
find myself waking up in the middle of the night scratching
uncontrollably and losing sleep. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GYMnzkPmEvA/V45HVYmVlMI/AAAAAAAAz-o/Tfq53PHt5ootzz8cVJbVQdwQuTN6gFBmQCLcB/s1600/Sargasso_seaweed_detail.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GYMnzkPmEvA/V45HVYmVlMI/AAAAAAAAz-o/Tfq53PHt5ootzz8cVJbVQdwQuTN6gFBmQCLcB/s400/Sargasso_seaweed_detail.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Image by Jonathan Wilkins via <a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Sargasso_seaweed_detail.jpg" target="_blank">Wikipedia</a></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bswnu6a2sjM/V45KTDL_cmI/AAAAAAAAz-0/jwBQruXV5g0qbqIxhHuQvo0N_hczTYiJACLcB/s1600/Hydroid%2Bstings.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bswnu6a2sjM/V45KTDL_cmI/AAAAAAAAz-0/jwBQruXV5g0qbqIxhHuQvo0N_hczTYiJACLcB/s400/Hydroid%2Bstings.jpg" width="300" /></a></span></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Image by Amy Kelley - My whole body looked like this! :(</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">The worst was just over a
year ago when the Caribbean had a huge influx of Sargasso sea weed. It
was so thick in one bay I was snorkeling in that I had to push my way
through it to get back to the boat. I was only wearing a bikini, no
wetsuit or rash guard, so I got stung from head to toe. At that time I
didn't think about all of the hydroids that were likely growing all over
the sea weed. That night I broke out in a full body rash that was so
itchy it practically drove me to the point of insanity. It lasted a
week, and was so bad I had to miss work. I spent that week in a state
of misery, doped up on benadryl and ibuprofen. After experimenting with various
topical anti-itch treatments I found that Bactine gave me the most relief
because it desensitized my skin. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qsyyVk_vi2k/V45LPup7fjI/AAAAAAAAz-8/dL-FGvWKmKgIwmtTuU3Lo8Qoz4CoXkbfwCLcB/s1600/Wetsuit.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qsyyVk_vi2k/V45LPup7fjI/AAAAAAAAz-8/dL-FGvWKmKgIwmtTuU3Lo8Qoz4CoXkbfwCLcB/s400/Wetsuit.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Image by Rob Zwissler</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">The best way to avoid
being stung by hydroids is to cover your skin by wearing a rash guard or
wetsuit and avoiding contact with things that may have hydroids growing
on them! If you do get stung, avoid the temptation to rub your skin!
This will spread the stinging cells around and make it worse! Instead,
flush sea water over the sting to get rid of any remaining hydroids. Next, get out of the water and rinse
the sting with vinegar to neutralize the stinging cells. Keep the area
clean to avoid infection, and apply anti-itch medication. Consider
taking Benadryl if the itching is too much to handle, and of course
immediately seek professional medical help if the reaction affects your
breathing or pulse. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.diversalertnetwork.org/" target="_blank">Diver's Alert Network</a>,
also known as "DAN," is the dive industry's number one dive safety
resource. Every diver should have their phone number, since they are
the best resource for dive safety. They have a 24 hour emergency
hotline, as well as an information line for non-emergency medical
questions. I highly recommend becoming a DAN member, since they provide
affordable and high quality dive insurance, travel insurance, a monthly
magazine called "Alert Diver," and a wide variety of dive safety
educational resources. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">DAN Non-emergency medical information line </span></span></b></div>
<div class="number" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">+1-919-684-2948</span></span></b></div>
<div class="contact" style="text-align: center;">
<div class="indent">
<b><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Mon-Fri 8:30am to 5:00pm EST.</span></span></b></div>
<div class="number">
<b><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">+1-800-446-2671</span></span></b></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">A big "Thank You!" to our local diver John F. for suggesting this blog topic! I look forward to hearing everyone's ideas and suggestions for future blog topics. Feel free to leave comments on this blog or on our <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AquaAction">Aqua Action Divers Facebook page</a>.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Keep following the Aqua Action Blog to see "Things that Sting and How to Avoid Them - Part 2"</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1St Thomas 00802, USVI18.335361 -64.9534009000000217.853008499999998 -65.598847900000024 18.8177135 -64.307953900000015tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2760246589580688831.post-35349721641030160912016-07-13T18:00:00.000-04:002016-07-13T18:00:17.461-04:00Skills Every Diver Should Practice<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SGOO9lFI68A/V4U1akRIprI/AAAAAAAAz7c/GkXXQ9I3oyMLY34synh5LtjROBTx7C8BQCLcB/s1600/Scuba_Diver_-_Ahmad_Faiz_Mustafa.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SGOO9lFI68A/V4U1akRIprI/AAAAAAAAz7c/GkXXQ9I3oyMLY34synh5LtjROBTx7C8BQCLcB/s400/Scuba_Diver_-_Ahmad_Faiz_Mustafa.jpg" width="266" /></a></span></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Image by Ahmad Faiz Mustafa via <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scuba_diving#/media/File:Scuba_Diver_-_Ahmad_Faiz_Mustafa.jpg" target="_blank">Wikipedia</a></span></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">How
long has it been since you took your scuba certification course?
Months? Or has it been years? Many divers become complacent because
they have been diving for "so long." But being a safe diver has nothing
to do with how long you have been diving. The big question is, how
sharp are your skills? Are you comfortable enough that you know you can
handle any problem that may occur underwater and confident that nothing
will cause you to panic? Do you remember and understand basic dive
theory to keep you safe from injury and decompression sickness? </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CQ-Vi9FDbaw/V4U_CpCWoSI/AAAAAAAAz7s/smfNUl7UzEgwutdVOEuXAaaXZgk5CqDmgCLcB/s1600/eLearning_web_02%2BPADI.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CQ-Vi9FDbaw/V4U_CpCWoSI/AAAAAAAAz7s/smfNUl7UzEgwutdVOEuXAaaXZgk5CqDmgCLcB/s400/eLearning_web_02%2BPADI.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Download the ReActivate program and do it anywhere! </span><span class="_Tgc"><span style="font-size: x-small;">©PADI 2016</span></span></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">If
you cannot answer "YES!" with confidence, it's time to consider
Re-Activating your certification and doing a refresher course. PADI's "<a href="https://www.padi.com/padi-courses/reactivate-program" target="_blank">ReActivate</a>"
program is a way for PADI divers to update their skills and knowledge
before getting back into the water. It's quick and easy, and
personalized for you. You download a program that goes over concepts
you learned in your scuba training in a prescriptive way, so you can
focus on the things you forgot. You can do it anytime, anywhere!
Contact <a href="http://www.aadivers.com/contact.php" target="_blank">Aqua Action Divers</a> or your local dive shop to get your code to download your ReActivate program and get started! You get to keep the program forever so you can review your knowledge and skills again and again! </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J9tGWtWR-jA/V4VAwk5tcYI/AAAAAAAAz8A/Jn8EhUbzIW4ZatlOVuGJN9tc2bTdUYyGgCLcB/s1600/DSC_0035-land_low%2BPADI.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J9tGWtWR-jA/V4VAwk5tcYI/AAAAAAAAz8A/Jn8EhUbzIW4ZatlOVuGJN9tc2bTdUYyGgCLcB/s400/DSC_0035-land_low%2BPADI.jpg" width="267" /></a></span></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Refresh your skills with a PADI Instructor </span><span class="_Tgc"><span style="font-size: x-small;">©PADI 2016</span></span></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">After
you complete the digital portion of the ReActivate program you can sign
up for a refresher course to practice your in-water skills with a PADI
instructor. If you complete both the digital and the in-water portions
of the ReActivate course, you get a replacement certification card that
says "ReActivated" on it. Contact <a href="http://www.aadivers.com/contact.php" target="_blank">Aqua Action Dive Center</a> to schedule your in-water practice time with one of our instructors! </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">At
the absolute minimum, you should review your dive theory and practice
your skills in a pool or in calm shallow water. Here are a few of the
skills that you should practice regularly because they are essential to
your safety :</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EqMrlsNjtwI/V4UwnCqSG1I/AAAAAAAAz60/KcpuprhTTdsUDiAgHIz7fcx2ZmPXukAFgCLcB/s1600/Mask%2Bclearing.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EqMrlsNjtwI/V4UwnCqSG1I/AAAAAAAAz60/KcpuprhTTdsUDiAgHIz7fcx2ZmPXukAFgCLcB/s400/Mask%2Bclearing.jpg" width="300" /></a></span></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Image by TauchSport_Steininger via <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diving_mask#/media/File:Frau_beim_Tauchen_%282%29.jpg" target="_blank">Wikipedia</a></span></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><u><b>No mask breathing</b></u>
- You must be comfortable with water around your face. It is not
uncommon for masks to leak a little bit on a dive. Although less
likely, your mask strap could break or you could lose your mask during a
dive. You must be able to stay cool, calm, and collected and avoid
panicking if this were to ever happen to you. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/--eufLPb1mBI/V4Uyse_hmzI/AAAAAAAAz7A/8V51u_Uki_ET32T4rF6vND79u4mZXFyEwCLcB/s1600/Dive_hand_signal_Cramps.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/--eufLPb1mBI/V4Uyse_hmzI/AAAAAAAAz7A/8V51u_Uki_ET32T4rF6vND79u4mZXFyEwCLcB/s400/Dive_hand_signal_Cramps.png" width="400" /></a></span></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Image by Peter Southwood via <a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Dive_hand_signal_Cramps.png#/media/File:Dive_hand_signal_Cramps.png" target="_blank">Wikimedia Commons</a></span></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><u><b>Cramp release</b></u>
- The muscles you use when you are swimming with fins are muscles you
may not use much in your everyday life. Cramps can happen from
dehydration or working a muscle more than you're used to. Knowing how
to deal with cramps in your feet or legs is important to avoid panic
during a dive. You should be able to calmly signal to your buddy, grab
your fin tip, and stretch until the muscle has relaxed.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LABryvYCz9Y/V4UzrRI2y8I/AAAAAAAAz7I/Zb3v2qYwUoYo978N6dgse7VsyvrGwVTPQCLcB/s1600/Buoyancy_Control_Device.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="365" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LABryvYCz9Y/V4UzrRI2y8I/AAAAAAAAz7I/Zb3v2qYwUoYo978N6dgse7VsyvrGwVTPQCLcB/s400/Buoyancy_Control_Device.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Image by Von Thomei08 via <a href="https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tarierweste#/media/File:Buoyancy_Control_Device.jpg" target="_blank">Wikipedia</a></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><u><b>Dealing with a sticky BCD inflator button</b></u>
- If your BCD inflator button sticks while you are on a dive, it could
send you shooting to the surface and put you at great risk of
decompression sickness if you do not know what to do. Be familiar with
the dump valves on your BCD so you can dump out excess air from your BCD
and prevent a runaway ascent. Practice disconnecting your low pressure
inflator hose while under pressure, too, since it would need to be
disconnected if you had a sticky inflator button. To prevent your
inflator button from sticking in the first place, wash your gear well
after each use to make sure no salt crystals or sand can cause it to
stick. Also, have your gear serviced annually by a qualified
technician.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tWuP5Dl4LIw/VzyRhfX0q6I/AAAAAAAAyMI/dJbhIbsMmvE42YfN2IdGVd4iAaYO4CStwCKgB/s1600/Diving_lifting_system_-_Weight_belts.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tWuP5Dl4LIw/VzyRhfX0q6I/AAAAAAAAyMI/dJbhIbsMmvE42YfN2IdGVd4iAaYO4CStwCKgB/s400/Diving_lifting_system_-_Weight_belts.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Image by Mark.murphy via <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diving_weighting_system#/media/File:Diving_lifting_system_-_Weight_belts.JPG" target="_blank">Wikipedia</a></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><u><b>Emergency weight drop</b></u>
- It is essential to know how to quickly get rid of your weights in an
emergency. For example, if you are on the surface and you cannot keep
your head above water and your BCD is not inflating you need to drop
your weights to get positively buoyant. Being familiar with your weight
system and knowing how to quickly ditch them can save you from
drowning.</span></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Image via <a href="https://pixabay.com/en/scuba-diver-scuba-diver-padi-water-1062895/" target="_blank">Pixabay</a></span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><u><b>Buoyancy control</b></u> - Poor buoyancy control while diving can lead to ear injuries (read <a href="http://aadivers.blogspot.com/2016/07/10-tips-to-prevent-ear-injury.html" target="_blank">"10 Tips to Prevent Ear Injury"</a>),
decompression sickness, lung over-expansion injury, rapid air
consumption, hyperventilation, injuries resulting from running into sea
urchins or coral, and damaging the reef. Buoyancy control is the skill
that takes the most practice to master, but once you master it your
dives will be immeasurably more safe, relaxing, and enjoyable. </span></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Image by Peter Southwood via <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buddy_breathing#/media/File:Dive_hand_signal_Emergency_Out_of_air.png" target="_blank">Wikipedia</a></span></span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><u><b>Alternate Air source use</b></u>
- Although running out of air should never be an issue if you pay
attention to your air gauge, it is important to practice using your
buddy's alternate air source and having your buddy breathe using your
alternate air source. You should also practice swimming together while
sharing air, since it is awkward and does takes team work and
coordination. In the unlikely event that you or your buddy do run out
of air from a dive, being able to confidently perform this skill could
save you or your buddy's life.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Which of this skills
do you feel most confident with? Are there any of these skills you
haven't practiced in a while? What are you going to do to make sure
your skills are sharp before your next dive? What other skills do you
think should be on this list?</span></span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0St Thomas 00802, USVI18.335361 -64.9534009000000217.853008499999998 -65.598847900000024 18.8177135 -64.307953900000015tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2760246589580688831.post-75855039008834976012016-07-06T18:00:00.000-04:002016-07-06T18:00:02.224-04:0010 Tips to Prevent Ear Injury<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The most common injuries in scuba diving are ear injuries. Pressure increases with depth, and you must be able to "equalize" your body's air spaces to avoid injury. Equalizing means making the pressure inside your body's air spaces match the surrounding ambient pressure.</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>HERE ARE 10 TIPS TO PREVENT EAR INJURY</b></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Image by Vera Kratochvil via <a href="http://www.publicdomainpictures.net/view-image.php?image=15991">Public Domain Pictures</a></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>1. </b><u><b>DO NOT DIVE WHEN CONGESTED</b></u> - If you have a cold or allergies, mucus fills your body's air spaces, making it difficult or impossible to equalize your ears and sinuses. Air needs to be able to move freely through your ear and sinus air spaces in order to make the pressure inside of your body's air spaces equal to the surrounding pressure. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Image by ParentingPatch via <a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Sudafed_Pills_in_Package.JPG">Wikimedia</a></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>2. </b><u><b>ONLY USE MEDICATIONS WITH EXTREME CAUTION</b></u> - Some divers like to take a decongestant such as Afrin or Sudafed before a dive. These medications help to clear up congestion, but if the congestion returns during the dive you may have another problem to contend with - reverse block. Reverse block can happen if you are ascending and the expanding air cannot be released from your body's air spaces. Be careful to take decongestants close enough to your dive time so they are effective, but not too early so they do not wear off during your dive. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Image by Mojpe via <a href="https://pixabay.com/en/woman-blow-blowing-nose-hand-chief-698988/">Pixabay</a></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>3. <u>REDUCE MUCUS BEFORE & DURING THE DIVE</u></b> - As disgusting as these ideas may sound, they work. Prior to descending, blow your nose to clear the mucus from your sinuses. "<a href="http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=hock%20a%20loogie">Hock a loogie</a>" to clear your Eustachian tubes of phlegm. This will make equalizing easier during your descent. But mucus may re-accumulate, and you may need to get rid of mucus during the dive, too. I remove my mask while underwater to blow my nose and clear my air spaces of mucus, and it works for me. I would only recommend this for divers who are very comfortable removing their mask underwater. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Image by H. Zell via <a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Milk_001.JPG">Wikimedia</a></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Image by Kruscha via <a href="https://pixabay.com/en/smoking-smoke-cigarette-man-1026559/">Pixabay</a></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Image via <a href="https://www.pexels.com/photo/restaurant-mountains-alcohol-beer-8800/">Pexels</a></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>4. <u>AVOID SUBSTANCES THAT CAUSE EXCESSIVE MUCUS PRODUCTION</u></b> - Consuming milk products, tobacco, and alcohol cause your body to create more mucus. If you are someone who tends to have trouble equalizing, avoid drinking milk or having other dairy products before a dive. Smoking and drinking alcohol should always be avoided before and after diving. Smoking and drinking cause mucus to form, make it harder to equalize, and increase your risk of decompression sickness. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Image by Waltermera182 via <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ear_clearing#/media/File:Compensacion.jpg">Wikipedia</a></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>5. <u>KNOW VARIOUS EQUALIZATION TECHNIQUES</u></b> - Most divers know the "jaw wiggle" technique, the "swallow" technique, and the "pinch your nose and blow gently" technique. Relaxing your face and neck muscles while trying to equalize can make a big difference, too. Relaxing your muscles allows air to move more freely through your air spaces, while tense muscles can prevent equalization from happening. You can tilt your head to the side to elongate your Eustachian tube, the tube that connects your ears and sinuses to your throat, while trying to equalize. You can also massage your Eustachian tube to help air pass through for equalization. This works great if you have one stubborn ear, but can also be used for two stubborn ears if you alternate sides. You can combine these techniques for even better results. For more techniques, read Diver Alert Network's <a href="http://www.diversalertnetwork.org/medical/articles/download/DiversGuidetoEars.pdf">The Diver's Complete Guide to the Ear</a>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>6. <u>ALWAYS DESCEND SLOWLY AND CONTROLLED</u></b> - Most divers descend way too quickly, and put themselves at high risk of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barotrauma">barotrauma</a>, pressure related injuries. You should think of your descent like descending a ladder, rung by rung. Go slowly, equalize every two feet, and be able to stop immediately if your ears do not equalize to the depth of that rung. If you are having trouble equalizing, go up only two feet (one rung of the ladder). Going up more than that will cause unnecessary and dramatic pressure changes to your ears that are likely to hurt you. Many divers are totally unaware of exactly how much they are going up or down. Looking at your depth gauge, or better yet, your dive computer, can help you make sure you are not going up or down too far or too fast. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The best way to assure a slow, controlled descent is to use a descent line and climb up and down that line with your hands while you equalize. If surface conditions are choppy, remember that you shouldn't let the line jerk you up and down. Move your arm up and down with the waves, while your body remains at a constant depth.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gzGFzHxw9LY/V3Q5Sf6yqwI/AAAAAAAAzoI/PJYyoBLVgG4C0Bq-uzFsNcwD00IUK1NxQCLcB/s1600/Feet%2Bfirst%2Bdescent.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gzGFzHxw9LY/V3Q5Sf6yqwI/AAAAAAAAzoI/PJYyoBLVgG4C0Bq-uzFsNcwD00IUK1NxQCLcB/s400/Feet%2Bfirst%2Bdescent.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Image by Amy Kelley</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>7. <u>DESCEND FEET-FIRST</u></b> - That will allow air to rise up your Eustachian tubes and mucus to drain down. If you descend in an inverted position you will probably need to equalize more forcefully, which can lead to ear damage. Always equalize gently. </span></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UEEEkRgCarQ/V3Q63JPXaXI/AAAAAAAAzoU/xm7KFP-Ca-glhJfi0e3yoqqTPj2mIEFXACLcB/s1600/Diver%2Bon%2Bsurface.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UEEEkRgCarQ/V3Q63JPXaXI/AAAAAAAAzoU/xm7KFP-Ca-glhJfi0e3yoqqTPj2mIEFXACLcB/s400/Diver%2Bon%2Bsurface.jpeg" width="400" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Image by Julie Holmes via <a href="https://static.pexels.com/photos/51810/pexels-photo-51810.jpeg">Pexels</a></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>8. <u>EQUALIZE PROACTIVELY</u></b> - Try equalizing before your dive to make sure your ears will cooperate. Some experts say that if you practice equalizing hours before your dive, it will be easier for you to equalize during your dive. If you are unable to equalize on the surface, you will not be able to equalize underwater - and you should not dive. If you gently equalize right before you begin your descent (pre-pressurize) it may help you to equalize past those first few feet which are where the pressure change is the most dramatic. Equalize before you feel any pain or discomfort and never force an equalization. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-15c40vc_XEI/V3RCYSS9szI/AAAAAAAAzo0/6YcQsyXr7IEZcTyd9d1VTN3XuV_h3m2UwCLcB/s1600/Swim%2Babove%2Bgroup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-15c40vc_XEI/V3RCYSS9szI/AAAAAAAAzo0/6YcQsyXr7IEZcTyd9d1VTN3XuV_h3m2UwCLcB/s400/Swim%2Babove%2Bgroup.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image by Amy Kelley</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>9. <u>SWIM SLIGHTLY ABOVE THE GROUP</u></b> - If you are having a hard time equalizing but the rest of the group is beginning their dive, you can still stay with the group but at a shallower depth. This way you won't float away into the deep blue by yourself while trying to equalize, and you will not stop the group from beginning the dive. Be sure to signal to your dive guide that you are having trouble with your ears and that you will swim above the group. Take your time equalizing and descending, and only descend to a deeper depth when your ears are ready. </span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4R6-L8Y_CkU/V3RC7r5_9iI/AAAAAAAAzpA/DHsJ3kSr02cRXl6Sis4-yb2DqB4QhM2lgCLcB/s1600/Hovering.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4R6-L8Y_CkU/V3RC7r5_9iI/AAAAAAAAzpA/DHsJ3kSr02cRXl6Sis4-yb2DqB4QhM2lgCLcB/s400/Hovering.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image via <a href="https://pixabay.com/en/scuba-diver-scuba-diver-padi-water-1062895/">Pixabay</a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>10. <u>GET CONTROL OF YOUR BUOYANCY</u></b> - Good buoyancy control will help you to be in control under the water. With good buoyancy control you will have slow descents and ascents, be able to stop at any given depth if necessary, and be able to stay at a constant depth. Divers with poor buoyancy control tend to accidentally float up and sink down many times during a dive, subjecting their ears to unnecessary pressure changes. Consider signing up for a <a href="http://www.padi.com/padi-courses/peak-performance-buoyancy">Peak Performance Buoyancy</a> course with <a href="http://www.aadivers.com/">Aqua Action Dive Center</a> or your local dive shop.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Remember these 10 tips next time you go diving, and enjoy a fun and pain-free dive! To learn more, read Diver Alert Network's <a href="http://www.diversalertnetwork.org/medical/articles/Guide_to_Avoiding_Ear_Sinus_Injuries_in_Scuba_Diving">Guide to Avoiding Ear & Sinus Injuries in Scuba Diving</a> </span></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sPqloqlkePQ/V3Q-zsqSGkI/AAAAAAAAzog/FIc4Ygmzpp4b8M7asxK40nV75_kHghtNgCLcB/s1600/Blausen_0330_EarAnatomy_MiddleEar.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sPqloqlkePQ/V3Q-zsqSGkI/AAAAAAAAzog/FIc4Ygmzpp4b8M7asxK40nV75_kHghtNgCLcB/s400/Blausen_0330_EarAnatomy_MiddleEar.png" width="400" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Image by BruceBlaus via <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eustachian_tube#/media/File:Blausen_0330_EarAnatomy_MiddleEar.png">Wikipedia</a></span></td></tr>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1St Thomas 00802, USVI18.335361 -64.9534009000000217.853008499999998 -65.598847900000024 18.8177135 -64.307953900000015tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2760246589580688831.post-53657763619356805402016-06-29T18:00:00.000-04:002016-06-29T18:06:10.259-04:00Cleaning Stations - Spas of the Sea<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MUDw6jnvYbg/V3P4wXtElfI/AAAAAAAAzl8/9O3Qi4ybqeEfmrX9p2DW1LH5bJTLB5NrwCLcB/s1600/Parrotfish%2Bat%2BCleaning%2BStation.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MUDw6jnvYbg/V3P4wXtElfI/AAAAAAAAzl8/9O3Qi4ybqeEfmrX9p2DW1LH5bJTLB5NrwCLcB/s400/Parrotfish%2Bat%2BCleaning%2BStation.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Image by Amy Kelley - Stoplight Parrotfish at cleaning station</span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Believe
it or not, sea creatures have to "bathe" and visit the "dentist" to
stay healthy. They must get rid of internal and external parasites and
dead skin by getting their scales, teeth, nostrils, and gills
cleaned. </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">There
are specific spots around the reef that are known as cleaning
stations. Fish and creatures that are familiar with the reef already
know where to go, but visitors just passing through look for signs.
Cleaning stations are often on top of a coral head or in spaces between
rocks or coral heads. They are "staffed" by small fish such as wrasse
and gobies, as well as cleaner shrimp. </span></span></span></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Vuk1SN87sBQ/VzzNj1d-MsI/AAAAAAAAyOw/SizsA1K8FD0r_5CZGlrXKkV5hTjQ4xPmQCLcB/s1600/Inflatable%2Bwacky%2Bflailing%2Barm%2Btube%2Bman.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Vuk1SN87sBQ/VzzNj1d-MsI/AAAAAAAAyOw/SizsA1K8FD0r_5CZGlrXKkV5hTjQ4xPmQCLcB/s320/Inflatable%2Bwacky%2Bflailing%2Barm%2Btube%2Bman.jpg" width="240" /></a></span></span></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Image by Soratobi1 via <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Airdancer" target="_blank">Wikipedia</a></span></span></span></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a3UsjcSZ_i0/VzzW2wskn_I/AAAAAAAAyPA/YSQju2RH4wYFdMPgcbzumnd0ZuvkjykgQCLcB/s1600/_NER4096.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a3UsjcSZ_i0/VzzW2wskn_I/AAAAAAAAyPA/YSQju2RH4wYFdMPgcbzumnd0ZuvkjykgQCLcB/s320/_NER4096.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Image by Nathanial Kelley - Petersen Cleaner Shrimp</span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Cleaner
shrimp wave their antennae around wildly (much like the Wacky Waving
Inflatable Arm Flailing Tube Man) to let their "customers" know that
they are open for business. The fish and sea creatures swim up to a
cleaning station and take the proper position to indicate that they want
to be cleaned. Opening their mouth wide or inclining their body lets
the cleaners know that it's time to get down to business. </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Why
do the cleaner fish and shrimp do this? Do they get paid? Yes, they
do. In the form of food. These cleaners depend on the parasites and
tiny organisms the pluck off of their customers.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OaHOMYGqPyA/VzzaXLQ-0FI/AAAAAAAAyPM/t2z_7CPfo1kkItSPELBocRucb8m7BBngACLcB/s1600/Eel%2Bcleaning%2Bstation.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OaHOMYGqPyA/VzzaXLQ-0FI/AAAAAAAAyPM/t2z_7CPfo1kkItSPELBocRucb8m7BBngACLcB/s400/Eel%2Bcleaning%2Bstation.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Image by Saad Alafaliq via <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/saad-a/2081180623">Flickr</a> - Moray eel at a cleaning station</span></span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YGmJ3yX8buI/Vzza3j0ELhI/AAAAAAAAyPQ/iALKuPSWaZ4D5dpjR7h8WdZUpsgHT2zEACLcB/s1600/Goat%2Bfish%2Bcleaning%2Bstation.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="302" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YGmJ3yX8buI/Vzza3j0ELhI/AAAAAAAAyPQ/iALKuPSWaZ4D5dpjR7h8WdZUpsgHT2zEACLcB/s400/Goat%2Bfish%2Bcleaning%2Bstation.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Image by <span class="mw-mmv-source-author"><span class="mw-mmv-author">Philippe Bourjon via <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Labroides">Wikipedia</a> - Goat fish at a cleaning station</span></span></span></span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4kj4cmQgfS8/VzzbXB4j-II/AAAAAAAAyPY/qp3vKVYybsIU8XtNVf2lKIlD667KyDvHACLcB/s1600/Grouper%2Bcleaning%2Bstation.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4kj4cmQgfS8/VzzbXB4j-II/AAAAAAAAyPY/qp3vKVYybsIU8XtNVf2lKIlD667KyDvHACLcB/s400/Grouper%2Bcleaning%2Bstation.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Image by <span class="mw-mmv-source-author"><span class="mw-mmv-author"><a class="external text" href="http://www.flickr.com/people/rling/" rel="nofollow">Richard Ling</a> via <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cleaner_fish">Wikipedia</a> - Grouper at a cleaning station</span></span></span></span></td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">But
why don't the bigger creatures just eat the cleaners? Well, if they
did, they would throw off the natural balance that exists among the reef
creatures and the cleaners would no longer clean them. As a result,
the bigger creatures would end up covered by parasites which they cannot
remove on their own, and they would ultimately die. This relationship
of creatures working cooperatively and helping one another is called a
symbiotic relationship. </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></span>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eJaRM9pEvGU/V3PtO9szGsI/AAAAAAAAzlo/SY80-BK7i6MJgQuppaO-a8F2EgOJPIrnACLcB/s1600/Barracuda%2BSkeeter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eJaRM9pEvGU/V3PtO9szGsI/AAAAAAAAzlo/SY80-BK7i6MJgQuppaO-a8F2EgOJPIrnACLcB/s400/Barracuda%2BSkeeter.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Image by Nathanial Kelley - Great barracuda at a cleaning station</span></span></td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">It's
amazing to see this symbiotic relationship in action. Especially when
you get to see a top predator, like a barracuda, opening it's mouth,
exposing its sharp teeth, and allowing small fish and shrimp to clean
between his teeth and inside of his gills. Not to mention the bravery
of those little guys crawling into the mouth of a fish that would
happily eat them under other circumstances. But the cleaning station is
a safe zone, and they all respect that fact.</span></span></span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-do3hwAKshu4/V3P4wWNdziI/AAAAAAAAzl4/HIcMMdyKrnw1-tks6YSxdnmATjbitMZGQCLcB/s1600/Blue%2BTang%2Bat%2BCleaning%2BStation.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-do3hwAKshu4/V3P4wWNdziI/AAAAAAAAzl4/HIcMMdyKrnw1-tks6YSxdnmATjbitMZGQCLcB/s400/Blue%2BTang%2Bat%2BCleaning%2BStation.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Image by Amy Kelley - Blue tang at a cleaning station</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Next time you<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> are snorkeling or diving near a coral reef, <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">slow down <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">so you can</span></span> observe <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">the fish and their behaviors. <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Now that you know what to look for, you will likely be able to find a <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">fish visiting a cleaning station! Don't get too close, or the fish being cleaned will <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">get scared and s<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">wim away. Take a minute and watch the cleaner fish and shrimp do their job, while the b<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">igger fish enjoys his <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">spa treatme<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">nt</span></span>. </span></span></span>Isn't nature <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">incredible</span>?</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span></span></span></span> </span></span></span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2St Thomas 00802, USVI18.335361 -64.9534009000000217.853008499999998 -65.598847900000024 18.8177135 -64.307953900000015tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2760246589580688831.post-79374850940587126302016-06-22T19:22:00.000-04:002016-06-23T07:24:34.603-04:00Turtle with a long tail!<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The
other day while we were out at Capella Bay near Buck Island, some of
our divers got a rare treat! A big Hawksbill sea turtle with a REALLY
long tail swam by. None of them had ever seen a turtle like this
before. Only male sea turtles have a really long, beefy tail. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fmHIgIuyRu0/VztfV7bZM2I/AAAAAAAAyKA/gZg5iMWRKawK-t8RoD0HhPLrX9eIFoASACLcB/s1600/Male%2BHawksbill%2BPhoto.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fmHIgIuyRu0/VztfV7bZM2I/AAAAAAAAyKA/gZg5iMWRKawK-t8RoD0HhPLrX9eIFoASACLcB/s400/Male%2BHawksbill%2BPhoto.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Image by Jason Crump - Male Hawksbill sea turtle</span></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The
females have a much shorter tail, mostly hidden beneath their shell.
This is the most obvious distinguishing characteristic that helps us
identify a male from a female sea turtle. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Why is this such a rare sighting? We see sea turtles relatively <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">often (considering they are endangered species)</span>
, but over 99% of the time we are looking at female sea turtles. So
where are all of the males hiding? Male sea turtles spend most of their
lives out in open ocean. Believe it or not, life is safer for turtles
out there. But why? There is a much higher population density in the
near coastal environments. In open ocean, creatures are so spread out
that their chances of running into a predator are much less than in the
coastal areas. Male sea turtles only visit the near coastal areas to
mate with the females and then head back out to open water.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AHFkVi02wbQ/VztnzxgwOCI/AAAAAAAAyKQ/kWSW8yLuCLA26vkYlUF94_flqyJ8Tkj-gCLcB/s1600/Female%2BHawksbill.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AHFkVi02wbQ/VztnzxgwOCI/AAAAAAAAyKQ/kWSW8yLuCLA26vkYlUF94_flqyJ8Tkj-gCLcB/s400/Female%2BHawksbill.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Image by Nath<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">anial Kelley - </span>Female Hawksbill sea turtle</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The
female sea turtles have to take the risk of coming into the near
coastal areas so they can feed. They need to consume lots of calories
to get big and strong, because when they are mature they will have to
produce over 100 eggs each time they nest. Female sea turtles nest
multiple times per season. That requires a lot of energy!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">A
huge "THANK YOU!" to our friend and local diver Jason Crump for
capturing footage of this rare sighting of a male Hawksbill sea turtle
and allowing us to share it!</span><br />
<br />
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0St Thomas 00802, USVI18.335361 -64.9534009000000217.853008499999998 -65.598847900000024 18.8177135 -64.307953900000015tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2760246589580688831.post-28583010705554771902016-06-15T18:19:00.000-04:002016-06-15T18:22:24.460-04:00The Frustration of a Foggy Mask<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ndb4qMsB8U8/VzyuggWihtI/AAAAAAAAyNg/tbZxJd0Lqgo2_dWUCMKIsr_8hj3gTaDhwCLcB/s1600/Condensation.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ndb4qMsB8U8/VzyuggWihtI/AAAAAAAAyNg/tbZxJd0Lqgo2_dWUCMKIsr_8hj3gTaDhwCLcB/s400/Condensation.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Image by rkit via <a href="https://pixabay.com/en/drop-of-water-condensation-pattern-566894/">Pixabay</a></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Have
you ever had a mask that fogged up continuously? You want to enjoy the
beautiful colors of the coral reef, but all you can see is a foggy
blur? You spend more time messing around with your mask on the surface
than you do with your face in the water. You feel jealous at all of the
amazing things everyone else keep seeing. "Did you see that
octopus!?" "Did you see that flounder?" "Look, a turtle!" Despite
your most noble efforts rinsing the fog out every 10 seconds and
squinting your eyes to see past the fog, you don't see anything! </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E2WAvU18WVI/VzykyzASe0I/AAAAAAAAyMk/u0p9msRiK8MPGPVtxtr8NwKqeCI0bIOeACLcB/s1600/Snorkeler%2Bfoggy%2Bmask.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E2WAvU18WVI/VzykyzASe0I/AAAAAAAAyMk/u0p9msRiK8MPGPVtxtr8NwKqeCI0bIOeACLcB/s400/Snorkeler%2Bfoggy%2Bmask.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Image by Petr Kratochvil via <a href="http://www.publicdomainpictures.net/view-image.php?image=4267&">Public Domain Pictures</a> Edited by Amy Kelley</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Well, stress no more. With a few tricks of the trade you will be seeing clearly in no time.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">You
may notice that new masks tend to fog even more than old masks. Why is
this? When masks are assembled in the factory, a thin film of silicone
ends up on the lenses. That film helps make a water-tight seal between
the lenses and the frame of the mask, but it also causes the mask to
fog like crazy. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The coating on the lenses can be removed in a few different ways. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lIk5va_ZKnY/VzyneUQ_0CI/AAAAAAAAyMw/8RL_UWvCAe0IXtLiMPBCFunugrTOsWD_ACLcB/s1600/Toothpaste.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lIk5va_ZKnY/VzyneUQ_0CI/AAAAAAAAyMw/8RL_UWvCAe0IXtLiMPBCFunugrTOsWD_ACLcB/s320/Toothpaste.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Image by William Warby via <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/wwarby/5146809288">Flickr</a></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Toothpaste
(the white kind, that is slightly abrasive) can be used to scrub the
film off the inside lenses by rubbing it around in a circular motion. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JBK2JESf9x0/VzyoiRil8OI/AAAAAAAAyM8/CA2-weHEY143GqyBBD8efxPQcmHIIrhlwCLcB/s1600/softscrub.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JBK2JESf9x0/VzyoiRil8OI/AAAAAAAAyM8/CA2-weHEY143GqyBBD8efxPQcmHIIrhlwCLcB/s320/softscrub.jpg" width="227" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Image by Christian Carter via <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ICkoYRiDdKo">YouTube</a></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">You could also use soft scrub to do the same thing. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7elr194I5R8/Vzypnqdt6fI/AAAAAAAAyNI/qni5CksdSfQDnMoQEb7EUt778lCijB8CwCLcB/s1600/lighter.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7elr194I5R8/Vzypnqdt6fI/AAAAAAAAyNI/qni5CksdSfQDnMoQEb7EUt778lCijB8CwCLcB/s320/lighter.jpg" width="216" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Image by Sun Ladder via <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bic_%28company%29#/media/File:BIC_lighter_2008-12-31.jpg">Wikipedia</a></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The
quickest and easiest way to remove the film is by burning it off.
Carefully take a lighter and move the flame around the inside of the
lenses. It is important that you do not burn the silicone mask skirt or
yourself when you do this. When you notice a black film appearing, you
will know that you are burning off the silicone residue. Let it cool,
then wipe away the film with a paper towel or tissue. You can repeat
this process until the black residue is no longer appearing.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">After
you have removed the silicone film and the lenses have cooled, you can
apply a commercial defog solution for best results. We sell Trident
de-fog at the dive shop here in Secret Harbor. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lblN395KEKo/VzysoLbi3bI/AAAAAAAAyNU/u3uf_ztHgBUqL6KTHKGv3DXKDr5woAZaQCLcB/s1600/Baby%2Bshampoo.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lblN395KEKo/VzysoLbi3bI/AAAAAAAAyNU/u3uf_ztHgBUqL6KTHKGv3DXKDr5woAZaQCLcB/s320/Baby%2Bshampoo.png" width="136" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Image by Stephanie-inlove via <a href="http://stephanie-inlove.deviantart.com/art/baby-shampoo-311193044">Deviant Art</a></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The
next best option is using diluted baby shampoo. Any soap would work,
but the "No tears" aspect of baby shampoo makes it better. As a last
resort, if you don't have anything else, spit can also do the
trick...but it doesn't work as well or last as long. The key to
using any defog solution is to apply it right before entering the water,
and only give it a light rinse so the residue from the defog is still
on the lenses. If the lenses have a slippery coating, <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">any condensation will <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">bead-up and fall down to the bottom of the mask, leaving your view crystal clear.</span></span> </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KSdMCc6ZrXE/VzyvwaAdvII/AAAAAAAAyNo/fwT-pkDrHxwQhPHlA-TKACJO2xJeuEH3gCLcB/s1600/temperature-157127_640-1.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KSdMCc6ZrXE/VzyvwaAdvII/AAAAAAAAyNo/fwT-pkDrHxwQhPHlA-TKACJO2xJeuEH3gCLcB/s320/temperature-157127_640-1.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Image by OpenClipartVectors via <a href="https://pixabay.com/en/temperature-warm-hot-cold-weather-157127/">Pixabay</a></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">If
your skin is significantly warmer than the water temperature, the
temperature difference will cause the inside of your mask to condensate
more. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PSDGUvEeF38/VzyxpKUt1gI/AAAAAAAAyN0/3jUysGJYCkM_uNauretvIHD5B9_dFGh4gCLcB/s1600/Face_in_water.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="250" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PSDGUvEeF38/VzyxpKUt1gI/AAAAAAAAyN0/3jUysGJYCkM_uNauretvIHD5B9_dFGh4gCLcB/s400/Face_in_water.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image by Rudyasho via <a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Face_in_water.jpg">Wikimedia Commons</a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">To minimize this effect, submerge or splash your face to let your skin cool before putting your mask on.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Happy snorkeling! I hope your next time out on the water is fog-free and full of amazing fish and creature sightings!</span></span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Oo-zyZqU5BE/Vzyyr6VzA-I/AAAAAAAAyN8/tWevuLckw3IO2p01L8_75udOMyIclBb4QCLcB/s1600/GOPR0102%2B%25282%2529.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="388" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Oo-zyZqU5BE/Vzyyr6VzA-I/AAAAAAAAyN8/tWevuLckw3IO2p01L8_75udOMyIclBb4QCLcB/s400/GOPR0102%2B%25282%2529.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Image by Amy Kelley</span></td></tr>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0St Thomas 00802, USVI18.335361 -64.9534009000000217.853008499999998 -65.598847900000024 18.8177135 -64.307953900000015tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2760246589580688831.post-7502677496292442352016-06-08T17:00:00.000-04:002016-06-29T13:47:00.267-04:00What's that crackling sound?<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Have
you ever noticed that if you put your ears in the water near a coral
reef, you can hear a crackling sound? <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">T</span>hat sound is produced by the
many species of parrotfish, sea urchins, and snapping shrimp! </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Parrotfish are one of the most abundant
and colorful larger fish to be seen on the coral reef. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0KvDSRxBPz4/Vz9tp03pNfI/AAAAAAAAyQc/McAwLsBMEmMfbA9Rzz3nTQJsTQrn3VPMwCLcB/s1600/Princess%2Bparrotfish.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0KvDSRxBPz4/Vz9tp03pNfI/AAAAAAAAyQc/McAwLsBMEmMfbA9Rzz3nTQJsTQrn3VPMwCLcB/s400/Princess%2Bparrotfish.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Princess Parrotfish - Image by Laszlo Ilyes via <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/laszlo-photo/166325035" target="_blank">Flickr</a></span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iTswRGLhwBo/Vz9tp6oG4wI/AAAAAAAAyQg/36LZ0bLiSdAxhGLxIUaABVM0dqLns8lSACLcB/s1600/Stoplight-parrotfish.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iTswRGLhwBo/Vz9tp6oG4wI/AAAAAAAAyQg/36LZ0bLiSdAxhGLxIUaABVM0dqLns8lSACLcB/s400/Stoplight-parrotfish.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Stoplight Parrotfish - Image by Adona9 via <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parrotfish" target="_blank">Wikipedia</a></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span></span><br /></span>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-brJubTkK0Y8/Vz9upJPAjEI/AAAAAAAAyQo/0g6ywWuSwzQezQQifShNTw621LCvFaCyACLcB/s1600/Queen_parrotfish_Scarus_vetula_%25284658271432%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-brJubTkK0Y8/Vz9upJPAjEI/AAAAAAAAyQo/0g6ywWuSwzQezQQifShNTw621LCvFaCyACLcB/s400/Queen_parrotfish_Scarus_vetula_%25284658271432%2529.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Queen Parrotfish - Image by Amada44 via <a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Queen_parrotfish_Scarus_vetula_%284658271432%29.jpg" target="_blank">Wikimedia Commons</a></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Here in Secret Harbor and around the Virgin Islands you are likely to see numerous princess parrotfish, stoplight parrotfish, queen parrotfish,
and various others. Parrotfish are named for their bright colors and fused
teeth that resemble a beak. They predominantly use their pectoral fins
to propel themselves through the water, moving them up and down like miniature wings.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzROYhrzgpSS1Qk9B6SNh_o2Xt9w9MEoYFnrb4-Nys23DJOTw-OckvLUPGo9s-cu4f3AT9Ci0KtWpDA7Mdp9A' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Video by Amy Kelley</span> - Parrot<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">fish ea<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">ting</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">That
crackling noise you hear is made by the parrotfish eating. They scrape
algae and coral polyps from the reef, often breaking off chunks of the
coral's limestone skeleton. </span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Sound travels about four times faster and <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">farther <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">in</span> </span></span>water than it does <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">in </span></span>air<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">.</span> That's why you can hear <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">so many parrotfish munching on the reef at <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">any given moment</span>! </span></span></span>They crunch and grind down the limestone,
digesting the organic matter and getting rid of the indigestible bits.
</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwn5gTX8-1KSTc8CxNo-ImHJ8K5EgSnWoMYvI7VLH-X9TrO2E4BrxZ4q-XN-dBiKFIKIAi4SY5SIk2dbaIA0Q' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Video by Amy Kelley - Parrotfish pooping</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">If you watch them for a while, you will see them magically make sand
when they poop out the crushed limestone debris. Thanks to the
parrotfish for keeping our beaches beautiful and full of sand! </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Check out this hilarious but informative video. </span></span></div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/k_OyfZO3M58/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/k_OyfZO3M58?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Video by <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJr-DHvoXZlnrO06kTqoUNA" target="_blank">Sisbro Studios</a> via <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k_OyfZO3M58" target="_blank">YouTube</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Here's a great article and video by Scientific American: <a href="http://www.scientificamerican.com/video/parrot-fish-poop-makes-beautiful-beaches/" target="_blank">Parrotfish Poop Makes Beautiful Beaches</a></span></span><br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dw6BfH4JIcmhlkfeaGCsNZFlkvHBip3AnuoGRNA6zKPZz_Km2-QNyWVApuEu_Pc07wCjUDVhJOTeNs9Mn5oNA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Vi<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">deo by Amy Kelley - Long spin<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">e sea urchin</span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Sea urchins also contribute to the crackling sound on the reef. They <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">mainly eat algae<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">, scraping it off of coral and rocks using 5 teeth-like plates on the bottom of their bodies. <a href="http://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/offtrack/sounds-of-sea-urchins/6506616">Listen to a s</a><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/offtrack/sounds-of-sea-urchins/6506616">ymphony of sea urchins</a> via ABC Austra<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">lia<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> and scientist An<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">n Jones.</span></span></span></span></span></span> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span></span></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KonRxWDPiSc/V3QBzcqLekI/AAAAAAAAzmM/OznEVHrITvY6rXAfmk44pkOZfuFU8tXlwCLcB/s1600/Gobi%2Band%2BSnapping%2BShrimp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KonRxWDPiSc/V3QBzcqLekI/AAAAAAAAzmM/OznEVHrITvY6rXAfmk44pkOZfuFU8tXlwCLcB/s400/Gobi%2Band%2BSnapping%2BShrimp.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Image <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">b</span>y Steve Childs <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">via</span> <a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=12894255">Flickr</a>: Gobi and shrimp</span></td></tr>
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</span></span> Snapping shrimp use a specialized claw to produce a lou<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">d <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">snapping <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">sou<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">nd</span> for <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">defense,</span> hunt<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">ing</span>, and communication p<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">urpose<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">s.<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">You can often find them han<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">g</span>ing out with gobies and hiding inside of corkscrew anemones. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzf2yCR8W7wTINoL8A897-cYoAq6JdDePKDPTS4MfFTXt91UYL3aOJzVfyTgPRsbOfF9bI-1qGuDYWBjkdlAg' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Video by Amy Kelle<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">y - Snapping shrimp</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.aadivers.com/">Aqua Action Dive Center</a> rents and sells snorkel gear if you'd like to snorkel in Secret Harbor and <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">observe <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">this underwater symphony first-hand</span></span>! Or better yet, come <a href="http://www.aadivers.com/training.php#DSD">try scuba diving</a> with us so you can spend some time under the sea and get an even closer <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">encounter with </span>our colorful fish and creatures!</span><br />
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Aqua Action Dive Centerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02509865980805709597noreply@blogger.com0St Thomas 00802, USVI18.335361 -64.9534009000000217.853008499999998 -65.598847900000024 18.8177135 -64.307953900000015tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2760246589580688831.post-70244539500053208222016-06-01T16:53:00.001-04:002016-06-01T16:53:06.015-04:00What happened to this shark?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b><i>WARNING! GRAPHIC IMAGES</i></b> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Sharks are one of my favorite animals. They are beautiful, graceful, intelligent, and powerful. They are an important apex predator and they keep the ocean in balance and healthy. I love seeing sharks in the wild. My latest encounter with a shark while on a dive was a shocking one, and I will never forget it.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">We were diving Cow Rock, probably the most famous dive site near St. Thomas in the US Virgin Islands. It is located inside of a marine sanctuary, so the reef is especially healthy. Cow Rock is a dive site with abundant marine life, colorful corals and sponges, numerous swim-throughs. It is not uncommon to see a reef shark or a nurse shark on a dive at Cow.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">This time we saw a <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caribbean_reef_shark">Caribbean Reef Shark</a>. These sharks are usually seen swimming along the reef, but this one was on the bottom. They are usually very shy, but this shark didn't move at all. As we approached to get a closer look, we saw that the back section of it's body was missing! It was clearly dead. This broke my heart, but also made me want to investigate to understand how this could have happened. I decided to spend my entire 45 minute dive investigating and taking photos to try to solve this mystery.</span> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">The shark was severed completely, and everything behind the pelvic fin was gone. Had it been intact, I think it would have been between 4 and 5 feet in length. Sharks do not have any bone, just cartilage. Would that have made it easier to tear apart? It seemed like it had been there a day or two, since there was some slimy algae growth beginning on its skin, and the flesh was starting to break down.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I'm pretty sure it was a female, since I did not see any claspers near her pevic fins. </span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Claspers are used by mating males to transfer sperm to the female. </span>Male sharks and rays have a set of claspers at the back of their pelvic fin while females do not. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">There were distinct bite marks, especially on the left side of the shark. It had to have been a sizable creature, based on the bite marks. If you look closely, you can see a less dramatic mark of where the top teeth of the predator dug into its prey on the top of this shark's back. Sharks can unhinge their jaws, so their bite mark can be very big and almost circular.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> I searched for teeth from the predator, since they often lose teeth when eating. Sharks have multiple rows of teeth, and when they lose one, a tooth from the next row will move forward to take its place. If I could find a tooth, maybe it could help me to identify the shark or estimate the size of the shark that left these marks. Unfortunately, I did not find any lost teeth.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">On her right side there were some more bite marks and some scratches. I'm not sure that these were inflicted by the same predator.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I was a surprised not to see too many creatures taking advantage of a dead shark on the reef. It seems like it would be an easy meal. I did see lots of fire worms and a brittle star. And after I stirred things up a little bit with my investigation, some damselfish, yellowtail snapper, and a coney came by to check it out. My husband was standing watch, and he later told me that he saw two other sharks in the distance, but they were not comfortable approaching with us there. The sound of our bubbles often deters sharks too.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I was still unsure what had happened to this beautiful creature. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">It was a shame that this shark's life had ended prematurely, but I decided that I would not let it be in vain. </span><span style="font-size: small;">I wanted to figure out what happened to her, learn something new from this encounter, and educate others. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Getting to look into her prehistoric eyes, her complex gills, her powerful mouth and getting close enough to see her ampullae of Lorenzini was an amazing experience on a scientific level. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">It is a common myth that sharks have poor vision. This is quite untrue. Their vision in the water is up to ten times better than humans' vision. Looking into these amazing eyes inspired me to do some research and learn more. You can read more about shark eyesight by reading this article by <a href="http://www.sharksavers.org/en/education/biology/myth-sharks-have-poor-vision1/">Shark Savers</a>.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">This shark we found had 5 gills on each side. Reef sharks are Requiem sharks, a type of shark that needs to move water through its mouth and over its gills to breathe. Oxygen is absorbed into the shark's blood vessels and delivered throughout his/her body. That is why you normally see reef sharks swimming along the reef and not resting on the bottom. You can learn more about sharks' gills and their anatomy by reading this article by <a href="http://www.sharktrust.org/en/gills">Shark Trust.</a> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ampullae_of_Lorenzini">Ampullae of Lorenzini</a> may just look like tiny pores on a shark's skin, but they are so much more interesting than that. They are an interconnected system of jelly-filled sensory organs that help sharks detect electrical fields in the water. The ampullae of Lorenzini enable sharks to find prey by sensing their muscle contractions, to sense temperature changes, and to navigate their way through the water by sensing Earth's magnetic field!</span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aPYu8E0x_EM/V085pWt8v_I/AAAAAAAAyUc/abot2G6f1lIAn9bF6RuW8pbkB6Ev3M95wCLcB/s1600/1012px-Electroreceptors_in_a_sharks_head.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="245" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aPYu8E0x_EM/V085pWt8v_I/AAAAAAAAyUc/abot2G6f1lIAn9bF6RuW8pbkB6Ev3M95wCLcB/s400/1012px-Electroreceptors_in_a_sharks_head.png" width="400" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Image by Chris_huh via <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ampullae_of_Lorenzini#/media/File:Electroreceptors_in_a_sharks_head.svg">Wikipedia</a></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I hope this is the last time I see a dead shark. It was both fascinating but heartbreaking at the same time. Though the mystery has not been completely solved, my guess is that she was killed by another shark. Either she was injured or ill, or in a dispute over territory. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Other theories that I heard people say were:</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>She was hit and killed by a boat propeller - </b>I don't think this is true, since reef sharks are not surface feeders. They mostly eat fish, rays, and cephalopods (squid & octopus). Also, the nature of her wounds did not look like a propeller to me. Finally, she was found in a place that would make it highly unlikely to find boats because the dive site Cow Rock is a definite navigational hazard and the boat would be at extremely high risk of going aground.</span></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>Fishermen killed her - </b>I don't think this is true either. First of all, this is inside of a Marine Sanctuary (though that doesn't necessarily stop some people). Secondly, the fins were still on the shark and the meatiest, most valuable part of the shark was not taken. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">In trying to figure out possible causes of death I came across some extremely interesting videos, which raised new questions:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.discovery.com/tv-shows/shark-week/videos/shark-mating/">Shark mating on the Discovery Channel</a> - A male shark bites down on a female's pectoral fin to pin her down so he can mate with her. Was our shark the victim of a mating attempt gone wrong? Interesting possibility, but I don't think so because the bite marks weren't right over her pectoral fin. Plus, eating half of the female would not be a productive way to make baby sharks!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.newsweek.com/shark-seoul-aquarium-turf-war-421295">A female shark eats a smaller male shark in an aquarium in South Korea on Newsweek</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The aquarium official think that this was a turf war. The female shark was tired of being bumped into by the male shark. He was in her space. Watching this video really helped me to understand that this clearly is possible. There are known to be a couple of reef sharks at Cow Rock, and maybe this female was in another shark's zone. But her tail was bitten off, unlike in the video where the whole shark was eaten, head first.</span></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfwx98Wty7LhdlkxL5PZyLA">Barcroft TV</a> posted this amazing video: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uqimOYOQjJ8">Orcas Vs Shark: Killer Whales Take Down Tiger Shark</a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">This made me realize that there are, indeed, apex predators even above the shark. Bigger sharks and killer whales are definitely capable of killing a shark. Not to mention humans, the most vicious apex predator of all. This doesn't mean that I think an Orca killed this shark, but it does prove to me that there are apex predators capable of taking down a 5 foot reef shark. I found <a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=shark+eats+reef+shark&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjylYGZvIfNAhVJLyYKHaNNDdIQ_AUIBygB&biw=1252&bih=591#q=shark+eats+blacktip&tbm=isch&tbas=0">one image</a> that really makes me think another shark could have done this to her.<br /> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> <span style="font-size: small;">Although I am pretty sure her death </span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">was all natural and unrelated to humans, please keep in mind that shark populations are incredibly important to our planet. Without sharks, the apex predator of the ocean, Earth's largest ecosystem would not be able to stay healthy. Without a healthy ocean, our planet cannot survive. </span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Read more about why sharks are important at <a href="http://www.sharkallies.com/aboutsharks/why-sharks-are-important">Sharkallies.com</a>. </span></span>According to <a href="http://www.iflscience.com/plants-and-animals/how-many-sharks-do-humans-kill-hour">this article by IFLScience</a>, humans are responsible for killing between 100 million and 273 million sharks per year. </span></span></span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.sapphirecoastdiscovery.com.au/wp-content/uploads/historic_pops.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://www.sapphirecoastdiscovery.com.au/wp-content/uploads/historic_pops.jpg" height="412" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image by ReefQuest Conservation via <a href="http://www.elasmo-research.org/conservation/collapse.htm">Biology of Sharks and Rays</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Their populations have decreased drastically, and we need to do all we can to save them. For starters, do not support restaurants that serve shark. Sadly, there are a few here in the Virgin Islands. Next, do not support fishing operations that hunt sharks. Finally, get involved in ocean conservation efforts. Even something as simple as signing a petition to save sharks can make a difference. </span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Here is a video clip of our strange shark encounter.</span></span></span></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzpkkfmCwtz1CSWYf7_Vio8gQMf7ubqY20cHEBJ8394bBGkpH7buX1tny2jeHfeda2KOdukTVu5akzXwSPglQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Video by Amy Kelley</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span> </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"> I would love to hear your comments. I am very eager to solve this mystery, so please share this blog with any shark experts you may know!</span></span></span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com6St Thomas 00802, USVI18.335361 -64.9534009000000217.853008499999998 -65.598847900000024 18.8177135 -64.307953900000015tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2760246589580688831.post-76903750468211378202016-05-25T20:00:00.000-04:002016-05-25T20:32:50.855-04:00Why is that fish following me?<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Have
you ever felt like a fish was following you? Maybe you're hanging out
at Secret Harbour Beach in the shallow sandy area, digging your toes
into the sand, and suddenly you are surrounded by fish! Or maybe you're
snorkeling and a fish follows you around like you're its new best
friend. You may have noticed that stingrays often have a fish following
them around or seen pictures of fish following big sharks. Are they
buddies? </span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">There
is a very common behavior among fish called "Shadow Feeding." A fish
hangs in the shadows of another creature, following them around in hope
that somehow they will get an easy snack.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/54/Palometa_Trachinotus_goodei_%282443785914%29.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/54/Palometa_Trachinotus_goodei_%282443785914%29.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></span></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Image by Paul Asman and Jill Lenoble via <a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Palometa_Trachinotus_goodei_%282443785914%29.jpg">Wikimedia Commons</a> - Palometa Jack</span></span></span></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">When
you are walking through the sand, you are potentially stirring up tiny
organisms like little worms, shrimp, or crabs, which the fish near your
feet hope to gobble up. That is why the silvery palometa jack and other
fish are often hanging around near your feet at the beach. If you want
to attract fish, stir up some sand! </span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sfxl0VODWDg/VzxmgAdpNwI/AAAAAAAAyLE/aX7treSDaq0bBP7HuNcjhK1_8jY5ByrUACLcB/s1600/Barracuda%2BSkeeter.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="298" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sfxl0VODWDg/VzxmgAdpNwI/AAAAAAAAyLE/aX7treSDaq0bBP7HuNcjhK1_8jY5ByrUACLcB/s400/Barracuda%2BSkeeter.jpg" title="By Nathanial Kelley" width="400" /></a></span></span></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Image by Nathanial Kelley - Great Barracuda</span></span></span></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">When
you are snorkeling or scuba diving and find a fish following you, it
may be using you as camouflage so it can hide from potential predators,
or to sneak up on potential prey. It may also be hoping that you (the
bigger "fish") catch some prey and they get to feed on the remnants of
your meal. I have had barracuda, Atlantic spade fish, grey angelfish,
bar jack, and many other fish species follow me while diving or
snorkeling. Don't worry, despite their menacing teeth, the barracuda
have no desire to eat you!</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/4f/Southern_stingray_st_croix2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="300" src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/4f/Southern_stingray_st_croix2.jpg" title="By NOAA CCMA Biogeography Team [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons" width="400" /></a></span></span></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Image by </span></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">NOAA CCMA Biogeography Team via <a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Southern_stingray_st_croix2.jpg">Wikimedia Commons</a> - Southern Stingray with shadow-feeding Jack</span><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span></span></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span></span><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxyVnQf9WHLfWl44M7x5QTOWtvM9xNN9GXGBha_zJpzQCnjkvuGANtAAWtiF9vAA0-4kJ9zUS1OixH2xk-HYQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Video by Amy Kelley</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Many
times you will see a bar jack following along with a stingray. The bar
jack is also shadow feeding, hoping to get an easy meal when the
stingray stirs up the sand. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-w3FsqZyOk7U/VzyBrOY2-lI/AAAAAAAAyL0/u7Y4ubCUcAMDptScBnPjE6ghO1nkTjaQACLcB/s1600/Pilot%2Bfish%2Band%2Bshark.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="266" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-w3FsqZyOk7U/VzyBrOY2-lI/AAAAAAAAyL0/u7Y4ubCUcAMDptScBnPjE6ghO1nkTjaQACLcB/s400/Pilot%2Bfish%2Band%2Bshark.jpg" title="By No machine-readable author provided. Peterkoelbl assumed (based on copyright claims). - No machine-readable source provided. Own work assumed (based on copyright claims)., CC BY-SA 2.5, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=802268" width="400" /></a></span></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Image by Peterkoelbl via <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pilot_fish">Wikipedia</a> - Pilot fish following an oceanic whitetip shark</span> </span></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">A
fish called a pilot fish often accompanies sharks, rays, or whales in
hope of getting some tasty crumbs from the larger creatures meal, or
finding ectoparasites they can pick off the larger creature. </span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2_CU3uKoVyU/VzxqqKvFK6I/AAAAAAAAyLY/eI3Mv8CilkwDnrNjAycovxf2vdfv0cVKACLcB/s1600/Turtle%2Bwith%2BRemora.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2_CU3uKoVyU/VzxqqKvFK6I/AAAAAAAAyLY/eI3Mv8CilkwDnrNjAycovxf2vdfv0cVKACLcB/s400/Turtle%2Bwith%2BRemora.jpg" title="by Giorgio Galeotti" width="400" /></a></span></span></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Image by <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/fotodispalle/">Giorgio Galeotti</a> <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">- </span></span></span>Green Sea Turtle with Remora</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span></span><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxRspGgaMN8um0737xw5l2rp2ozTpcTse6rX5jCvraA7GgBkv_YVcGGv1QUXxjm_tqhGa7uaTRWUvGbnrXpXg' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Video by A<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">my Kelley</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Remora
often cling onto or follow turtles, sharks, and other bigger creatures
to feed off their ectoparasites or catch a free meal when their host
feeds. I've even had remora try to cling onto me! </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span></span><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwOoyOKCJLtLDUhXHnZOF16eGBM838_-PX0JXtA37u4wtByqdntDv81kKSXyh9tMumE-cezSjlmwQQSV96HQA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Video by Amy Kelley</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Next
time you are diving or snorkeling and are fortunate enough to have a
"buddy" follow you or notice an "odd couple", take a moment to
appreciate and observe their behavior. Now you know what the are really
up to! Fish are much more intelligent than most people give them
credit for. </span></span></span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2St Thomas 00802, USVI18.335361 -64.9534009000000217.853008499999998 -65.598847900000024 18.8177135 -64.307953900000015