RESEARCHERS IN HAWAIIAN ISLANDS FIND HIGHEST RATES OF UNIQUE MARINE SPECIES
A team of researchers including scientists from NOAA, Hawaii Institute of Marine Biology, the Bishop Museum and DAN recently concluded an expedition to Hawaii’s Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument, where they were the fi rst to dive on several open-ocean seamounts in the monument. Many of the deep reefs surveyed showed 100 percent of the fi shes
we recorded were unique to the Hawaiian archipelago, which is the highest level of endemism recorded from any marine ecosystem on Earth. During the trip, scientists also recorded numerous species of marine life never before seen, including a possible new species of seahorse and a sea star not previously found in Hawaii. Survey depths were up to 300’ (90m).
Possible national marine sanctuaries identifi ed
US President Barack Obama recently announced that two new marine areas are being considered by NOAA for designation as national marine sanctuaries. These new protected waters, one off the coast of Maryland and the other in Lake Michigan in Wisconsin, would be the fi rst new national marine sanctuaries designated by the US federal government in 15 years. The 875-square mile (2266 sqkm) area identifi ed in Lake Michigan contains 39 known shipwrecks, 15 of which are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Also identifi ed was a 14-square mile (36sqkm) area of the tidal Potomac River next to Charles County in Maryland. The public is invited to submit comments until Jan. 15, 2016. More information can be found at:
sanctuaries.noaa.gov/mallows-bay &
sanctuaries.noaa.gov/wisconsin
NEWS BITES
OUT OF THIS WORLD DIVING?
NASA recently confi rmed evidence that liquid water fl ows on Mars. Using an imaging spectrometer from NASA's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter, researchers detected signatures of hydrated salts on slopes where mysterious streaks are seen on the Red Planet. These darkish streaks appear to ebb and fl ow over time. Although not evidence of life, it is a signifi cant development, where there's water, there's often life. Reports of a Mars Diver Distinctive Specialty certifi cation are unfounded.
The schooner,
Home, is one of the oldest shipwrecks discovered in Wisconsin
DIVE HARD AT ISLAND TEC RETREAT
Offi cially launching at this years DEMA Show, 'Island Tec Retreat' is a fi rst-of-its-kind series of worldwide technical diving getaways. Island Tec Retreat is a succession of week-
long events, each staged at various fi rst class resorts located around the globe. Each event is hosted by a renowned diving pioneer and explorer. It off ers divers the unique chance to demo a range of technical diving gear, from rebreathers to side mount, all in a controlled environment, and under the watchful eye of a highly experienced crew. The globe trotting dive vacation is not
just for technical divers, however. The aim is to off er a platform for recreational divers to dip into the world of tec diving, to try the
gear, to speak to experts and to gain a better understanding, before pursuing further. Organizers say, "We refuse to accept a
division between recreational and technical divers or diving. It is really about people who have a love for ocean exploration, looking to take advantage of emerging technologies so they can extend their range and abilities.” The event has already attracted attention
from DIVER contributor Jill Heinerth, as well as Divers Alert Network. Island Tec Retreat organizers plan to secure
a further six destinations, in addition to the three already scheduled. Each will be hosted by a diff erent industry pioneer. For more visit:
www.islandtecretreat.com
WOMEN DIVERS HALL OF FAME SCHOLARSHIPS WDHOF provides opportunities
MARINE LIFE MAKES NEW REEF HOME
to the international diving community through a series of
scholarships and training grants that provide financial and educational support to individuals of all ages, particularly those who are preparing for professional careers that involve diving. Some scholarships are open to both genders. Scholarships are offered in dive medicine, marine conservation, marine biology, underwater archaeology, marine education, journalism, graphic arts, or photography. They are intended to support tuition and fees, independent research, and/or internship programs at accredited universities. Training grants provide funding for diver and related underwater training and, for some awards, scuba equipment. The deadline for receipt of applications is November 20, 2015 at midnight U.S. Eastern Standard Time. Only online submissions will be accepted.
www.wdhof.org
The Artifi cial Reef Society of BC says marine life is adapting well to the 6-month old artifi cial reef and former Canadian destroyer, HMCS Annapolis. Schools of shiner perch, and some small rockfi sh have been spotted on her decks, as well as thousands of shrimp making the ship their new home. Divers have been fl ocking to the reef since April.
www.divermag.com 15
NATIONAL OCEAN EXPLORATION FORUM
Taking place November 19-20, the forum will provide an opportunity for organizations like NOAA and the National Research Council to establish baseline standards and share ideas for exploring unknown ocean areas and phenomena, and to provide incentives to build partnerships to accelerate the pace of ocean exploration.
Photo: Walter B. Allen
Photo: NASA
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