DIVELOG JUNE 406

digi tal JUNE 2024 | No 406

AUSTRALASIA

www.divelog.net.au

Cuttlefish Aggregation CARL CHARTERS

Advocating for Grey Nurse Sharks VALERIE TAYLOR - AM

Hammerheads and Spice - Banda Sea NIGEL MARSH and HELEN ROSE

Rapid Bay KEN HOPPEN

Nudi Notes - Eubranchus DAVID MULLINS

Fish Id - Wobbegong Sharks MIKE SCOTLAND

PAPUA NEW GUINEA

Dive the majestic reefs of Kimbe Bay and the Bismarck Sea with us. Choose from a resort stay at WALINDI RESORT or a trip on one of the two liveaboards, MV FEBRINA and MV OCEANIA .... why not combine land based and liveaboard diving.

Contact our friendly reservations staff for a package to suit you. reservations@walindifebrina.com reservations@mvoceania.com

Image © Kyu Furumi

MV FeBrina has been operating from Walindi Resort since 1991. Image © David Doubilet Bismarck Sea, inc. New Britain & Kavieng

Walindi Plantation Resort celebrates 40 years of operation.

Our newest dive liveaboard operating out of Walindi Resort since 2019. Diving Bismarck Sea and Milne Bay

Diving Kimbe Bay Reefs

Image © Grant Thomas

Image © Grant Thomas

A boutique, traditional style live-aboard catering for 10-12 guests in 7 cabins, including large and small singles.

Tropical bungalows in rainforest gardens with waterfront and garden views.

MV Oceania is a 27 metre catamaran catering for up to

16 divers in 8 cabins. Modern comfort with two guest deck levels.

Image © Darek Sepiolo

Image © Franco Banfi

Image © Scott Johnson

WWW.WALINDIRESORT.COM

WWW.MVOCEANIA.COM | WWW.MVFEBRINA.COM

ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY. CLASSIC STYLE.

GALILEO 3 DIVE COMPUTER Sharp Color Display for Easy Readability

NEW

THE sea is a killing zone; deadly predators plunder the ocean eating everything in sight. As they say, it is a dog eat dog world down down there. It is a wonder how creatures survive against those incredible odds. Yet, survive they do; in great numbers. Each lifeform has evolved to handle these environmental pressures. I watch trevally attacking Fairy basslets. These tiny fish outwit massive killers by staying alert, having excellent eyesight, lightning reflexes and teamwork with constant vigilance. Early warnings allow the entire school to duck and weave as one. These tiny fish are very clever! Combat soldiers can study how this works as a classic case of bio-mimicry in behaviour (bio-behaviour) because the struggle to survive in nature and the battlefield can and does have principles in common. Watch a pair of Butterflyfish advance across the reef. It is similar to soldiers moving forward. Careful observation, teamwork, defensive positioning, and rapid evasive action, withdrawal and survival. If you do not believe me, try to photograph one. Each living thing you see has adaptations that allow it to survive and proliferate. As you discover these secret survival tricks, you enter a world of wonder and endless fascination. There is magic right before your eyes everywhere in the sea. That is, as long as you have the eyes to see it and the willingness to learn. The greatest of human experiences is to explore nature, encounter amazing creatures and to discover their innermost secrets. The quest for knowledge is a never ending voyage of discovery, filled with limitless moments of learning, excitement, joy and fulfilment. As you learn about how sea life survives, it quickly becomes apparent that the ability to eat is directly based on the ability to kill. All marine life is equipped with a unique, special set of features that allow it to survive. In many cases Mother Nature uses mathematics to overcome the dangers of predation. We are told that Tuna release eggs by the millions so that their fierce predators (Sponges and Tunicates) simply cannot consume all of the eggs. The more you learn, the more you appreciate the beauty. This is why I wrote my book, “ Marine Biology in the Wild ”. It is based on thousands of dives carefully observing, studying and refining information. The text reveals insights into evolutionary pressures, behaviour and of anatomy. All of these features empower you to gain an understanding of the simplest of creatures. The book follows the path of evolution from simple lifeforms to ever increasing complexity. If you want to develop a greater knowledge and understanding of sea life, my “ Marine Biology in the Wild ” is the perfect tool to help you to advance. My book is a service to divers; a breakthrough in learning; A bridge between academic learning and popular science using photography to showcase the beauty. On the reverse side, Mother Nature is hurting. Take a thousand year overview of history. Mankind has cut down half of the world’s OUR COVER PHOTO Our stunning front cover photograph was taken by MIKE SCOTLAND of a Spotted Wobbegong, Orectolobus maculatus taken at Magic Point, Maroubra. The baited fish hook can and probably will kill this shark. It shows the folly of allowing fishing directly above shark aggregation zones.

forests, plundered the sea, exterminated many species. Mother Nature needs a helping hand. The Blue Planet is/was a living paradise. Intergalactic travellers watch from their spaceships the state of the world in amazement as we are busily destroying our living paradise. What a shame! It is at the stage where we need to employ trained soldiers to protect reefs. This is how Tubbataha has become one of the best dive sites in the world. Military style protection in the Philippines. It’s true. You can save the planet using the mantra, ‘Think globally, act locally. Plant a tree, grow something, recycle food wastes and build a worm farm, it is one of the best carbon sinks. Collect rubbish on your dives, and try to help living things to grow, even if you simply turn a Mushroom coral up the right way so it does not die’. Most of all, give Mother Nature a helping hand. Celebrate life and learn as much as you can. In this June 2024 issue of Dive Log, we are delighted as always to feature the highest standard of photo-journalism. One of the best is from David Mullins on the Eubranchus , a type of Aeolid nudibranch. Learn from David’s expertise and then go on a hunt for Eubranchus on your next dive. Nigel Marsh takes us on a grand adventure on the Cheng Ho in Alor, Indonesia in the Banda Sea. He succeeds in locating a school of nine Hammerheads on a trip that he describes as one of the best he has done in Indonesia. Other great adventures include diving from Febrina in PNG and The Phinisi in Phuket, Thailand. Valerie Taylor tells us that governments relaxed fishing restrictions; now fishing takes place directly above Grey Nurse shark sites. Her favourite shark is once again under serious threat. She says that the major cause of death in GNS these days is from ingesting hooks from baited fish lines. She urges us to protect them and to have a ‘no fishing zone’ at shark aggregation sites to stop the incidental kills. Carl Charters sent us his ‘Welcome to CuttleFest 2024’, where Experiencing Marine Sanctuaries Inc. (EMS) invites you to join their nationally accredited volunteer snorkel guides and National Parks and Wildlife Service Marine Park staff. This issue marks the beginning of my ‘Marine Biology of sharks’ series. To understand sharks, it is useful to learn about the basic classes; how they differ and how they are similar. The first instalment is the Order ORECTOLOBIFORMES . Wobbegongs, Whale sharks, Leopard sharks, Blind sharks, Epaulette sharks and Nurse sharks. Coming face to face with a big Wobbegong is very exciting. In this issue we delve into the wonderful world of Wobbies to find out about them. Dive Log #406 is another great magazine just for you and your reading pleasure. Read on, enjoy and dream of great diving ahead. As always, a huge thank you to Vikki, our professional Graphic Artist who does such as wonderful job in producing a world class magazine filled with good news.

Mike and Vikki

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CONTENTS

digital

N o. 406 NEXT ISSUE DEADLINE : Issue 407 AUG 2024 Advert bookings 1st July Artwork due 15th July Editorial material : 7th July JUNE 2024 EDITOR Mike Scotland | mike@divelog.net.au Production Editor/Designer Vikki Ryan | divelog@divelog.net.au PUBLISHER Mike Scotland | mike@divelog.net.au ADVERTISING Mike Scotland | mike@divelog.net.au MENTOR Barry Andrewartha | divelog@divelog.com.au Tel: + 61 0415158168 mike@divelog.net.au www.divelog.net.au Editorial and photographic contribution guidelines: divelog@divelog.net.au The views expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of the publishers or its editors. REPRODUCTION OF CONTENTS No part of the contents of this publication may be reproduced without the prior written consent of the publisher. All images are copyrighted by the authors and photographers.

Features

022 Insights on the MV Pelagian - Wakatobi, Indonesia 026 Dive Into Adventure - Whyalla, South Australia - Carl Charters 030 Rapid Bay, South Australia - Ken Hoppen 036 Blue Ringed Snack Attack- Pink Tank - PT Hirschfield 040 Grand Adventures on the MV Febrina - Mike Scotland 044 Hammerheads & Spice -Banda Sea - Nigel Marsh & Helen Rose 050 Valerie Taylor AM - Advocating for Grey Nurse sharks 058 SPOTLIGHT Photographer - Ken Hoppen 064 MB Fish ID - Blue Devils - Mike Scotland 070 MB Fish ID - Wobbegongs - Mike Scotland 084 Sailing on the MV Phinisi liveaboard - Mike Scotland

Regulars

54 - Historical Diving Society - Des Williams 55 - Dive 2000 - Kevin Deacon 56 - In Deep - Simon Pridmore 64 - WOW - - Dr Sally Gregory 68 - Introduction to Sharks by Mike Scotland 62 - SDFSA - Heather Creech 90 - Your Shot 96 - Boat Directory 98 - Parting Shot

07 - Mike Ball Expeditions Spoilsport update 10 - DAN News 12 - PNG Resort Listings 14 - Diving Medicine - Simon Mitchell 16 - Capt’n Paul Watson Foundation News 18 - Letters to the Editor 19 - NudiNotes - David Mullins

28 - MIDE Malaysia Expo updates 53 - Counter Strike -David Strike

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Great Barrier Reef on the May

Mike Ball Dive Expeditions Reef Update

PHOTOS FROM MARCH/APRIL

Managing Director Craig Stephen

On April 15, 2024, the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) confirmed the world has been experiencing a global coral bleaching event. https://coralreefwatch.noaa.gov/satellite/research/coral_bleaching_report.php Coral Bleaching is not new; in 2002, accompanied by coral reef scientific researchers, MBDE conducted surveys on the offshore Coral Sea atoll of Flinders Reef after a significant bleaching event had occurred. It was declared at that time that an approx. 85% of Flinders Reef system had significant bleaching. The reefs of Holmes some 60 miles further North and Bougainville another 60 miles and finally Osprey 80 miles further north again, did not suffer the same fate. Post 2016/17 bleaching event, we again conducted surveys in the Far North Reefs in the vicinity of the Great Detached Reefs. Again, we found that these northern reefs had not suffered the same fate as reefs further south. At this point may I stress the GBR is some 2300 km long. In true fashion Spoilsport set sail between April 25th – 29th to conduct surveys for the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority’s ‘Tourism Reef Protection Initiative’ program. This trip was dedicated to surveys by crew and researchers without guests onboard. In total 121 in-water surveys on and adjacent to the Northern ‘Ribbon Reefs’ sector. To get some perspective, we surveyed reefs on the inner mid-shelf and fringing reefs as well as our sites on the outer GBR. Virtually all sites visited by Spoilsport are on the outer Barrier Reef and beyond into the Coral Sea, as such we are pleased to announce, these reefs (our sites) have been impacted minimally by this most recent event. The outer barrier reef is more exposed to currents and upwelling of cooler water being directly on the edge of the continental shelf; this would appear to be the difference between reefs that showed significant bleaching further towards shore in the shallower lagoon between the outer reef and the mainland. On May 6th – 9th I joined Spoilsport diving 9 different sites between Ribbon Reef No.3 & No.10. to see the reefs firsthand; I’ve been diving on the GBR since 1987 first diving the Ribbon Reefs in 1993 (yes, I’m old); during this time, I have seen our sites impacted by various weather events and whilst bleaching is undoubtably occurring more frequently the Ribbon Reefs are showing their resilience and are as spectacular as ever. Throughout our history, we've navigated through various environmental fluctuations while maintaining our commitment to showcasing the beauty of the Great Barrier Reef. Our experienced team understands the importance of adaptability, ensuring that we continue to offer access to some of the most pristine and vibrant dive sites available. Notwithstanding the enormous pressure on reef systems globally, we have witnessed firsthand and for many decades, the seldom talked about recovery of reefs that flourish between these events. Further news …. We have just completed an extensive cosmetic upgrade of Spoilsport maintaining the comfort levels you’ve come to expect from us here at MBDE. We have also introduced further dates for Ashmore Reef and new itineraries for 5 Night “GBR & Ribbon Reef” from 2025, where 2 days will be spent exploring exciting new dive sites. Join us at Mike Ball Dive Expeditions, where the spirit of adventure thrives, and the dive sites remain as captivating as ever. Book your trip now and embark on a journey to discover the magic beneath the waves. All the very best fishes.

1st. Jim Johnson

3rd. Linda Russell

2nd. Marcel Tanke

Coral Sea & Great Barrier Reef! The Best Diving on the Dive with giant potato cod, explore deep walls, witness shark action at Osprey Reef.

New Special Expeditions! Check out our website for details.

Ribbon Reefs Suited to both Divers and Snorkelers.

www.mikeball.com T: +61 7 4053 0500 E: resv@mikeball.com #spoilsportlive #mikeballdive

Tourism Reef Protection Initiative Scientific Expedition with 121 surveys completed along and adjacent to the Northern ‘Ribbon Reefs’ sector.

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“ The reef systems here are some of the most pristine I have seen anywhere in my dive travels around the globe, and Wakatobi resort and liveaboard are second to none. The diversity of species here is brilliant if you love photography.” ~ Simon Bowen

Top 3 Reported Diving ILLNESSES and INJURIES S cuba diving accidents are rare, but they do happen. Knowing how to recognise and appropriately respond to diving injuries may benefit you or someone you care about. Denial is arguably the worst “symptom” of DCS as the sooner DCS is treated, the more likely it is the diver will make a full recovery. Oxygen first aid is essential and may reduce symptoms; however, O2 is not a substitute for a full evaluation by a medical professional. Always contact DAN or a dive physician if signs of DCS are observed – even if they’ve diminished.

The most common issues reported via email and the DAN Emergency Hotline are ear and sinus barotrauma, decompression sickness, and marine envenomation. 1. Ear and Sinus Barotrauma Ears feel “full” or like they have water in them ▪ Severe ear pain ▪ Dizziness, vertigo, nausea ▪ Muffled hearing, hearing loss, ringing in the ear ▪ If you or another diver experience any of the above symptoms, stop diving and seek medical care – ideally from an ear nose and throat specialist. After ruling out an infection, the doctor may recommend nasal steroid sprays, acetaminophen, ibuprofen, a hot compress, or oral decongestants like pseudoephedrine. Avoid ear barotrauma by equalising early and often. Never force your descent and avoid using decongestants. 2. Decompression Sickness (aka The Bends) Decompression sickness describes injuries resulting from a rapid decrease in surrounding pressure. Nitrogen absorbed by the body at depth comes out of solution and forms bubbles in body tissues and the bloodstream. DCS occurs most often when a diver pushes depth and time limits, but it can occur without obvious cause. Symptoms of DCS may include skin rash, itching, joint pain, dizziness, fatigue, and bladder problems. These symptoms usually occur within one hour after surfacing but can be delayed up to 24 hours. Red or swollen external ear ▪ Blood or fluid oozing from ear ▪ Pain when swallowing ▪

3. Marine Envenomation Many marine animals use toxins for self-defence or for prey capture. Envenomation occurs when direct contact is made and the venom or toxin is injected by bite, puncture or sting. Injuries typically occur as divers are entering or exiting the water, but they can also happen when a diver accidentally or deliberately attempts to handle an animal. Envenomation’s usually cause itching, burning, or other irritation. Rarely do life-threatening reactions occur. Coral scrapes are perhaps the most common marine life-related injury experienced by divers and snorkelers. Cuts and scrapes from coral and barnacles can fester like a cat scratch – taking weeks or even months to heal without proper treatment. Spine punctures and stings are another common marine life injury. How to treat: 1 Carefully remove the spine or stinger (not recommended for stingray spines) 2 Immerse the wound in non-scalding hot water: 43.3 – 45°C (to tolerance) DAN encourages divers of all levels to get first-aid training and be prepared to respond to diving injuries, including first aid for marine life injuries. However, if the injured diver is weak, vomiting, short of breath, or acts intoxicated, seek immediate medical care. Most diving injuries are preventable. Breathe constantly, equalise regularly, and avoid contact with marine life, and ascend slowly. The information above is for informational purposes only and is in no way meant to take the place of skilled medical care. World.DAN.org

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PACIFIC OCEAN

• Diving is possible all year round with the optimal season typically from mid April to mid June, and mid September to mid December.

KAVIENG

NEW IRELAND

MANUS ISLAND

VANIMO

BISMARCK SEA

• Water temperature from 26º along the edge of the Coral Sea and up to 31ºC in the Bismarck Sea. • Visibility ranges from 50 to 150 ft • PNG has a hyperbaric chamber maintained to international standards • The use of permanent environmental moorings ensures minimal anchor damage to reefs. • Weekly flights to Port Moresby from Singapore, Hong Kong, Tokyo, Manila, Kuala Lumpur, Honiara, Nadi. Daily flights from Cairns, Brisbane, Sydney. • For the best dive and air package pre-book your complete tour with a recognised PNG dive travel specialist.

RABAUL

WEWAK

KIMBE BAY NEW BRITAIN

MADANG

TARI

HOSKINS

MT HAGEN

GOROKA

PAPUA NEW GUINEA

BOUGAINVILLE ISLAND

LAE

SOLOMON SEA

GULF OF PAPUA

TUFI

PORT MORESBY

MILNE BAY

ALOTAU

www.walindiresort.com

www.lissenung.com “Instruction, gear rental, 8 rooms (6 with ensuite, 2 with semi ensuite), free WiFi, full resort facilities. A visit at Lissenung Island Resort is truly exclusive! info@lissenung.com

Instruction, gear rental, Nitrox, 12 bungalows, 8 plantation house rooms, all ensuites, internet, pool, full resort facilities, English. Voted the 'Best diving from a resort anywhere in the world', Walindi comprises fern-draped bungalows set in tropical rainforest gardens on the shores of Kimbe Bay.

resort@walindifebrina.com

MV OCEANIA LIVEABOARD www.mvoceania.com

www.mvfebrina.com

Gear Rental, Nitrox, 10-12 passengers, English MV FeBrina cruises from Walindi Resort, diving Kimbe Bay, Witu Islands, Fathers Reefs, Rabaul and New Hanover. febrina@walindifebrina.com

Gear Rental, Nitrox, 16 passengers, English

MV Oceania is the most recent liveaboard addition to Kimbe Bay. A 27 metre catamaran, Oceania began operation in 2019 with itineraries including Kimbe Bay, Witu Islands and Fathers Reefs as well as further afield at select times of year. reservations@mvoceania.com

Image credit David Doubilet

LOLOATA ISLAND RESORT www.loloataislandresort.com

NIUGINI DIVE ADVENTURES www.niuginidiveadventures.com

The only dive company established within ‘beautiful Madang’; the PADI certified facility, NDA is one of the most experienced dive operators in Papua New Guinea. NDA offers resort courses taught by our team of multi-lingual, PADI certified instructors and dive masters. The crystal clear waters surrounding Madang offer some of the world’s best diving experiences for divers to discover. Most

Luxury Island Resort with 68 rooms/villas, two restaurants and bar, a swimming pool, recreational beach, fully equipped dive shop, spa and conference centre. Importantly, it sits on the edge of the Papuan Barrier Reef and 29 dive sites around the island where experienced divers can explore its reefs, spectacular sea life and shipwrecks. There are also excellent snorkelling sites. Loloata’s PADI-certified dive and activities centre is opened now, so learning to dive is also now an option. t: +675 7108 8000 / 7914 3966 e : reservations@loloata.com

dive sites are only 5-10mins away! Underwater peaks climbing from 600m to 4m and sheltered lagoons where old wrecks, dating back to World War II, are waiting to be explored...Contact info: nda@madangresort.com

KARAWARI LODGE www.pngtours.com

TUFI RESORT www.tufiresort.com

AMBUA LODGE www.pngtours.com Fly across mainland Papua New Guinea to remote and magical Karawari Lodge. The lodge overlooks the Karawari River whose waters flow towards the Sepik River. Stilted villages line the edges of the waterways. Dugout canoes glide by. Lodge guides introduce guests to the complex and mysterious tribal culture. Conversations with villagers are fascinating. Photo opportunities abound. Explore mainland Papua New Guinea based from eco-friendly Ambua Lodge. The lodge is nestled in the highlands, overlooking the magnificent Tari Valley, home of the famous Huli Wigmen. Visit their traditional lands and learn about their fascinating culture. Follow walking trails through mid-montane forest, over traditional vine bridges and along clear mountain streams to secluded waterfalls. Watch for Birds of Paradise.

Discover Tufi in a boutique resort with 180 degree panoramic views over the sea and the only fjords in PNG. Experience diving in a secluded paradise with abundant sea life, coral reefs and wrecks. The warm crystal clear waters of Tufi are a divers paradise. Gear rental, water activities, village stays, cultural and land tours. 24 air conditioned ensuite guest rooms, pool, full resort facilities. reservations@tufiresort.com

service@pngtours.com

RONDON RIDGE www.pngtours.com

In the mountains of mainland Papua New Guinea, above the town of Mount Hagen, sits Rondon Ridge. Rising mists enhance the lodge’s panoramic views of the historic valley below. Orchids thrive here. Hours of walking trails offer opportunities to spot exotic birds, including Birds of Paradise. Lodge

guides share the history and traditions of the Melpa people. Rondon Ridge is conveniently accessible on scheduled flights between Port Moresby and Mount Hagen. service@pngtours.com

service@pngtours.com

TAWALI RESORT www.tawali.com

Instruction, gear rental, Nitrox, 22 ensuite rooms, Broadband, full resort facilities.Where it all started, discover the dive sites that place PNG into the world class map of scuba diving. Situated on a limestone bluff backed by densely rain

forested hills overlooking the clear and protected water of Milne Bay, Tawali offers travellers a unique location to dive, relax and enjoy the unspoiled wonders of this magnificent part of the world. reservations@tawali.com

CPR IN DIVING ACCIDENTS:

Diving Medicine

Just the C or the PR too?

Professor Simon Mitchell, University of Auckland

I n the modern setting it is rare to hear a discussion of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) without someone mentioning the issue of “compression only CPR” (chest compressions without expired air resuscitation). Since resuscitation of injured divers is an unpleasant possibility that we all must confront, the subject of compression only CPR is sometimes raised in the context of diving (several times recently in on-line diving forums). There are substantial misunderstandings about this issue in the diving community, and it is a subject worthy of clarification in the pages of Dive New Zealand.

First, a little non-diving background. Traditional CPR, as most people will know, involves taking an airway – breathing – circulation (ABC) approach to resuscitation of a person who collapses and becomes unresponsive. In this paradigm, a person who collapses will have their responsiveness challenged by some sort of stimulation, and if apparently unconscious, their airway will be opened by the first responder. If there is no breathing the rescuer will then deliver expired air resuscitation (EAR) typically using a mouth to mouth technique. This is followed by a check for a pulse, and if there is no obvious pulse, chest compressions will be undertaken to establish circulation. The subsequent ratio of breaths to compressions has typically been considered dependent on whether there are one or two rescuers, but these details are irrelevant to this discussion. Early this decade a series of studies was published in the medical science literature that appeared to demonstrate that CPR in which the rescuers performed chest compressions only resulted in superior outcomes to CPR where the rescuers tried to perform both compressions and breaths. The results of 3 studies were analysed together. In these studies, subjects suffering cardiac arrest were randomly assigned to receive compression-only CPR or conventional CPR (compressions plus breaths) by an emergency dispatcher who instructed untrained first responders (by phone) in undertaking the assigned technique. This analysis showed a small but significant increase in survival (absolute increase 2.4%, number needed to treat = 41) when compression only CPR was used. The

latter means that one extra victim survived for every 41 victims managed with compression only CPR. These studies excluded cases in which there was intervention by bystanders trained in CPR, and consequently, they have been criticised as simply demonstrating that it is easier to instruct untrained laypeople in chest compressions alone than in compressions plus breaths via the telephone in an emergency. It was a controversial finding, but there is some plausibility. To be clear, these studies took place in the community where the the victim collapsed and stopped breathing because of a problem with their heart (a “community cardiac arrest”). Such events are typically caused by blockage of one of the arteries supplying blood to the heart (“a heart attack”) or by a disturbance of the heart rhythm due to some other cause. The crucial point to emphasise is that in such situations, at around the time the heart stops, there is a “normal” level of oxygen in the lungs because the victim was breathing normally right up to that point. Performing chest compressions circulates blood through the lungs, collecting some of that oxygen and carrying it to the vital organs like the brain. Although oxygenation is not optimal and will quickly become progressively less so, the study outcomes suggested that it was sufficient to “tide the patient over” until more expert medical care arrived. In addition to the fact that it appeared to work, compression only CPR had a number of other advantages. First it overcame the reluctance that bystanders often have in undertaking a complex process under pressure. If all they have to do is chest

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compressions, without having to remember the ratio of breaths to compressions, and different rates in one- or two-person CPR etc, then they are likely to experience less anxiety about starting CPR when it was needed. Similarly, compression only CPR mitigated concerns that first responders might have about communicable disease transmission if performing mouth to mouth EAR. Thus, compression only CPR offered the prospect of seeing many more victims of cardiac arrest in the community receive supportive care in a timely fashion. For all these reasons the technique has been widely promoted as a legitimate (and perhaps preferable) strategy in cardiac arrest, especially for responders with no training in proper CPR. Unfortunately the advice is frequently not contextualised accurately enough. Compression only CPR works in community cardiac arrest because the cardiac arrest is due to a heart problem, and there is at least some oxygen in the lungs at the time. In contrast, in drowning the patient becomes hypoxic before the cardiac arrest; indeed, hypoxia is the eventual reason the heart stops. That is, as hypoxia worsens, breathing efforts cease and eventually, if the hypoxia is not corrected, there will also be a cardiac arrest. Compression only CPR will not work in this setting because there is effectively no oxygen to circulate. It is more complicated than that though. As implied above, in

drowning there is a period between respiratory and cardiac arrest. If hypoxia can be corrected during this period then cardiac arrest may be prevented which, in reality, is the only thing likely to save a life out in the ocean. In a diving rescue it is not possible to tell if the victim is in respiratory but not cardiac arrest, but if that is the situation (and we would hope it is), then the only realistic chance of saving the victim is to stop them going into cardiac arrest in the first place. Thus, rescue breaths (breaths as early as it is physically possible to administer them) may be the key life-saving intervention in drowning. Finally, one of the reasons that compression only CPR works in community cardiac arrest is that definitive emergency care frequently reaches the patient quickly. If paramedics can take over early in the event and restore oxygenation of the lungs, then compression only CPR may be enough to get by in the interim. However, it is likely to take longer to obtain expert support in typical diving situations, so compression only CPR is much less likely to be adequate. In conclusion, compression only CPR is not appropriate for use in cardiac arrest where drowning may be the cause (as it is in most diving related deaths). There is no substitute in diving for getting properly trained in CPR and practicing the technique regularly. Hopefully you may never need it, but if you do you may save a life.

Professor Simon Mitchell MB ChB, PhD, DipOccMed, DipAdvDHM (ANZCA), FUHM, FANZCA Simon works as an anaesthesiologist at Auckland City Hospital and is Professor of Anaesthesiology at the University of Auckland. He provides on-call cover for the diving emergency service in New Zealand. He is widely published with two books and over 160 scientific journal papers or book chapters. He co-authored the hyperbaric and diving medicine chapter for the last four editions of Harrison’s Principles of Internal Medicine. He has been Editor-in-Chief of Diving and Hyperbaric Medicine Journal since 2019. He has twice been Vice President of the UHMS and in 2010 received the society’s Behnke Award for contributions to the science of diving. Simon has a long career in sport, scientific, commercial, and military diving. He was first to dive and identify three historically significant deep shipwrecks in Australia and New Zealand, including one in 2002 which was the deepest wreck dive undertaken at the time. He was conferred Fellowship of the Explorers’ Club of New York in 2006, and was the Rolex Diver of the Year in 2015. His most recent expeditions were the Pearse Resurgence cave exploration (New Zealand) in 2020, a project to take arterial blood gas specimens from an elite freediver at 60m 2021, and hunted for a shipwreck in the sub Antarctic in 2022.

References: 1. Soar J, Perkins GD, Abbas G et al. European Resuscitation Council Guidelines for Resuscitation 2010 Section 8. Cardiac arrest in special circumstances: Electrolyte abnormalities, drowning, accidental hypothermia, hyperthermia, asthma, anaphylaxis, cardiac surgery, trauma, pregnancy, electrocution. Resuscitation 2010; 81: 1400-1433

2. Mitchell SJ, Bennett MH, Bird N et al. Recommendations for rescue of a submerged unconscious compressed gas diver. Undersea Hyperbaric Med 39, 1099-1108, 2012

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RETURNING TO THE SOUTHERN OCEAN Captain Paul Watson scored a propaganda victory over Japan after it emerged he had bought his newest anti-whaling vessel from the Japanese government, apparently without its knowledge. - The Guardian December 11th, 2012 :: article by CAPTAIN PAUL WATSON That was an incredible coup back in 2012. We not only purchased the Seifu Maru but we had a Japanese crew deliver the vessel to Cairns where it was turned over to my crew and renamed the Sam Simon . The Japanese government was furious that a Japanese government ship would become an anti whaling ship and they said it would not happen again. But it has indeed happened again. The Guardian reported on December 11th, 2012 that: “To compound Japan's embarrassment, the 184-foot vessel was previously moored in Shimonoseki, home to the country's Antarctic whaling fleet, after being retired by the meteorological agency in 2010.” Twelve years later, the Captain Paul Watson Foundation has purchased the 212-foot Japanese government Fisheries Patrol vessel Arasaki registered in Tokyo. We set up a company in the USA and another company in South Korea and made the purchase thanks

to the generosity of my longtime friend and supporter John Paul DeJoria. We changed the name to New Horizon , put it under the temporary flag of Mongolia, and hired a Japanese crew to deliver the ship to Busan, South Korea and from there the ship departed for Hobart, Tasmania in Australia arriving on May 1st, 2024. And the reason for this purchase is in anticipation of the return of the Japanese whaling fleet to the Southern Ocean Whale Sanctuary. We need to be ready to return to the remote and hostile waters off the coast of Antarctica to once again intercept and shut down the illegal whaling activities of the Japanese whaling fleet. And why do we think that Japan will be returning to the Southern Ocean to resume their controversial and unlawful whaling activities? Because they retired the Nisshin Maru their former whaling factory ship and replaced it this year with the newly constructed Kangei Maru and there is only one purpose for a large long-range whale factory ship and that is the Southern Ocean Whale Sanctuary.

The newly acquired Captain Paul Watson Foundation ship Bandero

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novices. Most of my crew will be Whale Wars veterans with plenty of experiences from the many annual campaigns between 2005 and 2015. During that decade of campaigns, Japanese whale quotas were cut every year and a total of more than 6,500 whales were saved from Japanese harpoons. It was a long dangerous and tedious campaign that resulted in lawsuits from Japan and me being placed on the Interpol Red Notice list for the charge of “ conspiracy to trespass on a whaling ship. ” The Red Notice forced me to escape from Germany and to travel halfway around the globe without any documentation to rejoin my ship the Steve Irwin off American Samoa in November 2012. In 2013 I was forced into exile on the islands of the South Pacific for six months before being allowed to return to the United States by U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry. For the eleven years that I remained on the Red Notice I was not able to captain any of our ships and people who I trusted took advantage of the situation to remove me from the organisation and to seize and control all the assets and the ships. Even more outrageous was that they completely abandoned our objectives and strategies to move the organisation towards a more mediocre mainstream position citing that I was too confrontational and too controversial, the very things that had made our movement the success that it became. With the arrival of our new ship the Bandero , we have signaled that after two years, we are back and prepared to confront the whalers of the Southern Ocean Whale Sanctuary for good. We are now recruiting support all across Australia for the Captain Paul Watson Foundation and I will be doing a fund-raising tour of Australian cities in November 2024 prior to setting off for the Southern Ocean to once again intercept, confront and engage the Japanese whaling fleet. The whales now have their navy back. To support The Captain Paul Watson Foundation Please visit www.paulwatsonfoundation.org

The recently launched Japanese whale factory ship Kangei Maru

The drawing of the Kangei Maru

The Kangei Maru has just completed its sea trials. It will be ready to return to the Southern Ocean by the end of the year 2024. For the past two years two Japanese harpoon vessels Yushin Maru No 2 and Yushin Maru No 3 have been doing non-lethal research in the Southern Ocean counting Fin whales and Minke whales. Finally, my off the record communications with Japanese journalists have given every indication that Japan intends to return to resume the killing of whales. After our summer 2024 campaign to Iceland to block illegal whaling operations targeting endangered Fin whales, I will move our ship the John Paul DeJoria from the North Atlantic to Australia so that we will be in position to counter Japan’s unlawful Southern Ocean whale killing adventures with two fast long-range ships. In 2014, the International Court of Justice in the Hague ruled that Japan’s Southern Ocean Whale Sanctuary whaling operations were illegal. Japan abided by the ruling for one year and then began operations illegally again in 2016. In 2019 Japan announced that they would not be returning to the Southern Ocean. Some conservationists hailed this as a victory, but I knew it was a temporary reprieve and my concerns became justified by Japan’s announcement that they were building a replacement mother ship for the whaling fleet. It was obvious to me that the primary reason for Japan quitting whaling operations in 2019 was that the Nisshin Maru , their aging factory ship, was no longer suitable for the task. It had to be replaced and it has now been replaced with the new Kangei Maru . We will not be returning to the Southern Ocean as

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Dear Mike and Vikki, Many years have passed since I had my time in the fabulous underwater world. Today, there have been some really important and wonderful studies and works produced now performed by divers from all over the world. You have both managed to capture the world underwater scene spectacularly well. It is as good as any dive publication I have ever seen. For this I have to congratulate you both for putting together such an amazing and beautifully prepared magazine. It is one of the best and most complete presentations I have ever been fortunate enough to read. My old diving legs wanted to experience the wonders of the ocean once again. Of course at 87 years old that is not possible. But you bring this fabulous world back to life again in your Dive Log. There have been many important and valuable marine discoveries brought about by research and exploration. I am also reminded that when my friends and I started to explore the magic of the underwater world, we did so with inner fear and trepidation with mostly homemade gear that consisted of a mask, short fins and a snorkel with a ping pong ball on top.. By much good luck we survived those early years. We were always expecting to be faced with man eating sharks. We did see them but they did not attack us! I am sure that you will be aware that way back in the 1970's I pushed to have the Julian Rocks, Byron Bay, declared a marine sanctuary. After nine years of facing a lot of animosity, in 1982 we won the verbal war when it was declared a protected zone, and divers could now explore its waters properly. The benefits have been enormous. Anyway, I must again congratulate you on producing such a beautifully illustrated and informative publication. • Hello Bill, It is great to hear from you. Thank you for your kind words about Dive Log Australasia. I always look back fondly about diving with you so many times in the late 70's early 80's at Julian Rocks. I recall very clearly that mind blowing dive we did at the pinnacle in fifty metres visibility. We enjoyed sapphire blue water with the biggest Grey Nurse sharks I have seen, loads of cobia and that massive school of huge kingfish that formed a chimney around us as we ascended from ~40 metres. I remember clearly your reaction. You were famous for your very enthusiastic and frequent post dive bursts of excitement, sheer ecstacy and pure joy that we had after a great dive. After that dive, we were all in a seventh heaven. We were stunned at the superb spectacle that we had just experienced. So many divers over the last 50 years have benefited from your development of the amazing diving at Byron Bay. The protection of Julian Rocks was a battle you fought for us Long may it continue! Regards Bill Silvester.

for nine years. Now thousands of divers owe you a debt of gratitude. You were a very important part of the early history diving in Australia and will always be remembered fondly as a true pioneer, trailblazer and diving legend. best wishes Mike and Vikki Dear Mike, I hope this email finds you well. We don't know each other yet. I'm part of the NovoScuba team and my name is Sara Roncati. I am happy to reach you with the first news about this brand new company. NovoScuba's innovative approach to diving education - with its ground-breaking subscription-based training platform - is something that has never been seen before in the diving education industry and I believe this news may resonate with your readership. I believe this story would be of great interest to your audience, especially those passionate about diving, education and innovation in technology. Would you be interested in running this story in your publication? I'm also happy to provide any additional information or arrange an interview with Mark Spiers, CEO of NovoScuba, if that would be of interest. Thank you for considering this opportunity, I'd like to get to know you and the editorial team, I think it's the only healthy way to get involved in the diving community. I look forward to hearing from you soon, Best regards Sara Roncati - NovoScuba * Thank you Sara, we have published your article in this issue of Dive Log Page 88. Hi DL Been reading DL since started diving in 2008 so was fantastic to see it revived onto the internet. Just reading latest issue (April #405) I saw the DAN article talking about being aware of and managing the 3 'D's of disorientation, distraction and discomfort. Article had a discussion and mentioned how things like being stressed or on drugs etc can contribute to the 'D's . I found that 3D list not really an actionable checklist, so I use the Aviation checklist of IM SAFE = Illness, Medication, Stress, Alcohol, Fatigue, Emotion as a more thorough way of checking if any of the 3D issues will be likely? If I am indeed safe and not affected by any issues on the checklist then I am good to dive. Perhaps we can share this checklist in the next Dive Log? Regards David - Melbourne • Thank you David for your comments and sharing your own safety checklist.

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EUBRANCHUS

The REAL ‘Balloon Animals’ of the sea

Eubranchus ocellatus. Some cerata are hugely inflated. The narrow digestive diverticulum is visible through the mostly transparent walls.

Eubranchus sp. (sp. 20). An undescribed Eubranchus . Body and all appendages covered in dark spots. Digestive diverticula yellow and fill cerata.

H ave you ever inflated those special sausage-shaped balloons and twisted them together to make an “animal”? My favourite was the poodle, probably because it was the easiest to make that was recognisable as an animal. Every time I see a Eubranchus nudibranch I’m reminded of those comical little creations.

long time it was thought that the genus was primarily populated by temperate species and a quick look at a list of the described species would seem to confirm that view. However, the tropical Indo-Pacific is rich in putative Eubranchus species with more than 30 awaiting

Eubranchus is a genus of aeolid nudibranchs belonging to the Fionidae or Eubranchidae family depending upon whose taxonomy is followed. Whilst almost 50 species of Eubranchus have been described, the systematics of the genus requires much work. For a

Eubranchus inabai . The cerata vary greatly in size giving it an asymmetrical appearance. Originally described from Japan.

Eubranchus sp. (sp. 25). This is a Eubranchus putnami look-alike but different in some important respects. One member of a taxonomically cryptic clade.

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Eubranchus sp. (sp. 19). A very long species with small cerata that are olive-shaped but still with an inflated appearance.

Eubranchus sp. (sp. 03). Among the smallest of the tropical/subtropical Eubranchus . Exhibits swollen cerata with annular constrictions.

description. Also, in the Bass Strait region of Australia for example, Bob Burn asserts that 17 await description. Yet other regions could very well have additional undescribed species. These estimates do not include any taxonomically cryptic species that are sure to be discovered when in-depth reviews, that include molecular sequencing, are eventually undertaken. What we do know with regards to external differentiating characteristics is that Eubranchus possess swollen cerata, few in number, often with annular constrictions creating a bulbous presentation that can carry from one to three circlets of tubercles sometimes giving a knobbly appearance. The cerata are usually arranged in simple rows. They are often translucent to a

degree, though usually with some opaque pigmentation, but allowing the digestive diverticulum in each to show through. Those diverticula may completely fill the cerata or they may be just a spindly thin tube. Some specimens look particularly ungainly or asymmetrical as one or two of the cerata may be two to three times more swollen than all the rest. Like most aeolids the tip of each Eubranchus ceras contains a cnidosac wherein the nudibranch concentrates, stores and maintains undischarged stinging nematocysts obtained from their hydroid prey. These are discharged in the hundreds for defence when the nudibranch’s cerata are aggravated. Rhinophores and oral tentacles are most usually smooth although a few with annular rings or tubercles on

Eubranchus virginalis. Here, several are feeding together on a hydroid. The circlets of tubercles are obvious on the translucent cerata.

Eubranchus sp. (sp. 06). This undescribed but widespread Eubranchus of the Indo-Pacific has unusual colouration and numerous crowded cerata.

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Eubranchus sp. (sp. 18). An undescribed Eubranchus with long tubular cerata where the circlets of tubercles are crowded and confined towards the apices.

hydroid food. Often it is their spawn, laid upon the hydroid branches, that will betray their presence to the searching photographer. Knowing food sources is an excellent aid to finding sea slugs and with many species of Eubranchus the same applies. At times you might be fortunate to find several of the one species preying upon a single hydroid. The images in this NudiNote are of Eubranchus species from Indo-Pacific tropical to sub-tropical regions. This serves to explain the reason why two thirds of those illustrated here are currently undescribed. (Note: sp. numbers in brackets in the captions refer to species on the NudibranchDomain website.) - References relating to this article will be appended to a related article to be placed on NudibranchDomain.org in the near future. Eubranchus mandapamensis. Recognised by the distinctive colour pattern on the cerata apices. As well as circlets of tubercles on the cerata the rhinophores bear tubercles as well.

the rhinophores are known. Oral tentacles are usually much shorter than rhinophores. The body is elongate and narrow with a wide foot, often wider than the body; useful for those that need to grip and traverse hydroid branches. The anterior corners of the foot may be rounded or angular or even further developed into propodial tentacles. For those who are interested, the Eubranchus possess a triseriate radula (three toothed), a feature that assists taxonomists to separate them from similar looking species in other related genera. The diet of Eubranchus , where it is known, consists of colonial hydroids, either the type that are free growing or others that are epibiotic on various kinds of algae. Not all species of Eubranchus are observed in the open with many being found in and under coral rubble in the tropic and subtropical habitat. Most are small, less than 20 mm, (but a few do grow over 40 mm) with many being less than 10 mm in length and often quite cryptic on their

Eubranchus sp. (sp. 16). Also with distinctive colouration to the cerata apices. The digestive gland forms a small crucifix shape on the distal half.

Eubranchus sp. (sp. 23). A translucent species with the maroon-coloured digestive gland visible through the notum and cerata, the cerata capped with white-frosted cones.

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