Avoiding an 'Empty' Ocean Future

Somewhere amid the cerulean waters of the Andaman Sea a man dives for his family's dinner. He inhales, and in an instant disappears beneath the waves, his movements elegant and purposeful. The man holds his breath for what seems like an eternity, moving effortlessly through the water column, gathering from the sea as his ancestors have for thousands of years.

This man is a Moken, one of only a thousand that remain of this ancient culture of "sea gypsies." The last of the Moken live in the Mergui Archipelago, which spans 250 miles of warm waters off the coast of Myanmar (formerly Burma) and Thailand. The Moken are called Chao Ley (people of the sea) in Thai, and it is a fitting name; for 8 months of the year they roam the waves in hand carved sail boats called Kabang, living off the bounty of the sea. An entire family lives in a Kabang, a hydrodynamic home fashioned from a single rainforest tree. Sometimes extended families come together forming a floating village to share resources, sing, and tell stories.

The Moken have adapted to their ocean lifestyle over centuries. They can see underwater twice as well as other humans, and in a single dive can reach depths that would have most people grabbing for SCUBA gear. They seem completely at ease in the water, and with good reason -- a Moken diver can hold their breath for up to an astounding 8 minutes, (as a competitive freediver myself I don't even come close to this.) Want to try to challenge the Moken record? There's an app for that.

Their physical adaptations point to a life intrinsically connected to the ocean. The Moken learn to swim before they can even walk, and appear just as comfortable wandering the sea floor as you or I would strolling down the aisle in a supermarket. What little the Moken need, the sea has always provided, the coral reefs of their region are astoundingly biodiverse, with over 600 species of fish and more species of coral than the entire Great Barrier Reef. The Moken culture has evolved against the backdrop of this bountiful ecosystem; it is little wonder that there is no word for 'want' in their language.

To be a Moken means to live a life deeply harmonized with the sea. This harmony means that the Moken are good indicators of our oceans' health. A few years ago, these regions teemed with life, but today 80% of coral reefs in Southeast Asia are endangered and the Moken population has shrunk from 10,000 to just 1,000 over the past 15 years. Many local reefs are struggling to survive, straining under pressure from climate change, shark finning, offshore oil drilling, and destructive dynamite fishing that leaves the oceans barren, for the first time ever, the Moken are starving.

One Moken diver, a man named "Hook" is a brave catalyst to save what remains of his people's culture and wisdom. He works with The Moken Project, a non-profit dedicated to recording what they can of this amazing culture before it disappears.

Hook, like most of his people, see the signs of an ocean in peril, "For the Moken, the ocean is our entire universe, but today, the big boats come and take every fish. I wonder what they will do when the ocean is empty?"

In Moken culture, there is no concept for time but if there were, I think that they would say that the time for action must be now.

The Moken community has passed wisdom down for generations about the creatures and rhythms of the ocean. One of their legends tells of the Laboon ("the wave that eats people") that is brought on by angry spirits of the ancestors. Just before the Indian Ocean tsunami hit in 2004, Moken elders noticed strange wave patterns. Their warning to head to higher ground saved hundreds from one of the worst natural disasters in human history.

Many have wondered how the Moken were able to predict this disaster. I believe it is because they were paying close attention to the sea, a habit learned from their pure oceanic existence.
The suffering of the Moken sadly provides unequivocal evidence that our oceans are in crisis. If we are to learn anything from these incredible people it is to pay closer attention to what our oceans are telling us. If we are to avoid an 'empty' ocean future we must act now and plan accordingly.

Huffington Post

Kathy Dowsett

www.kirkscubagear.com

Facts and Information on the Moray eels

Moray eels are commonly known by their snake-like appearance and vicious behavior when disturbed. There is a lot more to these slithering swimmers than most people may know. Below you'll find facts and information on this fascinating creature.

<sup>1. There are approximately 200 different types of moray eel species currently known.

2. Though the moray eel looks similar to a snake, they are a type of fish.

3. Moray eels are generally not aggressive creatures unless disturbed. If a moray eel feels threatened they may become vicious.

4. Moray eels have many sharp teeth within a large jaw. Some species of this eel will have long canine teeth throughout that could easily tear through flesh, while others have smaller nodular teeth.

5. Their colors generally range from brown-yellow to black with lighter undersides. Different species of this eel will have a wide range of unique and beautiful patterns.

6. Most moray eels are found where there are temperate and tropical water temperatures.

7. Moray eels usually live within holes of an ocean reef.

8. The moray eel feeds by waiting for prey to swim by their hole. They usually feed upon fish, but will occasionally dine on crustaceans or octopus.

9. When feeding, the moray eel may tie their body into a knot in order to anchor in place while devouring their food.

10. When you look at a moray eel, they will hold their mouth open for the majority of time. This may appear vicious and intimidating, however the reason this eel does this is to allow water through their gills in order to breath.

11. When the moray eel mates, the male and female will wrap themselves together for hours at a time until the male has fertilized the eggs that the female has produced.

12. When in the wild, never attempt to feed a moray eel as this is the most common reason for an attack. The eel will lash out to retrieve the food, and there have been reports of individuals losing pieces of hand or missing fingers because of this.

13. Though most commonly you will hear of moray eels dwelling in the ocean, there are also types of moray eels that live in freshwater as well.

Thanks to Yahoo News for this piece

Kathy Dowsett

www.kirkscubagear.com</sup>

Substitutes for Plastic

GET STARTED
Disposable plastic items are so common that it’s easy to not notice them. But disposable plastic is everywhere– the plastic straws delivered in our drinks; the plastic bags offered to us at stores; the plastic cups, bottles and utensils at nearly every social event; the plastic packaging of nearly everything in the supermarket. Once you see it for what it is—plastic pollution—it’s simple to just REFUSE. Here are some tips on how to avoid generating plastic waste.

WATER
Bring a stainless steel water bottle rather than drinking water out of disposable plastic bottles. Purchase our cool water bottle in red, stainless steel or black at our online store or grabone at just about any store. Just make sure it is not aluminum.

Don’t have your stainless steel bottle with you? Buy a glass-bottled drink. When you finish that beverage, reuse the bottle.


BRING YOUR OWN BAG Always bring your own bags whenever you shop, not just for the supermarket. By bringing your own bag, you alone can save between 400 and 600 plastic bags per year. There are lots of cool tote bag companies out there.

STRAWS
Consider some easy alternatives to the ubiquitous plastic straws.
No straw. Do you really need one?
Carry your own stainless steel straw – you can purchase from our online store.
Use an elegant glass straw in one of many sizes and designs

TO GO TO CUPS
Bring your own ceramic or stainless steel mug. Carry one in your car. Some coffee shops will even reward your thoughtfulness with a small discount on coffee or tea.

TO GO FOOD CONTAINERS
Whether you prepare school lunch, order takeout or go out to eat, take along your own reusable containers.

TO GO UTENSILS
Bring along your own utensil set, add a straw and you are all set!

LIGHTERS
Rather than buy plastic disposable lighters, consider investing in a refillable multi-use lighters. The oceans of the world and the albatross chicks who are fed these from out in the middle of the Pacific Ocean will thank you.

MILK OR JUICE
Buy your milk or juice in a glass returnable, reusable bottle… old fashioned, but tastes great and it’s better for you. Yes, it is a bit of a challenge, but well worth it.

CHOOSE PAPER TO WRAP
Wax paper is an excellent substitute to the ubiquitous stretch plastic we have been told is essential for cooking and preserving foods. Choose wax paper to wrap sandwiches, place on top of foods warmed up in the microwave, or when storing food in the fridge. Yes, it does not stick to foods like plastic – that’s exactly what’s good about it!

THANKS TO PLASTIC POLLUTION COALITION

Kathy Dowsett

www.kirkscubagear.com

Lionfish population is exploding in the Gulf just two years after they first arrived

A small fish nestled among swaying stalks of sea whip coral about 11 miles off the Alabama coast may be poised to shift the balance of life in the Gulf of Mexico.

While it has been less than two years since scuba diver Lawren McCaghren made the first confirmed sighting of a lionfish off Alabama, the animals are now so common that McCaghren said he routinely sees 50 or 60 during a single dive on local reefs.

The sudden colonization of the northern Gulf has scientists using words like alarmed, worried and afraid. First noted off the Atlantic Coast in the 1990s, lionfish swept across the Caribbean in three short years.

“The explosive nature of the population expansion is ominous. We’re getting reports of thousands of them documented across the northern Gulf and thousands in the Keys, all within a few years,” said Bob Shipp, head of marine sciences at the University of South Alabama.

“Whether they replace some of our native species on the reefs, or it is a temporary expansion that will level off, we just don’t know. They don’t have any natural predators. Perhaps some of our predators will eat them, but we have no indication of that yet.”

Lionfish, named for a lovely mane of elaborate fins that rings their bodies, are native to the Pacific Ocean. They are not native to the Gulf or Atlantic. The fish grow to about 15 inches long, but appear much larger due to the fan of fins that spread out around the body. The body is striped with bands of brown, rust, and white.

Scientists believe captive lionfish may have escaped from aquariums in south Florida during Hurricane Andrew in 1992. A few were seen off North Carolina around 2000, and reports of sightings began trickling in from the Caribbean around that time.

Within three years, lionfish had colonized the entire Caribbean and are reported to have eaten or displaced about 60 percent of the native species on reefs there. Lionfish have enormous mouths in relation to the size of their bodies, similar to a largemouth bass. They can consume fish nearly as big as they are.

The fish have become so prevalent in the Florida Keys that dive groups hold tournaments to see who can kill the most lionfish in a day. About 1,500 lionfish were killed in derbies in the Keys in 2011, a number scientists say represents a small drop in a huge bucket.

“Anywhere you go in the Gulf, you see them. Tanks and pyramids, they’re a given,” said McCaghren, manager of the Gulf Coast Divers shop in Mobile. McCaghren filmed a lionfish swimming on an Army tank off Alabama in September of 2010, the first northern Gulf sighting. Within a matter of weeks, divers reported encountering the fish on reefs off Florida and Louisiana.

“The natural bottom stuff, the Trysler Grounds, you don’t see one or two. You see 50 or 60 out there every dive. They’re on every outcropping,” McCaghren said, referring to an area of natural coral reef habitat about 20 miles off the Alabama coast.

McCaghren said he has killed about 100 using a small spear known as a “Lion Tamer.” Because each lionfish possesses three sets of venomous fins, he said he usually knocks them off the spear and leaves them in the water rather than trying to bring them back to the dock to eat.

A lionfish killed by the Press-Register on Tuesday yielded two small filets. The meat was firm and white and tasted delicious sauteed in butter. To clean it, the venomous barbs were simply clipped off with a pair of wire snips.

If you get stung by a lionfish, run the wound under hot water and seek medical attention. The telltale water stream from an outboard motor can be used to provide hot water if you get stung while offshore.

While federal officials have been encouraging people to eat lionfish, it appears unlikely that such a program will make a dent in the Gulf population. In part, that’s because the fish don’t typically take a baited hook, and in part it is because they have apparently colonized the deepest parts of the Gulf.

“No one expected to see a lionfish at 1,400 feet down, but that’s what we’re seeing,” said Thomas Jackson, an exotic species biologist with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

Jackson said he believes that lionfish are reproducing in the deep recess of the Gulf and moving in toward shore. Because the fish are native to the Pacific, he said, they are likely more tolerant of the colder water far offshore than many native species.

Shipp, with the University of South Alabama, said that might explain why most of the lionfish seen by divers in the Gulf are relatively small.

“These fish get up to 15 inches, but we’re not seeing that size. Most of the reports I’ve heard are juveniles,” Shipp said. “That’s alarming. If they are establishing themselves here as juveniles, without even reproducing locally, well, who knows what will happen if they start reproducing around here.”

A survey of scuba divers with spearfishing permits conducted by the Dauphin Island Sea Lab yielded hundreds of reports of lionfish in area waters. One fish was reported under a pier in Old River next to Ono Island, in just a few feet of water. Last week, a lionfish was killed in 11 feet of water at Fort Pickens in Pensacola Bay.

“I’m hoping this won’t be like the brown tree snake in Guam. You’re talking about an entire ecosystem that has these predators in very large numbers,” Jackson said. “Our systems are already stressed. Now we’re adding a very efficient predator.”

Jackson said that it is still legal to import a number of lionfish species in the United States, including species that have not yet escaped into the wild. “It is not a good idea to continue to allow the sale of these fish,” he said.

“I think it’s only a matter of time until the lionfish move into shallower water and get into our coastal ecosystem,” McCaghren said. “Fishermen don’t understand the threat yet because they don’t see them. They’re here now. And the difference they’ve made in just a few years is incredible.”

Thanks to All Alabama Kathy Dowsett


www.kirkscubagear.com

Swimming safely in backyard pools

It's an activity that's synonymous with summer. And when the season arrives, many Canadians waste no time making a splash in a public, indoor or backyard pool.

In addition to helping you stay fit and beat the heat, swimming is a great way to have some fun. Still, if you're not careful, a swimming pool can also be a dangerous place. Approximately 60 children under the age of 14 drown each year in Canada. There have already been dozens of drownings across the country this summer, and the season is just getting started.

Here's a breakdown of what you need to know to keep your family safe.

WHO IS AT RISK?

While most drowning victims in Canada each year tend to be adults, and most tend to occur in lakes and rivers, incidents around pools tend to involve young people.

“All children are at risk. You'll see that the younger kids are at risk due to concerns with supervision, and they need to be very closely supervised at all times,” says Warren, the Canadian Red Cross' Regional Manager for First Aid and Water Safety Services in Toronto.

“For the older kids, they tend to be more of the risk takers. Also, some of them overestimate their swimming ability, so again it's important that they are being supervised.”

THE WEATHER AND DROWNINGS

When the sun is shining and temperatures are soaring, many Canadians see a backyard pool as a great place to cool off and entertain guests. However, some officials say there may be a correlation between an increase in temperatures and an increase in drownings.

“My opinion is that with hot weather there's more participation in pools,” says Barabara Byers of the Lifesaving Society.

Make a set of 'pool rules' for your backyard


Warren agrees that a correlation appears to be evident between drownings and warm weather.

“I think when you look at the statistics of drownings, there seems to be a lot more when we get those very high patches of hot weather,” she says.


POOL RULES: WHAT TO DO

“You want to make sure your children's behaviour is conducive to still having fun, but staying safe,” says Warren. “Parents need to stay within sight and reach of their children whenever they're anywhere near the pool, not just in the water. Also, it's important that parents get trained in First Aid and CPR skills, because many parents don't know CPR.”

The Canadian Red Cross suggests that anyone with a pool in their backyard create a set of 'Pool Rules' for their children, family members and friends. These rules are to be communicated before anyone goes into the water.

“We suggest that a 'pool rule' be that no one can go into the water without an adult present,” says Warren. “If anyone's a non-swimmer they should be wearing a life jacket in the pool. Only dive into the deepest point of the pool if it is deep enough for diving. Pools need to be secured. They need to be fenced in with a self-closing, self-latching gate. Also, you should always have safety equipment in your pool so you can help a person. If the worst does happen, make sure you make that call to 911 right away.”

Proper fencing around pools is often advised to keep children safe. It is a by-law in some Canadian municipalities, but fencing is not yet required across the country.

Here are some other tips from the Canadian Red Cross you should keep in mind:

Tell visitors the pool rules

Always supervise

Use personal flotation devices, not toys for support

Encourage feet first entries

No one should ever dive into an above ground pool

Do not wear earplugs; they can add dangerous pressure as you descend

Keep safety equipment nearby Alcohol and pools don’t mix.

Thanks Weather Network


Kathy Dowsett

www.kirkscubagear.com

How to Identify and Avoid Scuba Diving Risks

Scuba diving is a risky sport. While most people will have a very good dive and never have a single problem, there are still scuba diving risks that can occur at any time. It is very important that you pay attention and are aware of the risks that you could face during a dive.

There are many hidden risks in scuba diving. Some risks can come from nowhere, like a shark attack or bad weather. Others can happen due to errors, like running out of air or having other equipment failure. No matter what causes scuba diving risks, your best defense against them is to be alert and be prepared every time you dive.

Risks involving your equipment are something that are usually easy to avoid. You should always take training classes and be sure that you have the necessary skills to handle a dive. It is important that you also learn about the equipment that you are using. Know how it works and what must be done to prepare it for a dive.

Risks that you can't control, like the weather and shark attacks, can be avoided simply by being observant. Before you dive you need to check out the spot where you will be diving. Check for reports on shark activity and weather reports. Also find out about the water conditions. Doing these things will help you to avoid possible risks in your chosen diving area.

Many scuba diving risks occur because the diver is not in good health. If you have a cold or are suffering from allergies then stay out of the water. You also should not dive if you are taking medications. Being sick or on medication can put you at risk for all sorts of problems because you will not be as alert and focused as you normally would be.

Many scuba diving risks are an issue because they are something divers simply are not aware of or that they do not consider. One such risk is dehydration. Being in the water does not mean you can't become dehydrated. Diving is quite a physical activity, so be sure you are well hydrated before you go out.

Divers can often prevent risks from becoming life threatening situations by diving with a partner. It is a simple rule that you should never dive alone. If you are with someone else they will be able to help you if something goes wrong. Diving alone is a risk itself and one you should never take.

Scuba diving risks do not have to be a part of your diving experience. If you prepare and take all the necessary precautions then you should end up having a great diving experience. If you pay attention and are a smart diver then you should be able to avoid many of the risks of scuba diving.

Articles Base

Kathy Dowsett

www.kirkscubagear.com

What Are the Cautions for Pregnant Women on Scuba Diving?

Many women wonder if it is safe to go scuba diving when they are pregnant. The short answer is that women should not go scuba diving when pregnant. There are some serious concerns about scuba diving, pregnant women and harm to the baby. It is important that if you are pregnant, you learn why it is dangerous and why you should avoid doing it while pregnant.

Any doctor that you speak to will tell you that scuba diving when pregnant is not advised. The main reason for this recommendation is that scuba diving can cut off the blood supply to the baby. Blood going to the baby may contain harmful nitrogen bubbles, too. These are not the only reasons for scuba diving pregnant women to be worried.

Another major concern about scuba diving while pregnant is the possibility of decompression illness. This can strike anyone and the way to treat it is with high levels of oxygen and medications. The treatment for decompression illness can harm the baby and may cause a miscarriage.

Scuba diving pregnant women have been studied. These women often have babies that suffer birth defects, including heart problems. In some cases miscarriage occurs. The possible risks simply make it unreasonable to scuba dive while pregnant.

While pregnant women should not scuba dive, there has been evidence that it is perfectly safe to dive during the first two to four weeks of pregnancy. During this time many women do not even know they are pregnant yet, so if you happened to go scuba diving during the very early stages of pregnancy then you can rest easy knowing that your baby is probably not in any harm.

The reason why the baby is not affected during early pregnancy is due to the fact the risks of scuba diving while pregnant are mainly related to the blood exchange between mother and baby. During the early pregnancy stage, the baby and mother are not sharing blood like they do in later pregnancy.

It is also important to know that there is no solid evidence that diving while pregnant poses any risk to the baby. Studies that have been done have not been able to offer solid proof. However, the recommendation of not scuba diving while pregnant is a precaution that most women would rather follow than ignore and take the risk of harming their baby.

Scuba diving pregnant women should always be careful. If you choose not to follow your doctor's recommendation to not scuba dive then you should at least know what the risks are. Staying active during pregnancy is always recommended, but most doctors will tell you not to risk the safety and health of your baby during any physical activity, especially scuba diving. Ultimately, each woman can make her own decision about whether to dive or not, but it should be a decision made carefully.

Article Base---thanks

Kathy Dowsett

www.kirkscubagear.com