DIVE LOG DECEMBER 25 ISSUE 415

Manta Ray taken with my Nikonos II in 1977

Above: My first Manta Ray photo from Lady Musgrave Island in Sept 1977. Below: This Manta Ray has survived many close encounters with large sharks, possibly a Tiger Shark.

for the rest of the world to see. The message is simple:

Protect some of the reefs to allow the marine life to recover from uncontrolled killing. Stop unlimited slaughter There is not much fun in diving on a reef which had ninety per cent of the marine life taken. In fact, I will go as far as to say that ALL dive resorts world wide will have to increase reef protection measures significantly if they want to attract divers in the future. That is what divers want. To get close to Nature and have exciting encounters with wild creatures. Reworded, the message is simple: Copy the Great Barrier Reef’s example HERON ISLAND DIVE FESTIVAL Dive Log is embarking on a really grand initiative. I am resurrecting the Heron Island Dive festival that ran in the 1990’s. This is a service to the diving community and as such a most excellent and exciting initiative The aim is to provide a great week of diving with awesome speakers who will do talks to educate, motivate and inspire you to enjoy

diving.It will be an exciting event to celebrate the magnificent living reefs around Heron Island The dates are June 20 to June 27 2026. This coincides with Manta Ray season and Whale season. WIth luck, sightings of both species should be a realistic chance. The festival will feature talks on Wreck Diving, Tropical fish, Sharks, Rays, Turtles, Under Water photography seminars, U/W video seminars and more.

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DIVE LOG Australasia #415 - December’ 25

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