Wonderful news from DiveHappy about the rebirth of Koh Phi Phi which had been devistated during the 2004 tsunami.
All during 2005 volunteers and locals put in thousands of hours of work cleaning up not only on land but underwater. Divers have cleared some 280 tonnes of debris from under the water and beaches returning Ko Phi Phi to an excellent diving opportunity.
Ran across an excellent recap of the post-tsunami diving conditions in the Thailand area in PADI’s Sprt Diver Magazine. From the sound of the article things do appear to be improving:
The local tsunami dive camps’ effort to systematically clean any and all damaged reefs and sea bottoms around the Phi Phi islands has made noticeable differences, which is encouraging for all involved. Andrew Hewett, general manager of the Adventure Club on Koh Phi Phi, says that he has been overwhelmed by the efforts made by people who have travelled across the world not only to assist on the dive project, but also to help the local people and victims of the tsunami. “It is a pleasure and a privilege to work with these people, who are devoting all of their time and energy. Their efforts are totally selfless and they wish nothing in return, just to know that they have made a difference. My hat goes off to them.”
The Cayman Islands Central Planning Authority has approved a plan by Dolphin Discovery (Cayman) Ltd. to develop two dolphin parks in West Bay.
Aliya the Beluga whale has learned to blow bubble rings and is entertaining guests at a Japanese aqarium.
Although the story seems a little hyped up, it looks like the Bangkok Aquarium is now allowing divers to dive in the aquarium as part of their Deep Ocean exhibit. The reason I say hyped-up is because many other aquariums let you dive with sharks, Disney World Epcot being one so while this may be a new attraction for Bangkok, it’s certainly not as amazing as they try to make it sound.
Regardless, it may be something Bangkok divers might want to slip into their next visit to the Land of Smiles.
Divehappy has a nice little summary of the story about Aussie football star Josh Francou and his father being stalked by a great white.
When couples promise each other for better or for worse, they probably don’t think the “for worse” part could happen as soon as the wedding ceremony. But Barbra Anderson and Jason Skubitz took that chance when they got married in the shark tank at the Mall of America’s Underwater Adventures aquarium on Valentine’s Day.
From about 3 days before the full moon to 3 days after last quarter moon during the months of March to June, Whale Sharks can found be in the waters of southern Belize.
Some pretty cool photos from this Russian website of strange and weird animals washed up from the recent tsunami.
Thought I would clean out the inbox of stories I have been meaning to link to:
Thailand is looking for volunteer divers to help clean up the post-tsunami reefs
Marine expert details tsunami damage to reefs
Whales can suffer from decompression sickness (the bends)
Not sure what this was intended to be but it looks like a cross between dating advice and scuba writing. Betsey Styles: Diving With Sharks
Report from ScubaCat Dive Shop in Phuket I didn’t dive with these folks but we went by their shop to inquire about taking some the the Tech/Rec instructor training they offer. Unforunately, their Tech/Rec instructor was in Bangkok and unable to offer classes for us.
Honduran island’s a scuba eye-opener
American woman in Thailand eyewitness to devastation
Scuba instructor doesn’t mind getting wet
Family escapes tsunami disaster
Deep dive saves U.S. pair from tsunami
Paradise then terror for open water scuba diving student in Thailand
From 90 feet to 12 feet to 60 feet in seconds: Scuba diving tsunami hell
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