DIVELOG JUNE 406

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

04

DIVE LOG Australasia #406 - June ‘24

www.divelog.net.au