I recently got a phone call from Ronda Moniz, a member of the old and famous Boston Sea Rovers dive club.  For 55 years, they have sponsored an annual Underwater Clinic and Film Festival.  This event is very popular with divers from all over the country.  At her request, I am providing a copy of the press release announcing their next event.

The Boston Sea Rovers

Underwater Clinic and Film Festival

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The Boston Sea Rovers, one of this country’s oldest and most prestigious dive clubs, have announced they will be sponsoring their historic 55^th Annual Underwater Clinic March 6^th – 8^th, 2008 at the Fairmont Copley Plaza Hotel, St. James Avenue, Boston, Massachusetts. This year’s event is sure to uphold their time-honored tradition to “Raise the Level of Knowledge of the Underwater World”. Features of the Clinic include over forty daytime seminars covering every aspect of scuba diving and the marine environment, including a dozen detailed workshops on advanced diving techniques, a world class evening film festival, and, with over sixty booths, the largest display of dive equipment and services in New England for the year. Tickets at the door for the evening show are $25 per person, and tickets for the Clinic Saturday, which includes exhibit displays and the diverse programs offered, are $25. On Sunday, admission is $20, children under 12 are free, and admission for students with valid ID and Senior Citizens is only $15. Daytime events run from 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM on Saturday, March 7^th, and 9:30 AM - 4:30 PM on Sunday, March 8^th. Exhibit hall opens 15 minutes prior.

The spectacular Saturday Evening Film Festival is one of the most prestigious in the underwater world. The Saturday Evening Film Festival runs from 8:00 PM to 10:30 PM, and will be held at the John Hancock Hall, two blocks from the hotel.
The Sea Rovers are a not-for-profit, volunteer organization dedicated to increasing the awareness and appreciation of the marine environment. A portion of the proceeds benefits scholarships, and SeaMark, an organization dedicated to helping children with disabilities. Anyone interested in purchasing tickets or obtaining further information should call (617) 424-9899, write to the Boston Sea Rovers, P.O. Box 935, Bedford, MA 01730-0935, or visit our website at http://www.bostonsearovers.com.

We wish the Boston Sea Rovers great success with this event.  Maybe some of our readers will be in the area and can make plans to attend this event.

Phil Ellis

Discount Scuba Gear at DiveSports.com

In tight economic times, divers begin looking for ways to enjoy our great sport without spending a ton of money.  Short, weekend trips become all the rage when money and time are short.  Here in Alabama, we are fortunate to be close to lots of great scuba diving.  Our panhandle coast destinations in Panama City, Destin, and Pensacola provide ocean shipwreck diving that rivals almost anywhere.

We are also fortunate to have easy access to the some of the best freshwater diving in the country.  The natural springs of central Florida and the Florida panhandle  provide some amazing diving.  If you haven’t taken advantage of these great fresh-water resources,  maybe this would be the year.  For those who might have forgotten just how good this diving can be, we have provided a image that will make you forget the cold weather and head just a little bit south for some simply amazing diving.

We are in the process of planning some weekend, fresh-water diving trips for the 2009 diving season.  If you have particular dates you would like to travel and particular sites you would like to visit, give us a call and maybe we can plan a weekend group trip that fits your travel needs.

Phil Ellis

Fun Group Dive Travel with DiveSports.com

About the Image Above: This image was provided to us by our friend Matthew Bull, or “SuPrBuGmAn” as he is known on ScubaBoard.com.  Matthew took this photograph in 2004 at Cypress Springs.  Matthew made a great photograph here, but he also had a great subject.  Looking at this picture surely makes you want to explore the fresh-water springs of Florida.  We will be providing you with a few more of Matthew’s photographic gems in future posts.

After posting the cool video of divers interacting with a big Goliath Grouper about a week ago, and after reading a heated debate thread on ScubaBoard questioning the need to reopen the Goliath Grouper fishery in the United States, I starting searching YouTube and  found this amazing video taken near Jupiter, Florida in September of 2008.  Spear fishermen were swimming a local reef and came upon an entire school of these gigantic fish.  There must be 30 to 50 of these monsters, most as large as 400 pounds.  Take a look at this video and you will see that, regardless of the past prospects of this species in Florida, they are making a big come-back now.

Phil Ellis

www.divesports.com

The beauty and diversity in the world’s oceans provide us with an amazing variety of species that are both colorful and unique in their habits.   As  scuba divers, we have unique opportunities to see this variety in real life, under completely natural conditions.   Seeing a  clownfish in nature is surely one of the real  treats for divers lucky enough to have the experience.

The clownfish gained the attention of the world as a result of the release of a popular movie in 2003.  Since that blockbuster release, people young and old alike  know Nemo, the adorable little clownfish.  Through excellent cartoon animation, the  lovable little character introduced many people to the vast wonders of the underwater world, and began a love affair with a single fish species that was unmatched in previous history.  Just like the cartoon character Nemo, real clownfish are a pleasure to watch and their real life actions appear to demonstrate a personality that all can understand.

The clownfish is native to  a narrow stretch of the worlds oceans around the tropical reaches of the Pacific and the Indian Ocean.  Clownfish are also found in northwestern Australia, Japan, and Malaysia.  These colorful fish grow to a length of 2 to 5 inches, and are almost always found in the vicinity of their only natural protection, the sea anemone.  In almost all sightings, clownfish are found in pairs in the anemone.  The connection between the clownfish and the sea anemone is a critical symbiotic relationship, possibly one of the most unique in the oceans.

The sea anemone is a poisonous animal that stings and stuns its prey before digesting the kill.  Unfortunately, the immobility of the sea anemone causes the critical tentacles to get clogged with the remains of the prey upon which it lives.  The clownfish seeks protection from its predators in the safety of the dangerous tentacles of the anemone.  The slick, mucus covering on the clownfish makes them resistant to the sting of the anemone,  allowing them to find sanctuary in a protective habitat that is critical for the little fish.  The clownfish feeds on the remains of the animals found around the anemone tentacles, keeping the anemone clean and vibrant.  In addition, the constant movement of the very active clownfish provides constant water movement through the anemone tentacles, helping maintain a fresh and nutrient-filled environment.

While the coloring of the popular Nemo character is bright orange with white stripes, there is actually considerable color variation in nature.  The following video shows a perfect example of active clownfish and the important relationship to the sea anemone.  This video was shot in the waters of the Red Sea.

Phil Ellis

DiveSports.com

For years, North American scuba divers have returned from those once-in-a-lifetime tropical Indo-Pacific diving adventures with exciting accounts of lionfish sightings.  One of the most popular subjects of professional and amateur underwater photographers, the lionfish has always been applauded for its beauty and rarity.  Short of a unique opportunity to visit the natural habitat of this exciting species, most divers have been forced to depend on aquarium exhibits for this rare sighting.  However, there is rapid change in the range of this species and sightings by scuba divers.  The change is not necessarily good.

Since about 2002, sightings of the lionfish are being reported all over the Caribbean, the Bahamas, and the Atlantic coast of the United States.  The number sightings and the number of the lionfish are rapidly increasing, and concerned scientists are worried about migration to the Florida Keys.  While there is disagreement about  exactly how this species has found its way to these waters, it is suspected that discarded aquarium specimen are the most likely cause .  Growing to a length of up to 15 inches, the lionfish is a venomous animal, with no natural enemies in this part of the world.  The appetite of the lionfish is simply amazing, with reports that lionfish will frequently eat other fish as large as 75% of the size of this predator.  While other fish native to the Pacific region know the lionfish well and avoid them entirely, the fish of the Caribbean, the Keys, and the Atlantic have no genetic  knowledge of the dangers.  As a result, reef fish in our part of the world are easy pickings for the voracious appetite of the lionfish.  Scientists are increasingly becoming alarmed at the current and escalating potential danger that this invasion.  The damage to the native fish population is extreme and the spread of the lionfish continues, with apparently no natural barrier to further species expansion, in both number and range.

While scuba divers are conservationist by nature, we may well see the day when kill-on-sight is the only possible control on this dangerous and expanding population.  For more information about the dangers of the lionfish invasion, read this July 2008 report at sciencedaily.com.  We have also provided a video that was originally broadcast in July of 2008 on MSNBC.  Brian Williams narrates this video, which provides further information and evidence of the threat of lionfish in the Bahamas and the Keys.

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Phil Ellis

Discount Scuba Gear at DiveSports.com

Almost every diver has day dreams of making a living doing what they love best….scuba diving.   The concept of making a living doing what most people pay big money to do as a recreation is further fueled by the idea of living  in some of the most exotic places on earth.  The few who are successful in making the transition from the office to the sea, and being financially prosperous while doing it, are really few and far between.  The opportunities are few and the competition for those jobs is plentiful.  The job of caretaker of Hamilton Island, on the Great Barrier Reef in Queensland, Australia,  appears to be the exception.

In an effort to fill this seasonal, temporary position, and driven by a desire to advance the vacation potential of Australia, the Office of Tourism for the Queensland government created a special website and application process to select the individual to fill this temporary six month assignment.  Of course, the job description for this position is a “to die for” combination of scuba diving, fish feeding, public relations, and travel among the various islands of the Great Barrier Reef island chain.  The $105,000 AD salary for the six month assignment, combined with the all-included living expenses in a luxuy location, is also a big draw.  Mindful of the tough economic times, the government of Queensland decided to advertise this opportunity in 18 countries, including the United States and China.  The result is a flood of internet applications so large that the official “Best Job in the World” website is a constant series of web server crashes and reboots.  Traffic on the webiste is so heavy that the computer experts for the Queensland government are having a hard time just keeping the website running.  It appears that people from all over the world - in fact millions of people -  are trying to make their day dreams become reality.  Everyone wants their chance at the Best Job in the World.  But, you better hurry…the application process closes on February 22, 2009.

Click Here to Submit Your Application for the Best Job in the World

Phil Ellis

The Best Scuba Store in the World - DiveSports.com

There are some wacky ways to fund and support your favorite activity, but this one really takes the cake.  Elbert Starks, 30, of Pearsall Avenue in Freeport, New York was recently charged with stealing a shark for display in his private aquarium.  On December 12, 2008, Starks is alleged to have reached into a display tank located in the Total Aquarium store in Lynbrook, New York, snatching the shark and placing it under his jacket as he exited the store.  On January 2, 2009, while visiting another pet store, he stole a wallet accidentally left in the open by a store clerk.  Three hours later, he used a credit card from the stolen wallet to purchase a green moray eel from Parrots of the World pet center in Rockville Center.  Police used descriptions and information, obtained during these two investigations,  to tighten the net around Mr. Starks.  After obtaining a warrant to search his residence, they found the nurse shark and moray eel in his private display aquariums.  Several other exotic specimens were also found there, but Starks was able to provide purchase receipts for them.  After confiscating the two stolen animals, they were taken to Parrots of the World, where the evidence is being stored.  Mr. Starks was arrested.

How crazy is this?  Putting a shark under your coat?  We will report here if any additional information is published about this pet store thief.

Read Source Story by Zachary Dowdy at Newsday.com

Phil Ellis

Save on Discount Scuba Gear at DiveSports.com

Quick Post.  Divers are amazed at the size of Goliath Grouper.  We often see them when diving in Florida, and they are becoming more and more plentiful.  While searching around on YouTube, I found a really good video of a very big Goliath Grouper.   The guys in this video are obviously excited about this encounter.  They can be seen enjoying the encounter as the fish swims away.  I thought I would post it up so people can see how big a really big fish can get.  Watch this and enjoy.

Phil Ellis

Your Local Dive Store, No Matter Where You Live!

There is nothing more intriguing and exciting than the sight of a large moray eel.  When spotted during the typical warm-water dive, they always seem to draw the divers for a closer look.  I think these amazing creatures capture our interest for a number of reasons;  possibly because of desire to overcome our common fear of snakes and snake-like reptiles, possibly because of their seemingly docile nature despite a vicious appearance, and possibly because of the unique opportunity to get close to large marine animals.  The fascination with moray eels is such that many locations have special dives designed to allow divers to see and interact with these creatures.  Moray eels are a profit center for many dive operations.   “Delivering the eels” is an essential  task  if money is to be made from repeat business with happy customers.  However, in any encounter with any large predators, remember the lesson your mother always taught you: think through everything you do before you do it….and don’t do the things that don’t make sense.

I was doing my morning reading and web surfing and came across a YouTube video that perfectly demonstrates how paying attention to your mother could clearly avoid some pain and misery.  It seems that the divers in the attached video were enjoying the interplay with a large moray eel.  No doubt, some dive operation was collecting a hefty fee for “bringing the divers to the animals”.  In fact, it appears that the group leader was doing the task of “bringing the animals to the divers” by hand feeding the eels and “coaching” them out of their dens.    The result is predictable.  Maybe we can all learn from the painful experience of the diver in this video.  Oh, listen closely to the sound of misery from this poor guy.  Sound travels pretty good under water.

Phil Ellis

Take the Bite Out of  High Prices with DiveSports.com

A Decatur, Alabama Army Staff Sergeant was killed during a bomb explosion in an open market in Afghanistan. Staff Sgt. Joshua Rath was only six months from the completion of his one year tour in Afghanistan. This 22 year old is a hero and all who value the contribution he has made will mourn his death. We wish the best to his family and friends and have them in our thoughts at this moment of grief.

Phil Ellis

www.divesports.com

UPDATE:  January 10, 2009 -  The slightly more detailed article expanding on the circumstances surrounding this sad event was posted on the www.whnt.com on January 10.  The text of that article is shown below.

January 10, 2008

Venton Blandin, WHNT Reporter
Email: venton.blandin@whnt.com

The number of those killed serving our country in uniform grows almost every day. One of the latest to make that grim number go up is that of a Decatur man– Army Staff Sergeant Josh Rath. WHNT NewsChannel 19 sat down with the soldier’s family.

Hundreds of pictures. One face. A life gone.

“Now our family will never be complete again,” said the soldier’s mother, Darlene Rath.

Missing from the family is Army Staff Sergeant Josh Rath.

A bomb killed the infantryman two days ago as he patrolled an open market in Afghanistan. The 22 year old left behind the familiar surroundings of Decatur for the Army in 2004. His life came full circle as Army officers arrived at the soldier’s home telling the family their Josh was no longer alive.

“They said they were sorry that they had to inform me that my son was killed,” added Darlene Rath.

Details were limited, but something stood out to the sniper’s mom.

“I was like what time? 7:17, that was…..17 was Josh’s favorite number. It was his birthday,” added Darlene Rath.

Overcome with emotions, Darlene found a positive.

“I said I’m going to take comfort in that 17. 717, he could have said any number to me, but I’m hanging on to every bit of hope I have,” added Darlene Rath.

Staff Sergeant Rath’s father Leroy believes faith is holding his family together. It’s guided them with the loss of his mother, father, brother, and uncle.

Losing his first son…

“This is a whole new level of pain,” said the soldier’s father, Leroy Rath.

Nothing could guide Leroy through the interview. His family became a rock to lean on. All were pulled into hundreds of photos of their favorite soldier.

“This is your graduation. I probably never sent you the pictures I know,” added Darlene Rath.

These photos paint a clear picture of what Josh’s life was like around those he loved. Now, everyone in the pictures are left with memories.

Kim Taylor dated Josh Rath for five years.

“My heart sinks. At first, every time I heard his voice, I would light up. I was so love in with him. The more you heard it, the better you felt. Now, it’s just starting to slowly sink in,” said Kim Taylor, the soldier’s fiance.

They were set to marry once Rath returned from deployment.

Staff Sergeant Josh Rath will return home for the final time in the next few days. He would have turned 23 on January 17

UPDATE: January 13, 2009 - We have just learned some additional details on the funeral arrangements for Staff Sgt. Joshua Rath.  In local news reports, Sgt. Rath’s father has confirmed that the body of this fallen soldier has arrived at Dover Air Force Base.  Family members will fly to Philadelphia on Thursday and will make the drive to meet his son’s body at Dover Air Force base.   They will accompany the body to Huntsville, Alabama on Friday.  The family has planned two viewings to honor Sgt. Rath, the first being on Saturday from 5-8 PM and the second on Sunday from 3-8 PM.  Both will be at the Roseland Memorial Funeral Home in Decatur, Alabama.  The funeral for Sgt. Rath will be on Monday January 19, 2009 at Calvery Assembly of God.  The service will be held at 11AM.