Perfect Diver Magazine 18 issue

diving

No. 18 6(18)/2021

freediving

passion

knowledge

UNDERWATER CROATIA

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER

Price 12,50 € Tax included

MY TAKE ON THE ”TORPEDOWNIA” RITUAL SLAUGHTER THE TRADITION OF PILOT WHALE HUNTING IN THE FAROE ISLANDS

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1. COMMUNICATION 6° with soft halo XML2 (Cree), 10W / 1300lm Max. Burn Time: 7h

2. COMMUNICATION + VIDEO 6° + 120° XML2 (Cree), 10W / 1300lm 7 x XPG2 (Cree), 30W / 2600lm Max. Burn Time: 1h 50’

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3 OPERATING MODES:

the foreword

WOJCIECH ZGOŁA

Editor-in-Chief

T

he weather is getting colder. Some are happy about it; others are waiting for spring to come or are flying off to warmer places. The summer holidays have become

a memory, so I encourage you to admire the cover made by Mariusz Czajka, because it is fantastic, and to look deeper into the text about Croatia by Michal Štros.

And that's just the beginning of our virtual dive into the last issue of Perfect Diver Magazine this year.

We have not written about the Sea of Cortés before. The topic is brought closer to you by Katarzyna Cieślawska, and the whole text is enriched by beautiful, as it is in our editions, photographs.

We do not run away from difficult subjects. From the very beginning, we have been concerned about Planet Earth. Inside, you will find a powerful and substantive text by Prof.

Hanna Mamzer on the ritual slaughter of the long-finned pilot whales...

You will find an amazing article by Agata Turowicz-Cybula about sharks in the Baltic Sea, and in our interview, Laura Kazi asks Siân Williams about turtles... Please note the fantastic pictures by Karola Takes Photos.

I can't reveal everything, but there is also a summary of the Clean up the World, and at the very end, as it is already customary in our magazine, we have a very practical article about diving torches. Wojtek A. Filip asks if power is the most important.

In your hands lies another quality issue of the Perfect Diver Magazine. We close the year 2021 and look forward to 2022. What will it bring to the world, to our planet, to ourselves?

I wish you a wonderful and peaceful Christmas. And in the New Year, make all your dreams come true.

PERFECTDIVER No. 6(18)/2021

3

ta b l e o f co n t e n t s

12 20

TRAVELS 12

Underwater Croatia

20

Vámonos! The Sea of Córtes...

40 EVENTS

WRECKS 56 28

40

4

The first edition of the Diving Talks – International Diving

My take on the "Torpedownia" torpedo testing station

Congress

OUR CONVERSATION

EQUIPMENT

At a turtle’s pace

58

Underwater Decathlon

PLANET EARTH Publisher PERFECT DIVER WOJCIECH ZGOŁA

36

Why is the Baltic Sea void of sharks?

46

Ritual slaughter. The tradition of pilot whale hunting in

62

Harriers from the marsh

66

Underwater cleanup

the Faroe Islands

ul. Folwarczna 37, 62-081 Przeźmierowo redakcja@perfectdiver.com ISSN 2545-3319

editor in chief

Wojciech Zgoła

underwater archaeology

Mateusz Popek

publicist, photographer marketing & advertisement english language translators

Bartosz Pszczółkowski Hubert Reiss Agnieszka Gumiela-Pająkowska Arleta Kaźmierczak Reddo Translations Sp. z o.o.

Piotr Witek

legal care graphic design and composition

Lawyer Joanna Wajsnis Brygida Jackowiak-Rydzak

the magazine was folded with typefaces

Montserrat (Julieta Ulanovsky) Open Sans (Ascender Fonts) Spectral (Production Type)

46

printing Wieland Drukarnia Cyfrowa, Poznań, www.wieland.com.pl

distribution dive centers, online store

preorder@perfectdiver.com

TIPS & CURIOSITIES 70

How to select a diving torch?

cover photo

Mariusz Czajka place

SS Lina Wreck, Croatia

www.perfectdiver.com

70

The Editorial Office does not return unsolicited materials, is not responsible for the content of advertisements and reserves the right to shorten, edit, title the submitted texts and select illustrative materials. Reprinting of articles or parts thereof, copying only with the consent of the Editorial Board. Editors are not responsible for the form and content of advertisements.

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Donation is voluntary.

PayPal.Me/perfectdiver PERFECTDIVER No. 6(18)/2021

5

e d i to r i a l t e a m

WOJCIECH ZGOŁA

HUBERT REISS

He often repeats that he travels by diving and that is his motto. In 1985

An IT specialist by profession, but a flesh and blood salesman who is not

he obtained a yacht sailor's license, and only in 2006 began to dive. In the

afraid of any job. Diving has always been my big dream. At the beginning

following years he improved his skills by obtaining the Dive Master degree.

it was supposed to be a challenge, a short episode but it turned out to be

He completed nearly 650 dives in various climatic conditions. Since 2007, he

a passion for the end of the world and one day longer. Under water I react

has been taking photographs underwater, and since 2008 he has also been

and rest. As a Divemaster, sidemount Razor diver, and recently also a pho-

filming. As an independent journalist, he published dozens of articles, mainly

tographer, I realize my dreams by admiring and immortalizing the beauty of

in journals dedicated to diving, but not only. Co-author of photo exhibitions in

the underwater world. "Passion breeds professionalism, professionalism gives

Poland and abroad. He is passionate about and propagator of diving.

quality, and quality is a luxury in life. Nowadays, especially..."

Since 2008 he has been running his own website www.dive-adventure.eu. On the basis of extensive experience, in August 2018 he created the new Perfect Diver Magazine.

MATEUSZ POPEK

BARTOSZ PSZCZÓŁKOWSKI

”My passion, work and life are under water.” He has been diving since 2009.

That's my name and I come from Poznań. I have been associated with water

Since 2008, he's walking in caves. Underwater archeologist by education.

practically from birth and with diving since I learned to walk. My grandfather

He participated in numerous projects in Poland and abroad. He has been

instilled my passion for the underwater world, a CMAS*** instructor taking

engaged in professional diving since 2011. In 2013 he obtained the quali-

me to the lakes at any free time. I obtained my first qualifications in 1996.

fications of a 2nd class diver. Has experience in underwater work both at

A year later I went to Croatia and literally went crazy at the sight of blue water,

sea and inland. Since 2013 he has been diving in caves, especially in the

octopus and colorful fish;) I bought my first underwater camera – Olympus

mountains, and since 2014 he is a diving instructor CMAS M1. In June 2020,

5060 and started the adventure with underwater photography. I acquired my

he obtained a doctoral degree in underwater archeology.

diving experience in the Canary Islands, Sardinia, Norway, Maldives and in Polish lakes. I am currently a Padi and ESA instructor, I train diving enthusiasts in Europe and pass my passion on to others.

I invite all lovers of the underwater world and photography to Beediver (FB) – see you soon.

co n s ta n t coo p e r at i o n

WOJCIECH A. FILIP

ANNA SOŁODUCHA

SYLWIA KOSMALSKA-JURIEWICZ

Has more than 8000 dives on his account. He

A graduate of Geography faculty at the University

A traveller and a photographer of wild nature.

has been diving for over 30 years, including over

of Wrocław and an incurable optimist… with a per-

A graduate of journalism and a lover of good liter-

20 years as a technical diver. He is a professional

manent smile on her lips! It was probably Destiny

ature. She lives in harmony with nature, promotes

with great theoretical and practical knowledge. He

that led her to Activtour… and she's been here

a healthy lifestyle: she is a yogini and a vegetarian.

is an instructor of many federations: GUE Instruc-

on permanent basis. She passionately fulfils the

Also engaged in ecological projects. Sharks and

tor Mentor, CMAS**, IANTD nTMX, IDCS PADI, EFR,

dreams of many, organizing diving trips around the

their protection are especially close to her heart.

TMX Gas Blender. He participated in many diving

world, and she has already been diving for more

She writes about the subject in numerous articles

projects and conferences as a leader, explorer,

than half of her life. Each year she explores a dif-

and on her blog www.divingandtravel.pl. She be-

originator or lecturer. These included the Britan-

ferent ‘piece of the ocean’, pinning another pin to

gan her adventure with diving fifteen years ago

nic Expedition 2016, Morpheus Cave Scientific

her diving world map. In winter she changes fins

by total coincidence. Today she is a Divemaster,

Project on Croatia caves, GROM Expedition in

into her beloved skis and gets away into the Alps.

she visited over 60 countries and dived on 5 con-

Narvik, Tuna Mine Deep Dive, Glavas Cave in Croa-

A recipe for life? ”The only a dead trunk flows with

tinents. She invites us for a joint journey with the

tia, NOA-MARINE. Professionally, he is a technical

the current – the explorer's canoe flows up the river!”

travel agency www.dive-away.pl, of which she is

director at TecLine in Scubatech, and a director of

anna@activtour.pl

a co-founder.

training at TecLine Academy.

activtour.pl; travel.activtour.pl; 2bieguny.com

KAROLA TAKES PHOTOS

JAKUB DEGEE

MICHAL ČERNÝ

Karolina Sztaba, and professionally Karola Takes

Polish photographer, winner of awards and dis-

"Wet photos" – He has photographed since he

Photos, is a photographer by education and pas-

tinctions in world underwater photography com-

remembers. After several years of experience as

sion. She is currently working at the Trawangan

petitions, has already dived all over the world: with

a diver, he wanted to keep memories of underwa-

Dive Center on a tiny island in Indonesia – Gili

sharks and whales in South Africa, with orcs be-

ter dives. He bought his first compact camera with

Trawangan, where she moved to live four years

hind the Arctic Circle, on Galapagos with hundreds

an underwater housing. Over time, however, the

ago. She photographs above and below the wa-

of hammerhead sharks and humpback whales in

desire to have the best photo began to dominate,

ter. In addition, she creates photographic proj-

the Tonga Islands. He participates in specialist

which was not quite possible with the compact

ects against littering the oceans and polluting

photographic workshops. He has been diving for

he used. That's why he switched to the Olympus

our planet with plastic ("Trapped", "Trashion").

27 years, he started at the age of 12 – as soon as

PEN E-PL 5 reflex camera, which allows the use of

She cooperates with NBO organizations dealing

it was formally possible. He was the first in the

several different lenses. He uses a combination

with environmental protection and actively partic-

world to use the Hasselblad X1d-50c camera for

of underwater flashes and lights. He focuses on

ipates in pro-ecological actions (coral protection,

underwater macro photography. Recently, in the

wildlife photography, not arrangement. He photo-

coral planting, cleaning the world, protection of

remote Chincorro archipelago on the border be-

graphs in fresh domestic waters as well as in the

endangered species). She is also the official pho-

tween Mexico and Belize, he did it again, taking

seas and oceans of the world.

tographer of Ocean Mimic – a brand that creates

a successful attempt to photograph the eye of

He has already won numerous awards at Czech

swimwear and surfwear from rubbish collected

a crocodile with a macro lens with an additional

and foreign photography competitions. More

on the beaches of Bali. She cooperated with many

magnifying lens, which is the world's largest photo

photos can be found on his website, where you

brands of diving equipment for which she created

of the crocodile's eye living in the wild (in terms of

can also buy them not only as photos, but also as

advertising campaigns. In 2019, she became the

pixel count, print size, quality).

photos printed on canvas or on another medium.

ambassador of the Polish company Tecline.

www.mokrefotky.cz

She has been a technical diver for two years.

www.facebook.com/MichalCernyPhotography www.instagram.com/michalcerny_photography/

co n s ta n t coo p e r at i o n

WOJCIECH JAROSZ

AGNIESZKA KALSKA

LAURA KAZIMIERSKA

A graduate of two Poznan universities, the Acad-

”I can't imagine living without water, where in a free

Laura Kazimierska is currently working as PADI

emy of Physical Education (coaching specializa-

body I experience freedom of the spirit.”

Course Director at TrawanganDive Center on the

tion – handball) and the University of A.Mickiewicz, Faculty of Biology (specialty of experimental biology). He connected his professional life with this first university trying to influence the direction of development of future professionals on the one hand, and on the other planning and implement-

• founder of the first freediving and swimming school in Poland – FREEBODY, • Apnea Academia International and PADI Master Freediver freediving instructor, • world record holder in freediving (DYN 253 m),

Indonesian island of Gili Trawangan. Founder of the Divemastergilis portal. www.divemastergilis.com @divemastergilis For over 7 years she has lived and discovered the underwater world of Indonesia. She is not only an avid technical diver, but also the face of the

ing research, pushing laboriously in the right di-

• record holder and Polish champion, member

Planet Heroes platform and the ambassador of

rection of the stroller called science. In his free

of the national team in freediving 2013–2019,

the Ocean Mimic brand. She actively contributes

time he spends his time actively – his main pas-

• winner of the World Championships in freed-

to the promotion of the protection of corals and

sions are sailing (sea helmsman), skiing (downhill

iving 2013, 2015, 2016 and 2018,

the natural environment of fish and marine an-

skiing instructor), riding a motorcycle, recreational

• multimedalist of the Polish Championships

imals by taking part in scientific projects, cam-

diving and many other activities, as well as pho-

and a member of the national team in swim-

paigns against ocean littering and cooperating

tography, mainly nature.

ming in the years 1998–2003,

with NGOs in Indonesia.

• passionate about freediving and swimming.

@laura_kazi

AGATA TUROWICZ-CYBULA

ADRIAN JURIEWICZ

IRENA KOSOWSKA

Since I was a child, I had dreamed of becoming

A traveler, photographer and the underwater

Regional Manager Divers Alert Network Polska,

a marine biologist and I managed to fulfill that

world filmmaker, an Asian cuisine enthusiast

diving and first aid instructor, technical diver and

dream. I did a degree in oceanography, where

and a PADI diving instructor. He visited over

cave diver. In love with all flooded, dark, cold,

I recently started my doctoral studies. My diving

70 countries and dived on 5 continents (the

tight places and invariably from the beginning

adventure began when I was 12 years old. I love

other two are planned for next year's expedi-

of the diving route – in the Baltic. Implementing

observing the underwater life up close and I try to

tions). For several years he has also been an

the DAN mission, he conducts a series of lectures

show other divers how fascinating the underwa-

instructor and trainer of the unmanned aircraft

”Dive safely” and Diving Safety Laboratory, so field

ter, Baltic creatures are.

flights. A co-author of a travel agency for divers

research of divers for scientific purposes.

www.dive-away.pl. He documents his expeditions with photos and descriptions of his journeys on his blog www.divingandtravel.pl

o u r au t h o r s

KATARZYNA CIEŚLAWSKA

MICHAL ŠTROS

TOMEK RAMUTKOWSKI

MA in tourism and economics. She dives from

The author is biologist by profession, involved in

He has always been fascinated by the underwater

the cradle, she grew up in diving camps. She

cancer research at the Czech Academy of Scienc-

world, and from the very beginning of his diving

managed to combine her professional work with

es in Brno. His profession enabled him to travel

journey, he has been associated with the wrecks

a great passion for diving and travel – for over

around the globe and to visit places which are

of the Baltic Sea. Currently, he has completed

10 years she has been running the diving travel

also regarded as the best dive sites. Underwater

several thousand dives in various places around

agency Activtour.pl, which deals with professional

photography became a part of his life since he

the world. He dives mainly technically, wreck and

organization of diving trips around the world (also

dove the Great Barrier Reef of Australia. His ”pet“

cave. Fascinated by rebreathers and underwater

in the Arctic areas: to Antarctica and the Arctic).

is Canon 80D (Ikelite housing, ”fish eye“, 60 mm

photography. Tomek is an Instructor Trainer,

More information at:

and 100mm macro lenses, Subsee diopters and

rebreather, technical, wreck and sidemount in-

www.activtour.pl

snoot RETRA), as well as the Photoshop editing

structor in several training organizations. For over

www.activtour24.pl

software. He received an “Honorary Mention” on

10 years, he has been sharing his knowledge with

www.safari-nurkowe.pl

one of the most the prestigious underwater photo

others, focusing on high quality training. Founder

contest, Ocean Art 2020 (Underwater Art). Some

of the 4baltic Association, owner of Deepbusters

of his underwater photos are processed by cre-

and Wreckbusters.

ative tools, by combination of underwater pho-

www.4baltic.pl

tography and digital software to create captivating

www.deepbusters.pl

– sometime even surrealist – images.

www.wreckbusters.pl

His photos are regularly published in scuba diving

www.facebook.com/tomekramutkowskitechnical

magazines and presented at exhibitions. He believes that exhibiting of underwater photos to the public could increase social awareness towards marine conservation. More underwater photos, as well as information about the author, are to be found on his website http://michalstros.cz

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DIVING CENTER DIVING SCHOOL

o u r au t h o r s

HANNA MAMZER

GRZEGORZ MIKOSZA

Professor at the Department of Sociology, Adam

programmes. She lectures in Poland and abroad

In the Foundation, he is the commander-in-chief

Mickiewicz University. A psychologist, sociologist,

and has extensive international cooperation with

of the Clean up the World – Poland Action and

and forensic expert in animal welfare, dog ethol-

the United States of America. She works towards

manages the works of strategic projects. Grze-

ogy, and human-dog relations. She initiated the

understanding animal needs and promoting ani-

gorz realizes himself creatively in ideas for new

creation of the Inter-species Relations Section in

mal welfare in human social practice. In her aca-

campaigns and methods of promotion as part of

the Polish Sociological Association. Member of the

demic work, she pays great attention to making

the Foundation's Clean Up the World – Poland

Local Ethics Committee for Animal Testing. A two-

interdisciplinary connections between different

and Eco-education programs. Arranges strate-

time scholarship holder of the Fulbright Founda-

scientific fields in order to integrate activities

gies and coordinates the work so that everything

tion, British Council, Leibniz Institute for Regional

and information that promote an understand-

goes according to plan. During off-road activities,

Development and Structural Planning in Erkner

ing-based approach to human-nonhuman rela-

he wears yellow gloves and naturally carries kilo-

(Germany), Central European University in Buda-

tionships. She collaborates with law enforcement

grams of waste. He often takes the helm of the

pest, European University Institute in Florence,

agencies in Animal Welfare Act investigations. She

foundation's Facebook and Instagram profile

Stefan Batory Foundation, the winner of Polityka

also works with non-governmental organisations,

to talk about what we can do together for our im-

magazine scholarship campaign, and numerous

local authorities, and homeless animal shelters.

mediate surroundings. In his free time, he sails,

awards and distinctions. Multiple participant of

She runs a temporary home for anxious, with-

runs and traverses mountain trails.

Socrates Erasmus and Socrates Erasmus Mundus

drawn, and distrustful dogs.

A graduate of the Faculty of IT Management and Finance at the University of Economics in Wrocław and the Faculty of Journalism and Social Communication of the University of Lower Silesia in Wrocław. Certified specialist in the field of obtaining EU funds and communication on the Internet.

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6

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t r av e l s

Underwater Croatia Text and photos MICHAL ŠTROS

Orange sponges on the walls of the headland Kaprije

After many years of traveling to remote and exotic destinations, together with a friend of mine, we decided to head to the nearby Croatia for a couple of days, visiting the Murter island and Kornati National Park.

F

or Europeans, Croatia is one of those countries with sea access where you don’t need to go by plane. Besides, remote exotic destinations won’t do for an ex-

tended weekend or even a week of vacation. I must admit

that after diving in Egypt, in the Caribbean, in Indonesia, Australia and other remote locations, I wasn’t expecting much from the Adriatic in terms of diversity of its underwater life.

All the more was I surprised by the abundance of sea flora

12

travels

Diving boat in the bay of Tisno

Zadar

MURTER

KORNATI NATIONAL PARK

Šibenik

found accommodation a couple of minutes walk from each of our bases.

DIVING OFF MURTER ISLAND There are plenty of diving sites around Murter island – lots of shipwrecks, brightly colored gorgonians, corals, sponges and large schools of fish which are a magnet for recreational and technical divers. As most dives in this area exceed 20 meters of depth, you need to be licensed to dive up to 30 meters, e.g.

AOWD or CMAS P2. It is also a good idea to dive with nitrox (a license is absolutely required). Apart from a few exceptions, and fauna off Murter island and in the Kornati National Park.

there was no instructor to accompany us when descending

We took off for Croatia with our car packed with diving gear,

but – as it turned out – this is normal in Croatia. Before each

thick neoprene suits, underwater cameras, food and a case

dive there was always a detailed “briefing”, allowing us to quick-

of bottled beer. The way to the little coastal town of Tisno (on

ly find our way around underwater. The currents weren’t too

Murter island), driving on almost empty highways, took us

strong, so that I could focus entirely on photography. There are

about 10 hours. “Tramonto” (Tisno/Murter) and “Just Dive –

several shipwrecks near the Murter island, but our attention

Croatia” (Biograd na Moru) were our diving bases in Croatia.

was drawn by the German bomber Junkers 87 R-2 (Stuka) from

In order not to have to drag bulky diving gear around, we

the Second World War.

PERFECTDIVER No. 6(18)/2021

13

t r av e l s

Wreck of the German dive bomber Junkers 87 Stuka

14

JUNKERS 87 R-2 (STUKA) BOMBER

hitting the seabed. The discovery of a Stuka bomber in such

In the autumn of 2014, near the Croatian island Zirje, fisher-

a well-preserved condition is remarkable, as out of the 6000 ma-

men accidentally found a wreck of a German bomber Junkers

chines manufactured, only 3 have remained all over the world.

87 R-2. This is a single engine machine from the Second World

According to historians, on 12 April 1941 three Stuka

War period, with detachable wings, fixed undercarriage and

Ju 87 R-2 bombers piloted by Italians were attacked by two

a two-man crew (a pilot and a gunman). During the war, the

Yugoslavian war ships going near Šibenik. They managed

bomber was widely known as “Stuka” which is an abbreviation

to shoot down two of the machines. One of them is the already

for German “Sturzkampfbomber”, a diving bomber, which refrs

mentioned wreck. Nothing is known about the pilots’ fate but

to its flight path during bombing. The main Stuka strategy was

it is assumed they survived. The wreck was made available

to quickly climb above the target, then approach it headfirst and

for diving amateurs in April 2015 but only diving with licensed

drop bombs from a height of approximately 450 meters. Most

diving centers is allowed here. Approaching the plane wreck

Stuka bombers were fitted with so-called “Jericho trumpet” emit-

with a diving boat takes about 70 minutes. The site, where

ting a characteristic siren sound that induced dread and panic

the wreck lies, is not marked in any way so that unauthorized

among the civilians and the Ally troops. The wreck of the Junkers

persons can’t access it easily. A couple of floating plastic buoys

87 R-2 bomber sits at a depth of 28 meters, on a sandy seabed,

is attached to an anchor cable. Although we noticed a stronger

surrounded by grass. The machine is well preserved and looks

current when disembarking the boat, the attached rope led us

like it has just smoothly landed. Only the cockpit dome and the

safely to the wreck which we could see already at 15 meters

engine are missing, which most probably were torn away upon

of depth.

podróże

Ringneck blenny (Parablennius pilicornis) in deterrence posture

DIVING SITES NEAR MURTER ISLAND

the seabed closely, you will surely notice Ringneck blenny

Most sites around Murter island can be reached with a Zo-

(Parablennius pilicornis), and in the vegetation cover or near

diac within 30 minutes. Lesser-known locations in that area

yellow sponges beautifully colored nudibranch. Apart from

include Kukuljari, Kaprije, Kablinac and, a bit more remote,

other fish species, on the seabed you may notice schools of

Zirje island.

Dreamfish (Sarpa salpa) with their characteristic stripes along

Kukuljari (also known as Kukuljar) is a small rocky island

their bodies. Eating this fish evokes strong hallucinations in

with a lighthouse, located near Murter. The island stands out

humans, which is why the Romans called it a “fish that makes

only three meters above the sea surface and is flat, with slopes

dreams”. In shallow waters, you may also spot octopuses hid-

so steep that they are impossible to climb. On the west side, it

den among the rocks.

is shallow and the seabed covered with grass descends gently.

The ”Kaprije point” is a site where a wall with two ter-

This is the place where the diving boat is usually moored. At

races begins. Its first edge lies at 8–12 meters and is dense-

first, you descend with a rope along sandy terraces to the

ly covered with sea grass. The terrace gradually descends

depth of 20–30 meters where the last terrace ends and

to 20 meters. The second edge reaches about 30 meters of

a vertical wall begins, descending straight down to the sandy

depth and is covered with sponge. The wall is a shelter for

seabed at 45 meters. There are numerous cracks along the

rock lobsters and octopuses. It is incredibly colorful, with or-

wall, where plenty sea creatures find their refuge. In shallow

ange and dark-brown sponges here and there, colorful corals,

waters, you may find coral, yellow, orange and dark-brown

anemones and red starfish Echinaster sepositus. Eye-catching

sponge, and winnowed anemones. If you watch the life on

coloring is the feature of a 15 mm sea slug Thuridilla hopei

PERFECTDIVER No. 6(18)/2021

15

t r av e l s A sea slug Thuridilla hopei feeding on yellow sponges

White-tufted worms dancing in the current

16

travels

Close-up of a bearded fireworm

Bearded fireworms on a gorgonian

Red starfish "under microscope"

– one of the common species in the Mediterranean Sea. It

Another diving site near Murter island is Kablinac. This

feeds on algae that it uses for sourcing active chloroplasts,

is a tiny point at the North of Maly Tetovinjak island. The sea

obtaining additional feed through photosynthesis. Despite its

is shallow between Kablinac and Maly Tetovinjak, reaching

acidic secretion and bright colors to scare away any predators,

as little as 10 meters in the deepest place. Meeting an octo-

it is a favorite delicacy of the tube hermit crab. There are also

pus in this area is quite common. Shallow sea and schools of

beautiful, creamy white in color tentacles of the white-tufted

colorful fish make it a perfect snorkeling location. The rocky

worms (Protula tubularia) which look like “feathers” with regu-

point descends to 25 meters of depth and then steeply falls

lar spots up each tentacle. The wall descends vertically to the

to 55 meters on a sandy seabed covered with grass. You may

very bottom at a depth of 50–55 meters. In Croatia, it is quite

spot lobsters hiding in the cracks of the vertical wall covered

common underwater to spot a Bearded fireworm (Hermodice

with orange sponges and red sea fans, beautifully contrasting

carunculata), measuring about 15cm. Their rich coloring warns

with the blue of the sea. In order to appreciate their stunning

potential enemies against excessive intrusion. The fireworm

colors, you need a good flashlight.

moves with ease, and its body is covered with bristles that are empty inside and contain venom. You shouldn’t touch them, as

DIVING IN KORNATI NATIONAL PARK

stuck bristles cause burning and swelling of the skin. It is not

During our stay in Croatia, almost everyday we went for two

without a reason that these marine bristleworms are referred

dives and returned either early in the afternoon (Tisno/Murt-

to as „fireworms”.

er) or late in the afternoon. If we still had time after diving

PERFECTDIVER No. 6(18)/2021

17

t r av e l s Long-snouted seahorse and seagrass

Long-snouted seahorse with luxuriant "mane"

An aeolid nudibranch Cratena peregrina

18

ADVERTISEMENT

Sunset in Biograd na Moru

on Murter, we went to the nearby

er reluctantly. Not far away from

Vodica or Šibenik. Both resorts at-

this place, I took a picture of an ae-

tract with their unique charm of port

olid nudibranch Cratena peregrina

towns. Šibenik is also famous for

with beautifully colored outgrowths

romantic walks along moored sail-

called cerata, waving in the water.

ing vessels and loads of cafes and

From time to time, we could also

restaurants along the embankment.

see other nudibranch species, but

The nearby downtown may offer you

compared to other well-known loca-

the history of the town and lots of

tions for macrophotography, their

tourist attractions. After diving in

presence and diversity in Croatia is

Kornati National Park we hadn’t

rather poor. Nevertheless, through

much time left, so in the evenings

my camera viewfinder I managed

we usually took a walk on the town

to spot plenty of tiny sea critters,

of Biograd na Moru embankment,

and observing their “everyday” life

looking at the see and boats passing

was a remarkable experience for

by or wandering through the streets,

me. Kornati National Park delights

and absorbing the atmosphere of

not only with its rich and diverse un-

a coastal resort.

derwater life forms – their limestone

During diving in diverse loca-

and slate islands are a paradise for

tions within Kornati National Park

sailors. On the Kornati National Park

(near Balun and Borovnic islands)

islands there are no rivers or sources

we had several occasions to ad-

of fresh water, therefore they are un-

mire long-snouted seahorses (Hip-

inhabited for most part of the year.

pocampus guttulatus) which belong

The beauty of Kornati is best cap-

to the most charismatic sea crea-

tured in the quotation from Bernard

tures. During the day, the seahors-

Shaw: “On the last day of Creation

es were camouflaged in the grass

God desired to crown His work, and

and, and if they had to move, they

thus created the Kornati islands out of

were very slow and they did it rath-

tears, stars and breath.”

Technically … the best.

Hollis gear stands up to any condition.

So, how deep will you go?

www.nurkowanie-ecn.pl

t r av e l s

Vámonos!

The Sea of Córtes…

Text KATARZYNA CIEŚLAWSKA

20

travels

Photo Katarzyna Cieślawska, activtour.pl

Photo Katarzyna Cieślawska, activtour.pl

ra

no

So

GULF OF CALIFORNIA Mexico

Photo Katarzyna Cieślawska, activtour.pl

W

e are going to focus on the Mexican state of Sonora and the Gulf of California, places that are not as famous as the Mexican Yucatán Peninsula

only two or three dive boats, f magnificent walls covered with black coral forests,

or the Revillagigedo Archipelago, with its legendary dive sites

f home of hundreds, if not thousands, of sea lions that ac-

around the islands, including Socorro. Nevertheless, whoever

company during dives, showing their charm to our camaras'

has been there and had the opportunity to dive in Sonora will probably share my opinion about how unusual and charming this place is!

The Gulf of California, also called The Sea of Cortés, has so much to offer to scuba divers that it will work up the appetite of many of you – especially underwater photographers! If we summarised all the attractions that await us here, I think that they would be:

lenses, f a meeting place for whale sharks, dolphins and even cetaceans (if you're lucky), f an amazing macro world with the most popular: jawfish, blennies, nudibranchs, f or by contrast, huge shoals of trevallers, sardines, tunas, barracudas and even devil fish...

In a word, a place that works up an appetite for an under-

f an amazing marine life,

water adventure! There is a reason the Sea of Cortés is on the

f exoticism, one of the last strongholds missed by mass to-

UNESCO World Heritage List... The only one like that, unique,

urism,



f a secluded archipelago of islands, around which there are

inconspicuous...! It is squeezed between the mainland and the

Photo Mirek Gołaś Post-production Grzegorz Kajstura PERFECTDIVER No. 6(18)/2021

21

t r av e l s

Photo Mirek Gołaś, Post-production Grzegorz Kajstura

Baja California Peninsula, a world-famous dive site. Jacques Cousteau called the Sea of Cortés the "aquarium of the world", because over 600 species of animals live in it, ranging from representatives of the macro world: cute seahorses, groupers, anglers, nudibranchs; to numerous colonies of larger representatives of the fauna: Californian sea lions, dolphins, devil fish, sperm whales, fin whales, whale sharks, sharks and pilot whales. The Gulf of California is a real delicacy that opens up to diving safari boats only 3 months a year.

In the summer months, where the largest Mexican desert, the Great Altar, lushly decorated with cacti meets the sea, it attracts the attention of diving enthusiasts from all over the Photo Andrzej Misiuk

world. The northern area of the Cortes Sea, called the Midriff Islands, consisting of a system of islands, pinnacles, and islets, becomes accessible to visitors thanks to the period of windless weather and slightly undulating water. At the northern end of the coast there is a small port town of Puerto Penasco, where we boarded our dive boat. The easiest way to get here is from the airport in Phoenix in the USA – approx. 2 hours drive or from the airport in Hermosillo in Mexico – approx.

5 hours drive.

The Sea of Cortés is a breathtaking destination on the diving travel map, especially for fans of underwater photography and filming. The water temperature in the summer months ranges

Photo Katarzyna Cieślawska, activtour.pl

22

travels

Photo Mirek Gołaś, Post-production Grzegorz Kajstura

from 28 ° C to 29 ° C, the thermocline is a rare phenomenon, and the visibility we can count on reaches an average of 20– 30 meters. During the entire trip, the exception was 1–2 dives with cooler water reaching a temperature of 25 ° C and visibility below 5 meters. With three to four immersions a day, we will have the greatest thermal comfort in a 4–5 mm thick foam, and for those who are cold, I recommend that you pack insulation. The vast majority of dives are calm and do not pose any major problems even to beginner divers. The adopted limit of the depth ranged most often between 20 and 30 meters, the impetuous currents and tides occured maybe several times.

We set off for our adventure on board on an extremely comfortable boat M / Y Rocio del Mar, dedicated to divers. It is an extremely spacious vessel, enriched with a rare system of

Photo Mirek Gołaś, Post-production Grzegorz Kajstura

side floats – ensuring stabilisation during waves, significantly improving the comfort of the cruise. The daily diving schedule filled our time from dawn to dusk, because every day we were at least three or four times underwater. Between the dives, it was a real pleasure to snorkel among colonies of sea lions, being interrupted from time to time by jelous males sending us clear signals that they do not want our company and interaction with their harem friends...

A weekly cruise away from civilisation and GSM network coverage, the lack of the company of other boats, allowed

Photo Mirek Gołaś Post-production Grzegorz Kajstura PERFECTDIVER No. 6(18)/2021

23

podróże

Photo Andrzej Misiuk

us to immerse ourselves in the beauty of this place, feel the

mouths full of eggs (as typical of the species, males incubate

desert climate of the surrounding islands and of the animals

eggs in their mouths), many varieties of richly shaped blennies

inhabiting them. For a moment we moved to a world where

or colonies of many varieties of nudibranchs – shimmering

birds, sea lions, whales, devil fich reign... a place where cacti

oranges, beiges, violets...

look nostalgically from the sun-burnt slopes of the mountains.

It is where the inky blue water invites you to the wonderful

Isla San Pedro Martur

underwater world in which we set off on board of zodiacs,

A small, uninhabited island located in the central part of the

called by the local "pangas", visiting the greatest attractions of

Cortes Sea. The surrounding peaks of the local islands bear

the Midriff Islands route.

the characteristic white traces of bird droppings – guano,

Angel Island

see. Interestingly, in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries,

This was the first destination on our diving safari route – ap-

collecting the local guano was a thriving business, which when

proximately 12 hours cruise from the port in Puerto Penasco.

exported to Europe was considered an excellent fertiliser.

It was here that we first met numerous colonies of Califor-

The local beaches and mountain slopes are home to one of

nian sea lions, we dived near the walls thickly covered with

the largest colonies of sea lions, willingly interacting with our

black coral and we discovered funny representatives of the

group. It is here, on the slopes of San Pedro Martur Island,

macro world. Midsummer is the peak of the breeding season

we had an unforgettable opportunity to plunge into a shoal

for many fish species around Angel Island. We were hypno-

of sardines, which aroused a lot of interest of the groupers

tised by the habits and antics of the inhabitants of the bottom

and barracudas hunting for them.

zone: fine-spotted jawfish looking out from their pits with wide

24

which are visible in virtually every point where the eye can

travels

Photo Mirek Gołaś, Post-production Grzegorz Kajstura

Photo Mirek Gołaś Post-production Grzegorz Kajstura

PERFECTDIVER No. 6(18)/2021

25

t r av e l s

Photo Mirek Gołaś, Post-production Grzegorz Kajstura

Photo Mirek Gołaś Post-production Grzegorz Kajstura

26

Photo Mirek Gołaś Post-production Grzegorz Kajstura

Bahía de Los Angeles

crowning achievement of the stay in this area was snorkelling

In other words, the Bay of Angels, surrounded by the bare peaks

with whale sharks feeding near the water surface. There were

of the San Pedro Martir mountains, is a beautiful area protected

a few of them, they gracefully swam along the hull of the fishing

from nearly 7-meter tides by the Angel de la Guarda Island.

boat, from the deck of which we tried to approach them. Gentle

The wide bay is inhabited by a population of adolescent whale

and calm, they allowed for several minutes of interaction.

sharks that feed on krill that occurs here. It is here, on the last

The culmination of the trip turned out to be a few days on

day of our safari, that we came across the coldest and least clear

land, which we spent travelling through the greatest attractions

water. However, we spent that day without moaning, as the

of the secluded state of Sonora – definitely underestimated

ADVERTISEMENT

Photo Katarzyna Cieślawska, activtour.pl

due to its location in a short distance from the American state of Arizona, with its most famous attractions, including canyons: Great Canyon and Antelope Canyon, Route 66 or the town of Sodon. Gloomy mountains, sun-scorched plains, huge cacti, beautiful beaches of Northern Mexico, the largest Mexican desert, lava-frozen formations, lunar and even unearthly crater landscapes of the Sierra de Pinacate Biosphere Reserve, dunes of the Altar desert – the Mexican part of the Sonoran Desert, cliffs and rocky coves flowing straight into the sea, the largest Mexican island of Tiburón – home of the Seri people cultivating old traditions, which was one of the last to open up to elements of European culture and Christianity, and ancient rock drawings – petroglyphs in the area of La Proveedora.

Photo Katarzyna Cieślawska, activtour.pl

Photo Katarzyna Cieślawska, activtour.pl

These are just a few promises of this extraordinary part of Mexico, completely forgotten by mass tourism. And, hopefully, this trend will continue as long as possible!

PERFECTDIVER No. 6(18)/2021

27

wrecks

My take on the ”Torpedownia” TORPEDO TESTING STATION Text and photos TOMEK RAMUTKOWSKI

There's a place on the Polish diving sites map that needs no further introduction. Probably anyone who dives in our beautiful country or at least anyone who is interested in diving here has heard about the "Torpedownia" torpedo testing station in Gdynia Babie Doły.

28

T

his site attracts many people, not only locals from the Tricity area. It is quite a curious place that attracts people due to the beautiful shoreline, characteristic

for this part of the Baltic Sea, with the remains of a post-German torpedo testing center, which the Germans called Torpedowaffenplatz Hexengrund. Constant human drive for destruction is what emanates from the ruins of the testing station, extending above the water surface some 300 meters from the shoreline, surrounded by beautiful wildlife.

wrecks

COORDINATES: 54° 35' 16" N 18° 32' 44" E

Photo Andżelika Więcek

remains of a building, a ruin that has become an indivisible part of the Gdynia Babie Doły landscape.

The building itself has a stretched "U" shape, so you can swim past it from the outside, moving along the walls and stone embankment. This allows you to assess the building size, especially when you move slightly further away from the walls which, with good visibility, looks very impressive.

This extraordinary combination is very appealing because

As time passed, a part of the building collapsed to the

of the landscape and is so attractive that many people choose

inside, creating a unique underwater landscape. Numerous

this place for surface photo sessions.

reinforced concrete slabs, metal structures, steel sheet piles (Larssen sheet piles) or floor elements (along with ceramic

Alright, I'm supposed to be talking about diving, so… :)

tiles), scattered like huge blocks or pick-up sticks, make you feel as if swimming through an underwater maze.

WHAT IS THERE TO SEE UNDERWATER?

Chaotically scattered structural elements, especially in the

Let's start with that the dictionary would tell you – the "Torpe-

central part of the building, surrounded with walls, are defi-

downia" torpedo testing station is actually not a wreck but the

nitely worth seeing.

PERFECTDIVER No. 6(18)/2021

29

This dive takes you to quite low depths – it ranges between

If you're interested in underwater fauna and flora, this place

3 meters at the most shallow place and 12 meters where the

might be your actual Eldorado! A watchful eye and spending

dive is the deepest. Divers usually swim at average depths of

some time underwater are enough to discover the multitude

5–6 meters. This ensures good lighting during the dive, which

of underwater lifeforms in the water surrounding this site.

makes this place even more appealing.

It's home to beautiful formations of sponges and other

On a sunny day, the sunlight penetrates under the water

plants, numerous bivalve molluscs and many fish species – e.g.

surface, creating picturesque light reflections, enhancing your

several species of Gobiidae, characteristic straightnose pipe-

perception of the underwater landscape.

fish and broadnosed pipefish, great sand eels and lesser sand

Because of all the above aspects, the torpedo testing station is often visited by fans of wide angle underwater photography.

eels hiding in the sand, flat European flounders and sometimes even cyclopterus lumpus or shorthorn sculpin.

You won't be disappointed taking your camera there to hunt

Besides, you can expect encounters with several species of

for the perfect shoot, especially between late fall till early

shrimps, which move in a specific manner like small androids,

spring, when underwater visibility is at its best, sometimes

often gathering in bigger groups. Not so far away from the

exceeding a dozen meters. Regardless of the season, visibility

shrimp herds, you can find a hidden dwarf crab; recently, there

is relatively good there because of the sandy seabed.

are a lot of them in the Bay. Crabs sometimes come out of hiding and wave their claws, glaring at you in an unfriendly man-

30

MACRO WORLD

ner :) if you swim too close. The crab is of course only several

Nature has its way when it comes to recovering from harm-

centimeters long, so this only brings a smile to the diver’s face :)

ful human interference. "Torpedownia" is yet another ex-

Even though some of the creatures found there are not

ample, providing refuge for many species of plants and

endemic (native) species, they became a part of our ecosystem,

animals among the remains of bygone Nazi glory from

so we need to treat them like a part of this ecosystem – look

World War II.

and admire.

wrecks

PERFECTDIVER No. 6(18)/2021

31

wrecks

32

wrecks

This entire underwater world of animals and plants, with all its inhabitants, is pure magic!

SO WHO CAN DIVE AT THE "TORPEDOWNIA" TORPEDO TESTING STATION? The truth is that this site is open for any diver, starting from OWD to advanced rebreather divers, and everyone can find it appealing! If you want to visit, there are some important elements to consider, but on the whole, this place is relatively safe even for beginner divers.

Interestingly, during the winter months, when wreck trips are not organized for obvious reasons, Torpedownia is really crowded with divers, often in technical setups or using rebreathers. Being a technical diver doesn't mean you have to dive deep and breathe trimix :) HOW TO GET THERE? Well, there's that. First, there are two options: ● by sea – when you dive from a diving boat, ● by land – when you get into the water from the shore.

When you arrive by sea, you need to make arrangements with a local diving center. The advantage is that the boat takes you directly to the ruins and after your dive takes you back to the port conveniently.

When diving from the shore, you are completely independent from the boat and less dependent on the weather, which allows diving there especially during the winter period. This however means that the logistics of such a dive are more complicated. Nevertheless, this is the most popular way of diving here, so I’ll focus on it.

In order to dive this site from the shore, you need to: 1. Reach the entrance to the beach by car – you just need to type “Torpedownia Babie Doły – ruiny” into Google Maps and the navigation will smoothly direct you to your destination.

2. Unpack your equipment near the entrance to the beach and park the car at the parking lot at Zielona Street, several

the end, of it you must turn right and after a few meters find

dozen meters back.

a fixed rope, leading directly to the first elements scattered

3. Take the entire necessary equipment to the beach, where

off the building.

you will enter the water. You only need to walk a very short

5. If you swim, the time varies depending on your fin hard-

distance, considering that until quite recently, the only

ness, efficacy and swimming pace or the diver’s fitness and

way to reach the site was using steep stairs on the side of

the trip takes between 15 and 25 minutes one way. You

the cliff, several hundred meters back. At the time, it was

should account fir this when planning your gas reserves

a route for the really motivated diver. Now getting to the beach is not particularly difficult.

for the dive.

6. A DPV may be a good solution in case of shore trips, as it

4. You will need to swim some 300 meters in the direction of

will help your reach the destination efficiently. On the other

the ruins. You can swim on the surface (if that's what you

hand, swimming there allows you to observe everything

like :) ) or underwater. First, you need to swim along a pali-

that you pass along the way and this way you can surely

sade that is a remnant of the pier leading to the building. At

spot more details.

PERFECTDIVER No. 6(18)/2021

33

wrecks

Photo Andżelika Więcek

RISKS Even though diving this site is apparently easy, there are a few risks that should be taken into consideration when planning your dives here: 1. Protruding bars and concrete elements – there are many protruding elements in the ruins that you can accidentally bump your head against or catch your diving equipment on. When swimming inside, keep an eye out and maintain a safe distance from the protruding elements.

2. Ruptured fixed rope – before descending, settle a compass bearing on the building, as sometimes the fixed rope leading to the ruins is ruptured, so it's better to have an idea about how to get there, just in case. Having a compass and basic navigation skills is advisable.

3. Boats and scooters above your head – mainly in the summertime there is heavy small water craft traffic in the vicinity of the ruins. So it is highly recommended to have a decompression buoy and release it when surfacing. It is also advisable to stay sharp when you hear the engine of a boat passing by.

4. Currents – sometimes there is a strong current along the route to the site, which makes swimming difficult. You

34

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KURSY

TECHNICZNE I REKREACYJNE

SIDEMOUNT WRAKOWE INSTRUKTORSKIE

should be properly trimmed, swim in the appropriate position, have the appropriate amount of weight and proper training, using well-fitted equipment that does not increase resistance, moving with a flawless technique – this way swimming against the current will not be a problem :) 5. Waves – wind blowing toward the shore, i.e. from the north to the southeast, can cause some pretty burdensome waves, especially for those who are less fit, such as beginner divers, but swimming in such conditions becomes less pleasant also for the more advanced divers. High waves, combined with low depth along the way, greatly impair visibility. So if the wind is strong in any of the above-mentioned directions, consider a different place to dive :) SUMMARY Regardless of all, diving at the "Torpedownia" torpedo testing station will be worth your effort. Visiting this unique place is worthwhile, at best in sunny weather and with good visibility, which will allow you to feel its incredible atmosphere.

The small ecosystem and permanent residents of the site, who we should treat with respect as guests, will make the trip even more exciting.

Finally, I recommend going there and trying to see the place through my eyes, just as I see it.

WWW.DEEPBUSTERS.PL

planet earth

Why is the Baltic Sea void of sharks?

Text AGATA TUROWICZ-CYBULA Photos ŁUKASZ METRYCKI

The Baltic Sea is considered by scientists to be the sweetest sea on the planet, but what does this actually mean?

A 36

ccording to the Encyclopaedia of the World Geography:

The seas and oceans contain the same salts, and the wa-

Oceans and Seas, the salinity of seawater is “the con-

ter from each body of water differs only in its concentration,

centration of a mixture of sea salt ions measured in

meaning the ratio of salts to water. Scientists have estimated

conventional units of practical salinity scale”, or to put it simply:

that the average salinity of the seas and oceans is 35 PSU,

how many grams of salt are in one litre of water.

which means that there are on average 35 grams of salt in

planet earth

every litre of seawater. The saltiest sea on Earth is the Red

changes caused by differences in depth, fish must above all

Sea, which has a salinity of 42 PSU, while the saltiest bodies of

cope with so-called osmoregulation.

water include Lake Assal in Djibouti (348 PSU), Patience Lake

Osmoregulation is the set of processes in a living organism

in Canada (428 PSU) and Don Juan Pond in Antarctica (up to

that ensures that the correct concentration of an animal's body

402 PSU). The average salinity of the Baltic Sea is only 7.5 PSU.

fluids is maintained. In the same way that saltwater will mix

Ok, but why is there so much detailed information on sa-

with fresh water in a glass to have the same concentration of

linity in the article about the presence of sharks in the Baltic

salt throughout its volume, the water in which a fish swims

Sea? Because it is the salinity that prevents us from seeing

will want to "mix" with the body fluids of the fish to have the

sharks in our sea.

same concentration.

Sharks, unlike most fish that inhabit every body of water

Bony fish (e.g. perch) that live in freshwater, e.g. lakes, have

on the planet, belong to the cartilaginous fish (Chondrichthyes).

a higher concentration of salt ions inside their bodies than the

As the name suggests, they have a skeleton made of cartilagi-

concentration of salt ions in the surrounding water. We then

nous tissue, rather than bone as in most fish we know. Sharks'

say that the fish is hypertonic in relation to the surrounding

bodies are covered with specific, rough scales (called placoid

environment (hyper – meaning much, above). The water that

scales), commonly called dermal denticles. Cartilaginous fish

surrounds the fish will try to flow into the body, while the salt

do not have a swim bladder and they regulate their buoyancy

ions in the body fluids will try to escape from inside the fish

thanks to the fatty content of their liver, but some of them have

into the water. In order to maintain proper water-electrolyte

negative buoyancy throughout their lives, so they have to stay

balance, such a fish will excrete large amounts of very dilute

in motion all the time to stay at the right depth.

urine, actively take up mineral salts from the water through

As aquatic animals, all fish must cope with a number of

the gills to make up for their deficiency, and will not need to

difficulties that terrestrial animals do not have to face. In addi-

drink water because the water coming in through the skin is

tion to the greater resistance of the water, regulating pressure

sufficient for proper hydration.

PERFECTDIVER No. 6(18)/2021

37

planet earth

The situation is completely opposite in the case of bony fish (e.g. tuna) living in salty waters (e.g. Mediterranean Sea).

body through special salt cells in the gills that trap salt and remove it to the outside.

In such a situation the concentration of ions in the fish's body

Sharks deal with the process of osmoregulation in a com-

is lower than the concentration of salts in the surrounding

pletely different way. Well, they maintain practically the same

water. We then say that the fish is hypotonic in relation to

salt concentration in their body as in the surrounding environ-

its surrounding environment (hypo – meaning below). This

ment. This means that they are always isotonic with respect

means that the water in the body fluids of the tuna will try to

to the surrounding environment (iso – meaning equal). They

flow outwards and the ions from the surrounding water will

do this through their ability to maintain a high concentration

penetrate through the skin into the body. To maintain proper

of urea in their blood. Therefore, the process of osmoregula-

water and electrolyte balance, such a fish will excrete little

tion in their body does not actually occur, and water and ion

urine, which will be very concentrated, drink a lot of seawater

exchange does not take place.

to replenish its deficiencies, and remove excess salt from the

Sharks by nature are found in seas with full salinity. However, if such a shark were to enter the Baltic Sea, where the salinity is very low, it would find that the concentration of ions in its body fluids far exceeds the concentration of salt in Baltic water. Lacking the ability to efficiently perform the osmoregulation process, such a shark would simply not be able to cope with this inhospitable environment.

Of course, as with every rule, there are exceptions. Very rarely, but sometimes we can record the presence of one of three shark species in the Baltic Sea: porbeagle (Lamna nasus), spiny dogfish (Squalus acanthias), or small-spotted catshark (Scyliorhinus canicula). If you are very lucky, you may encounter them in the Danish Straits, where the salinity is higher than in other parts of the Baltic Sea, ranging from 20–30 PSU. However, remember that they are only guests and not permanent residents of the Baltic Sea.

38

o u r co n v e r s at i o n

At a turtle’s pace Introduction & questions LAURA KAZIMIERSKA Photos KAROLA TAKES PHOTOS

40

our conversation

F

or centuries they have been carrying the burden of

Laura

this globe on their shoulders only to become a mili-

made you interested in the

tant icon of pop culture. They were my motivation

conservation of sea turtles in

to delve into the secrets of the underwater world. Our first

Kazimierska:

What

Indonesia?

They are a symbol of longevity and immortality, in Mesopotamia they were equated with the god of the ocean, and in the Chinese symbolism they are patrons of the universe.

meeting only confirmed what I have felt for a long time.

I have had the feeling that I belong to this underwater

Siân Williams: My first environment con-

land and I want to protect it, and turtles will accompany

servation voluntary work was in Malaysia in 2007. We took care

me on my exciting escapades. We are talking about sea

of the protection of a huge beach, which is known as a turtle

turtles, of course!

nest. I got up late at night to check the traces of females go-

Their presence is evident in the mythology of many cultures.

ing to the beach, took measurements to identify them and

They are a symbol of longevity and immortality, in Mesopota-

carefully counted the eggs. Every minute of this project was

mia they were equated with the god of the ocean, and in the

incredibly exciting for me.

Chinese symbolism they are patrons of the universe. Despite

When I moved to Gili Trawangan, I noticed that there were

the fact that they have been roaming our planet for over 100

many more sea turtles on the reefs there than on the Ma-

million years, turtles have become a critically endangered spe-

laysian Perhentian Islands. The shocking thing is that there

cies in the last century. Siân Williams, an eco-warrior

from Indonesia, will tell us about how to improve the situ-

was not even a proper species protection program here. The locals just took their population for granted. The only turtle

ation of our beloved diving companions, about their amazing

"sanctuary" was a tourist trap located right on the beach. It

life cycle and Covid restrictions on a tropical island.

consisted of three reservoirs in which small turtles were kept

PERFECTDIVER No. 6(18)/2021

41

o u r co n v e r s at i o n

in shallow, cloudy water for over 6 months, offering tourists,

erous reef, where many predators await them, and get out

of course, for a fee, to release them into the sea. Today we

into the open ocean.

know that keeping young turtles in such conditions is an in-

For years, scientists have not been able to say what really hap-

effective and unethical way to protect their population. Ba-

pen to them shortly thereafter. Many "teenage" turtles do not

by-turtles released into open water have an extremely low

return to reefs until they are sexually mature. It can be from

survival rate.

7 to 20 years.

The sanctuary was closed after years of fighting, and our or-

Still little is known about the years they spend at sea known

ganisation Gili Eco Trust began to look closely at the situation

as "lost years." Most specialists believe that due to the fact

of turtles on the island. Until recently, we were notified of turtle

that young turtles are weak swimmers, they will drift in ocean

nests and enjoyed the support of the local community. In 1929,

currents, protecting themselves from predators under drifting

all that changed. The Gili Islands live only from tourism, and

debris, more and more often the debris made of plastic. Recent

when most of the inhabitants lost their income, we saw a rapid

research has shown that turtles use pelagic fish navigation

increase in poaching for turtle eggs.

to guide them to places where they can shelter and get food.

We still have a wealth of interesting facts to discover about the

What's the most fascinating thing about turtles?

life cycle of sea turtles, which makes the protection of their

Certainly they are great travellers and we still don't really know

breeding habitat even more important.

where they spend most of their childhood.

42

Turtles go on one of the most difficult journeys in the animal

Since there is a huge turtle population around the Gili islets

kingdom. They spend only a few days with their siblings, dig-

and Indonesia in general, why do they need protection?

ging themselves out of their nests and scrambling across the

Two species of turtles that commonly occur on the Gili Is-

beach towards the lunar reflection on the surface of the ocean.

lands are the hawksbill turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata) and

Immediately after hatching, they accumulate energy that lasts

the green turtle (Chelonia mydas). Both are on the IUCN Red

only 72 hours. Every minute counts and the effort is enormous.

List under the category of the critically threatened species.

During this time, they must make their way through a treach-

As inhabitants of this part of the world, we are extremely

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lucky to witness these breathtaking creatures on almost any diving or snorkelling trip. This is why our islands should become a sanctuary for these species, where every

It is difficult to define the greatest single threat to the turtle population in this area, but undoubtedly each is based on human interference.

part of their life cycle is under protection. And this would serve for future generations and for local communities, as a means of earning money from diving and ecological tourism.

Tell me about the turtle tracking project and who was involved?

Due to the fact that the island is a popular destination for tourists watching the picturesque sunsets and spending time on the beaches until late at night, before the pandemic we often received messages and phone calls warning us about turtles nesting on the beach. At the beginning of the 2020 season, I realised that we had lost this method of reporting and collecting data, and consequently we lost the method of tracking, locating and protecting nests.

I quickly started to create a team of volunteers. Since most of us wondered what to do with our free time during the island lockdown, I didn't have to look for volunteers very far. My new team consisted of diving instructors, hostel and restaurant owners who had lived on the island for years, travellers who had been "stuck" with us due to the pandemic, and the local community.

I created a simple tracking and data collection program for any layman to join.

In keeping with citizen science basics, I implemented the protocols that we tested and improved while monitoring and tracking female nesting females, taking the project from Malaysia as an example. Through a short training session (1.5 hours), the volunteers learned to recognise species, assess behaviour and record nesting sites, all based on the footprints left on the beach. Ideally, we would monitor the area every few hours throughout the night for more

PERFECTDIVER No. 6(18)/2021

43

o u r co n v e r s at i o n

Due to the relatively short time of the species observation, we lack precise data to be able to accurately compare them.

We have certainly noticed an increase in the loss of coastal habitats. In places where females used to lay eggs frequently, no breeding grounds have been recorded in recent years due to making beaches available to restaurants and hotels. The government project to demolish all the buildings on the beaches gave us a lot of hope. However, the debris left behind and the lack of proper disposal of the remaining building materials, cluttered areas suitable for breeding grounds.

How about the inactivity during COVID, has it affected the turtles?

It has, immensely. During the last year of dives, we observe their increased presence on coral reefs, now they can be admired at all diving sites, we have also registered more breeding sites than in previous years.

Decreased tourist activity is contributing to the recovery of many coral reefs that were usually overcrowded. For our turtles, the consequence of the lack of tourism is less risk of collision with a boat, no one rushes after them with a go-pro to have a fantastic selfie on Insta, an increase in the number of successful broods. This has its dark sides. The economic crisis has led local residents to return to poaching their eggs and baby turtles, selling them to pet stores.

What is the main threat to the turtle population around Gilis?

It is difficult to define the greatest single threat to the turtle population in this area, but undoubtedly each is based on human interference. Poaching, beach and ocean pollution, land erosion due to irresponsible management by local authorities, unethical diving or snorkelling trips where turtles are caught, blocked to the surface to breathe, and the constant pursuit of accurate data, but with 7 km of coastline and 9 permanent

a great photo. These problems threaten not only turtles but

volunteers, we wanted to do our best in the current situation.

many other species around the world.

The walk around the shoreline in search of the characteristic turtle tracks started at the crack of dawn. After a two-hour

From the point of view of an environmentalist living on

walk, our task was to record data such as location coordinates

a small Indonesian island, what is the biggest challenge?

and photos of any tracks or nests found. And this is how we

It is the feeling of helplessness in the face of global problems.

spent our mornings from mid-April to the end of October.

Climate change or ocean pollution cannot be solved on Gili Trawangan. Although we try very hard. We recently organised

44

Have you noticed any particular changes in turtle behavior

a mock protest with students from a local moentessori school.

in recent years?

As part of education about the climate crisis, we created post-

Our nesting turtles have always surprised me. They are very

ers, cleaned the beach and planted trees to educate and in-

resistant and adapted to risk, maybe less careful. Some are

spire the young generation of Gili Trawangan.

completely unconcerned with lights, noise and pollution on

There is no green without blue. We cannot clean the ocean and

beaches. In the past I was called to nest turtles not only in busy

rebuild the reefs locally without efficient waste management.

restaurants, but also those that crawled up to a bar and started

To achieve this, we must focus on land-based activities such

making a lair under the bar stool!

as daily garbage collection and disposal, recycling projects,

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sustainability training, to name just a few. This is a huge task for such a small NGO and we rely on donations and volunteers to keep our projects alive.

How can you help?

In September, we conducted a huge campaign to inform the public about the condition of our breeding turtles, especially after the closure and the lack of tourism. We launched a crowdfunding campaign to build one of Indonesia's first ethical hatcheries (one that doesn't use headstarting techniques).

Not only were we able to complete the (currently ongoing) fundraiser, we also entered into an agreement with a local eco-resort on Gili Trawangan, which has the perfect plot to build a hatchery less than 50 meters from the beach.

You can sponsor a nest turtle through our fundraiser or adopt a turtle every month to help financially and ensure that the great work of our turtle rangers continues next season!

support & donate: https://www.globalgiving.org/projects/save-gili-endangered-turtles/ contact: sian@giliecotrust.com

PERFECTDIVER No. 6(18)/2021

FOT: KAROLATAKESPHOTOS

insta: https://www.instagram.com/giliecotrust/

45

planet earth

RITUAL SLAUGHTER THE TRADITION OF PILOT WHALE HUNTING IN THE FAROE ISLANDS Text and photos HANNA MAMZER

46

planet earth

In the years 2017–2019 (until July 6, 2019), 2,330 long-finned pilot whales and 755 other cetaceans were killed in the Faroe Islands, mainly white-sided dolphins.

Thanks to the courtesy of Hanna Mamzer from Faculty of Sociology at Adam Mickiewicz University (mamzer@amu.edu. pl), we present excerpts from a wider publication on the'barbaric slaughter' of pilot whales in the Faroe Islands, which takes place year by year. You can read the entire article here: Ritual slaughter - the tradition of pilot whale hunting in the Faroe Islands.1, 2

ABSTRACT Hunting for pilot whales is treated by the Faroe Islands as a cultural heritage, despite the fact that this custom is no longer necessary to obtain food and fight for human survival. Its recreation fulfils other functions now.

In public opinion outside the Faroe Islands, the custom is described very critically, usually in the convention of 'barbaric slaughter'. From the point of view of veterinary medicine and biology, the method of killing pilot whales is a form of ritual slaughter carried out with full consciousness of the animals. Pilot whales are highly social, intelligent animals with

Iceland

extensive communication systems. From this point of view,

FAROE ISLANDS

the traditional way of hunting pilot whales should be considered a procedure that exposes the animals to a high level of Norway

distress. In the light of the level of civilisation development and material well-being, the practice of pilot whale killing appears to be an inadequate relic of the past.

Sociological concepts generalising the tendencies of social changes indicate that postmodern communities put very little

Great Britain Denmark Ireland

emphasis on tradition: it ceases to be an important element that binds the community together. It is also more and more common to generate neo-traditions, or rather a kind of individ-

1 I would like to thank Prof. Jan Marcin Węsławski, Ph.D., from the Institute of Oceanology of the Polish Academy of Sciences for enabling participation in the research project "Arctic benthic ecosystems under change: the impact of deglaciation and boreal species transportation by macroplastic" (ADAMANT), thanks to which this text was written.

2 The text is an abridged version of the article with the same title published elsewhere: Mamzer H., (2020). Ubój rytualny – tradycja polowania na grindwale na Wyspach Owczych (Ritual slaughter – the tradition of pilot whale hunting in the Faroe Islands) In H.Mamzer (ed.) (2020). Ubój rytualny – tradycja polowania na grindwale na Wyspach Owczych (Cultural differences in the treatment of animals). Atut. Wroclaw; Mamzer H. (2019). Ubój rytualny – tradycja polowania na grindwale na Wyspach Owczych (Ritual slaughter – the tradition of pilot whale hunting in the Faroe Islands) part 1. Życie Weterynaryjne • 2019 • 94(11), p.753-758; Mamzer H. (2019). Ubój rytualny – tradycja polowania na grindwale na Wyspach Owczych (Ritual slaughter – the tradition of pilot whale hunting in the Faroe Islands) part 2 in Życie Weterynaryjne • 2019 • 94(12), p.814-820

PERFECTDIVER No. 6(18)/2021

47

planet earth

ualised customs, which are modified based on the individual

justify abandoning the topic. In such circumstances, at least

choices and preferences of their participants (Giddens 2002),

an attempt should be made to define what is and what is not

and which fulfill the functions of group-shared traditions.

accepted in the context of cultural differences. Establishing

It is also a fact, however, that in the face of intense global-

one rule is a huge challenge. However, I propose to consider as

isation changes, there are trends aimed at the re-cultivation

a possible proposal to set a boundary based on whether the

of old traditions or selected customs, often modified in such

given practices assume a physical violation of the body of

a way as to constitute an adequate reference to social reality

a human or other animal against their will. This is a radical

(cf. Maffesoli 2008). Their socio-cultural function is the same

criterion, but its adoption would make it possible to objectify

as that of traditions cultivated in traditional societies: they are

the tool for assessing cultural practices. Pilot whales hunting

supposed to integrate, give a sense of belonging to a given

should be considered in this context. (…)

community, generate a sense of the predictability of the world and constitute some kind of reference points determining val-

48

A PILOT WHALE AS THE SUBJECT OF HUMAN (BUT NOT

ues that should be followed. Some of the various traditions still

HUMANE?) CULTURAL PRACTICES

cultivated take a purely symbolic form and have a very modest

Pilot whales (Globicephala) are mammals of the dolphin family

practical meaning (or even none at all). Hunting pilot whales in

(Delphinidae). Their name comes from the characteristic round

the Faroe Islands is such a tradition. (...)

shape of their head – the generic name is a combination of the

Defining the boundaries between what cultural practices

Latin word globus – ‘ball, sphere’, and the Greek word κεφαλη

are acceptable and what are not is controversial, because

kephalē – ‘head’. These animals live in all oceans and seas, at

most probably the proposed division will always be consid-

temperatures ranging from 0 to 25°C, and their prevalence cer-

ered unfair by some group of people. However, this cannot

tainly contributed to the hunting of these mammals, although

planet earth

Due to the strong social ties of pilot whales, other members of the herd do not leave the injured or killed animals, but follow them, and therefore also often die.

the exact size of the population and its growth force are not known. The total number of pilot whales is estimated at around 780,000 individuals living in the North Atlantic, but the inaccuracy of data means that in IUCN reports (International Union for Conservation of Nature), data indicating the number of pilot

described in 1809 by Thomas Stewart Traill (1809). It is one of

whales have the status of "missing data" (cf. Hay 1982). More-

the largest representatives of the dolphin family: males reach

over, studies indicate that in some regions the populations of

a length of 8.5 meters and a weight of 3.5 tons, and females up

long-finned pilot whales are very few – e.g. in the Gibraltar re-

to 6 m in length and 2.5 tons in weight. The coloration of the

gion, the developmental assessment of the current population

animals ranges from metallic grey to black, with light grey or

of 250 individuals showed an 85% probability of extinction of

white markings on the throat (anchor-shaped) and abdomen,

this population in the next 100 years, which is influenced by

in the form of a stripe behind the eye, and also around the dor-

viral diseases that decimated the population in 2006 and 2007

sal fin, forming the so-called "saddle patch". The thick dorsal

and factors resulting from human pressure: climate change, in-

fin is sickle-shaped and is located in a third of the length of the

creasing sea traffic, increasing environmental pollution and the

animal's back. Long-finned pilot whales are named after their

influence of the fishing industry (Verborgh, Gauffier, Esteban,

long, sickle-shaped pectoral fins that reach 18 to 27 percent

Giménez, Cañadas, Salazar-Sierra, de Stephanis 2016). Pilot

of the body's length (Jefferson, Webber, & Pitman, 2015). Pilot

whales are two distinct but very similar species: long-finned

whales have one blowhole.

and short-fined.

Long-finned pilot whales maintain very strong social bonds

Long-finned pilot whales (Globicephala molasses) are a sub-

and are social animals – they form groups consisting of sev-

ject of particular demand in the Faroe Islands. This species was

eral to a thousand individuals (cf. Bloch, Desportes, Mourit-

PERFECTDIVER No. 6(18)/2021

49

sen, Skaaning, Stefansson 1993), although the most common

Our inability to feel what it is like to be in their skin limits

groups consist of several dozen to a hundred dozen individu-

our ability to understand these fascinating and mysterious

als. Pilot whales feed on small fish and squids. Females mature

animals. This problem was outlined in 1974 by Thomas Nagel

at the age of 8, males at the age of 12. Gestation lasts up to 16

in his famous essay 'What is it like to be a bat?', in which he

months and the female gives birth to five young during her

pointed to the inability of man to experience the world as

life. Reproduction rarely occurs within one family group, most

other living species experience it. Based on the knowledge

often fertilisation occurs when two foreign groups meet – and

of cetaceans available to man, they should be treated very

it can be practically all year round, although it is most common

carefully as 'something', because there is a high probability

in spring and early summer. Calves are born when they are

that they are 'someone'.

about 2 meters long and weigh about 75 kg. (…)

The fact that they are notoriously hunted in the same plac-

50

HUNTING FOR PILOT WHALES: HISTORICAL OUTLINE

es may indicate that female long-finned pilot whales do not

AND THE PRESENT OF THE GRIND

communicate information about threats to other school mem-

The largest documented hunting of pilot whales took place in

bers (or are unable to identify those threats). The process of

1918 in the Chatham Islands, an archipelago belonging to New

transmitting such knowledge is certainly hampered by the fact

Zealand, when a thousand animals were killed (cf. http://www.

that the Faroese try to kill entire herds, so there are rarely

doc.govt.nz/nature/habitats/offshore-islands/chatham-islands/

any survivors who would be able to pass the knowledge on

chatham-islands-marine-mammals/). The hunting of pilot whales

to other animals. (…)

in the Faroe Islands is referred to as grind or grindadrap – they

Undeniably, long-finned pilot whales, like other dolphin

are still cultivated. The most intense hunting takes place in

species, are highly developed animals, and human knowledge

summer, when cetaceans appear most frequently near the

of their lives and the way their senses function is very limited.

shores. Groups of up to 200 individuals are then killed.

planet earth

Whale hunt is basically a typical

water of the bay. The entire hunt took five hours, the process of killing 98 animals

group battue, taking place in such a way

alone – twelve minutes. The school leader (rather a female than male because of the

that when a school approaches the bay

matrilineal leadership pattern of pilot whales) is killed first. People make commu-

and someone notices it, they are obli-

nication difficult for the rest of the animals by generating noise: pounding wooden

gated to inform the public of this fact.

sticks against the water and hitting the sides of the boats.

Faroe Islanders stop all activities that they are doing at the moment and run to the motorboats, which then drive the animals towards the beach where they are to be killed. Animals are killed after being pulled out onto the sand, usually all of them because, being highly social, they cannot cope alone. Animals who survived do not swim away for long – they stay in a bay full of blood, trying to accompany slaughtered family members. After the hunt, which took place on August 27, 2019 in Vestmann, the 4 remaining pilot whales for at least an hour and a half after killing the remaining members of the school, swam in the

PERFECTDIVER No. 6(18)/2021

51

All animals killed know that the rest of the herd are killed as well: the animals communicate with each other vocally and behaviourally.

52

When the animals are herded

The meat and fat of pilot whales are shared by participants

to the beach, people enter the

in the hunt among all members of the community who took

water and hook on their blow-

part in the hunt. As a rule, raw meat is not sold, while dried

holes with special metal hooks with

meat can be found occasionally in INN and Miklagardur super-

a metal ball on one side and with

markets and in fish kiosks (e.g. in Klaksvik). The price depends

ropes attached to them on the other,

on the size of the dried piece, but usually the range is 50–

used to pull the animal onto the sand (which

100 DKK (about 5–10 Euros). However, the activist organisation

must be painful for the animals). There, after being relative-

'Sea Sheppherd' opposing pilot whale hunting argues that pilot

ly stabilised, the animal is killed by inserting a special kind

whale meat is sold to stores, pointing, for example, to a re-

of double-sided blade into the spinal canal (according to the

port from the local Faroese newspaper 'Dimmalaetting' of Au-

guidelines, the blade should be inserted between the skull and

gust 4, 2017, that pilot whales were sold to stores at a price of

atlas, so as to break the spinal cord, and then it should be

25,000 Faroese crowns each (about 2400 Euros) (cf. https://www.

moved to the right and left to cut the vessels supplying blood

seashepherd.org.uk/campaigns/operation-bloody-fjords/?fbclid=I-

into the animal's brain). The blade is 4.7 cm wide and the spi-

wAR3kEgHIucH3EPYpUAIf_5ZQQQE8p7zBGXD_5ZQQQE8p7AbPrX-

nal canal is about 5 cm in diameter. The animal does not lose

D_5ZQQQE017eQmPrXD_5ZQQQE8p7AbGXD). The idea of distrib-

consciousness and does not die from the severing of the spinal

uting meat for free among members of the community is an

cord, but from gradual bleeding out. The neck and sides of the

important argument used in justifying the sense of this type

animal's neck are also cut with a long knife in order to get rid

of hunting. (…)

of the blood (in order to increase the consumption value of

Due to the strong social ties of pilot whales, other members

the meat). Dead animals are often dragged in the water to the

of the herd do not leave the injured or killed animals, but fol-

harbour where they are kept. (…)

low them, and therefore also often die. About 400–1,000 pilot

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whales are killed in this way each year. Currently, these hunts do not have any economic justification, they are only an element of tradition. Faroese supporters of this tradition defend it as their own cultural heritage, but for many reasons it seems that this tradition should be revised. (…)

In the years 2017–2019 (until July 6, 2019), 2,330 long-finned pilot whales and 755 other cetaceans were killed in the Faroe Islands, mainly white-sided dolphins (Lagenorhynchus acutus)3. (…)

HARM TO ANIMALS The greatest, objective, and indisputable loss to pilot whales during the grind is the loss of life. What is more, the process comes with additional somatic and psychological suffering to animals, which is seldom addressed in the widespread debate on the subject. The current regulations specifying how pilot whales can be legally killed should be treated as rationalisation – a process aimed at suppressing the emotions that should accompany the killing.

A precise description of procedures and tools creates an illusion of control over reality. It does not take into account the sensitivity of animals, it does not reduce their suffering. Writing down the procedures creates the IMPRESSION that the process is under control and that consideration is given to the animal's welfare. The argument that killing is controlled through guidelines is often used by advocates of these hunts. (…)

All animals killed know that the rest of the herd are killed as well: the animals communicate with each other vocally and behaviourally. It is obvious that they understand what is happening (cf. Butterworth, Andrew & Brakes, Philippa & Vail, Courtney S. & Reiss, Diana 2013). Such practices, which put animals under stress, are unacceptable in the case of slaughterhouses and laboratory animals. (…)

In the light of veterinary, zoological and psychological knowledge, hunting for pilot whales should be clearly treated as the abuse of non-human animals. Despite respect for cultural differences, I am convinced that especially this type of hunting should be prohibited by law due to the level 3 There is one more aspect of hunting for pilot whales that I do not elaborate on in this text. Namely, the issue of "ownership" of animals in the sea: according to the regulations of the Common Fisheries Policy of the EU, fish and other living resources are not owned by any state or person, but the European Community, which decides on the amount and method of catching. For this reason, fishermen who eat fish have no legal basis to claim compensation - until the fish is taken on board, it is the property of the EU community.

Most pilot whales are schools that live in the waters of the European Union, to which neither Iceland, nor Norway, nor the Faroe Islands belong.

PERFECTDIVER No. 6(18)/2021

53

planet earth

of suffering their victims suffer. It is a kind of tradition that doesn't fit at all the time and situation of the affluent society of Western Europe.

CONCLUSIONS In the light of the information presented, especially medical and veterinary, hunting for long-finned pilot whales should be

54

defined in terms of ritual slaughter due to: firstly – embedding

animals were driven to bays by the use of rowing boats, while

this method of killing animals in tradition and its perception as

today motor boats are used). In the past, grind participants

an important cultural element, and secondly – because of the

had to use everyday clothing to insulate themselves from the

mandatory killing technique used, whereby the animal remains

low temperature of water, today they use foam clothing that is

conscious and dies without stunning as a result of bleeding

better insulating. In 2014, regulations regarding the permitted

out. This is an extremely cruel way of killing animals – after

method of killing pilot whaling were introduced, which explicit-

breaking the spinal cord, its motor functions are disabled, so

ly excluded the legal possibility of using other methods (North

it cannot run or defend itself, but it remains aware of what is

Atlantic Marine Mammal Commission Instruction manual on Pilot

happening and what further actions it is subject to. This kind of

whaling). It indicates that the scope of the change is possible

killing of animals is ethically and morally unacceptable. Unfor-

and that determining how far they should to go is a matter of

tunately, the common knowledge about the process of killing

agreement between human societies. The lack of economic

animals is not deepened and it may seem to outside observers

justification for the need to kill pilot whales places this prac-

that paralysing an animal after a spinal cord rupture is tanta-

tice in the realm of traditional symbolic actions that are only

mount to its immediate death. It is not. Dying may take more

recreated on the basis of historically embedded conventions,

than 4 minutes ((cf. Butterworth, Andrew & Brakes, Philippa &

but which can be changed by 'social contract' – or a socially

Vail, Courtney S. & Reiss, Diana 2013). What seems to be very

generated redefinition of this practice. As I indicated earlier,

controversial is the inhumane process of hunting – taking sev-

the processual nature of changes in tradition may also include

eral hours to chase animals to a location that humans consider

intentional modifications. There are no obstacles to start such

appropriate for killing them.

a modification process with regard to grind.

On the other hand, it is a fact that the tradition itself is sub-

Public opinion outside the Faroe Islands seems to have

ject to transformations and modifications (e.g. back in 1927,

a negative opinion of pilot whale hunting, which is reflected in

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In the light of veterinary, zoological and psychological knowledge, hunting for pilot whales should be clearly treated as the abuse of non-human animals.

Survivors of the slaughter

the nature of media reports. In the Faroe Islands themselves, the opinion in this re-

spect is also not homogeneous.

The perception of human relationships with the world of nonhuman animals, including humans and pilot whales, is directly dependent on the level of human awareness and empathy. Raising the level of these psychological competences seems to be the only method of improving the welfare of non-human animals and possibly of an effective influence on the prohibition of cetacean hunting. Cetaceans, on the other hand, as organisms very highly developed socially, psychologically and somatically, are aware of human actions they are subjected to. They feel it on the somatic and psychological levels and actively try to defend themselves against these actions. In the light of veterinary, zoological and psychological knowledge, hunting for pilot whales should be clearly treated as the abuse of non-human animals. Despite respect for cultural differences, I am convinced that especially this type of hunting should be prohibited by law due to the level of suffering their victims suffer. It is a kind of tradition that doesn't fit at all the time and situation of the affluent society of Western Europe.

P.S. There were also attempts to pay for the cessation of pilot whale hunting in September 2018, and the Sea Sheppherd organisation made a financial offer

Don’t settle for less.

to the Faroese parliament. In return for ending pilot whale hunting, Parlia-

Elite design. Top performance.

ment was to receive £ 910,000 (ninety-ninety thousand British pounds) each

With Atomic Aquatics, the only

year for the next 10 years. (https://www.independent.co.uk/environment/whales-killed-faroe-islands-whal-

limits are your own.

ing-sea-shepherd-uk-photos-a9085396.html) The offer was rejected...

www.nurkowa nie -ecn.pl PERFECTDIVER No. 6(18)/2021

55

events

The first edition of the DIVING TALKS – International Diving Congress contributed to the restart of the diving scene. Above all, it was a great weekend with old friends and meeting new ones. Much to improve for the next edition, but the feedback immensely encourages the organizers to go on.

D

iving Talks aimed to bring Portugal an event to promote and share knowledge on the sub-

aquatic environment and diving.

The Diving Talks Organization established four main objectives: 1. Hold an event with international attractiveness and visibility; 2. Bring to Portugal top players, explorers, divers, scientists, who are currently developing relevant and innovative initiatives, recognized as such by the international community; 3. Create an underwater skills hub in Portugal, which will enhance its development to exporting national capabilities; 4. Promote the sharing and debate of the most recent technological discoveries in the different fields of diving.

56

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We fully achieved these objectives: 1. The Diving Talks – Portugal 2021 had international visibility and was widely referred to as "the most important diving event in 2021"; 2. Gathered in Portugal more than 20 individuals from the international diving community; 3. Introduced local agents; divers, explorers, scientists that bare skills to be engaged in international projects: a relevant contribution to exporting national entrepreneurship, and; 4. Was the stage for several well-attended debates within the panels' framework and the presentations included in the program.

The Congress had 202 participants – which fell short of the initial goal of 250 attendees. In addition to local assistance, its broadcast through the online platform, together with

DIVE STRONG. DIVE ZEAGLE. Every mission. In every condition. Zeagle has your back.

online promotion and dissemination initiatives, namely, the publication of the "Talks", contributes to reaching 50,000 views, which was the organization's objective.

We know we have much to improve, but the feedback immensely

Freeze the dates: 2022 October 7 to 9 we have a meeting at the Tróia Peninsula.

Not to be missed!

encourages us to go on. That's why Diving Talks – Portugal 2022 is definitely coming: October 7 to 9, there will be the second edition of the show we soon want to be a mandatory point of contact for every European diver or ocean lover.

www.nurkowanie-ecn.pl

PERFECTDIVER No. 6(18)/2021

57

equipment

As some of you, dear readers may have already noticed, in one of the previous releases of PD we announced the start of cooperation with Decathlon.

It is about time to elaborate on this announcement 

Two large packages have arrived at Perfect Diver's editorial office; our first thought — chain store quality. The large scale and the number of shops may indicate a basic offer, economically justified by the price. After unpacking everyone was pleasantly surprised and got more interested in the products.

For the test we bought: ` BCD set – Wing type diving jacket SCD 500B size L/XL ` Regulator – Subea SCD 100 DIN with 1st stage unbalanced 300 B ` Octopus – Subea SCD 500 ` Scuba diving fins – Subea SCD 500 OH Adjustable ` Diving mask – Subea SCD 500 V2 Singe lens

A

` Subea SCD, 5 mm Neoprene scuba diving gloves

fter long discussions with the Decathlon brand, we decid-

` Subea SCD, Neoprene mask strap cover

ed that we would not test just one of the products that

` Subea SCD, Regulator bag/case

is available in the diving category. The article and test must contain information that for our readers and those starting

` Subea SCD, 90 L Scuba diving travel bag with rigid shell and wheels

their diving adventure will be a comprehensive answer, concerning the whole set of equipment needed for diving, and this

A hefty set indeed, but let's get straight to the point 

is exactly what we did.

The first impression – each product is very aesthetically and

Each piece of equipment that comes to our editorial office is

thoroughly packed. Visual assessment of the quality of work-

a big highlight, because we have the opportunity to touch and

manship – good to very good. Although the offer also in-

test products very often not yet available on shop shelves, but waiting to be purchased and shipped from the central warehouse.

58

cludes a set of regulators with a pressure gauge, we decided to choose the version for self-assembly, to which we added our pressure gauge.

Our criterion was to choose products from

Of course, looking at the diving equip-

Decathlon's own brand under the Subea logo.

ment is not the best way to test it, so we

Decathlon's assortment also includes prod-

decided to take it with us on some diving

ucts of well-known manufacturers of diving

trips where we could test it in its desig-

equipment, yet we wanted to test what is

nated environment – underwater. We

unknown but potentially tempting with

tested the equipment in two different

its price, availability and well, is it also

water bodies and at different depths, so

quality?

we could reliably determine how it per-

equipment

forms in our Polish waters and at different temperatures. We

ment, which may not appeal to every diver. It is equipped with

dived in Niedacki Lake in Bory Tucholskie and in the Piechcin

1 high-pressure outlet (HP – 7/16") and 4 medium-pressure

Diving Base – Piechcin Quarry.

outlets (LP – 3/8). This gives the possibility of using it in a dry suit configuration, as there is a port for an additional hose sup-

To start with a pleasant piece of information, the WING is

plying the addition valve. The layout of the ports is designed in

very generously equipped with accessories. Standard equip-

the form of a rosette, which has a quite uncomfortable place-

ment includes two weight pockets with a quick-drop system,

ment of hoses on the respective sides of the jacket.

two trim pockets on the back strap, two handles for attaching the octopus and pressure gauge to the D-rings (there are 7

GLOVES – made of soft 5mm neoprene are a product that our

of them in total – 5 metal and 2 plastic), a whistle located

staff in the editorial office found attractive. Being an underwa-

in the chest buckle and a pocket mounted under the weight

ter photographer, it is not only important to be able to move

pocket to hide a spare mask, all packed in a transparent bag

your hands freely, but also your fingers. With these gloves,

for easy drying. The airbag is made of 420 polyamide which is

you can really feel that comfort. They are lined with additional

very durable. Although most of the manufacturers use double

reinforcing material on the inside. Very comfortable to put on

Cordura to protect the bag against punctures or abrasion,

and – most importantly – warm!

the wing we are testing is a light, economically priced version which could be a good investment for a person making sev-

FINS – each diver has their own opinion on which fins are bet-

eral dives a year or needing their own equipment for a trip

ter. The Decathlon version released under the Subea logo is

without having to rent it from diving centres. All structural elements are made of 600D polyester material, which gives a very pleasant impression of a solidly manufactured wing. There are three quick-release valves available. Two "flush valves" marked with yellow handles and one hidden in the inflator (it’s enough to pull the inflator). Thanks to the U-shaped arrangement of the flotation bag, we are able to move stably in a trim position underwater.

REGULATOR SET – when deciding to buy one, remember that it meets EN250:2014 and is a standard regulator which is easy to maintain. The SUBEA unbalanced regulator works equally well in warm and cold waters. It only requires more breathing effort depending on depth. It has no air resistance adjust-

PERFECTDIVER No. 6(18)/2021

59

equipment

very well made and equipped with comfortable bungee rubber, adjustable, perfectly fitting either to a neoprene boot or a dry suit. The fins can be described as medium-hard, very comfortable to maneuver underwater and swim using the frog kick technique – they provide very good propulsion and precision of movement underwater.

MASK – fits comfortably on the face, does not leak, after initial "hardening" the effect of evaporation occurred, but to a much lesser degree than in virgin use. Supplied with transport box.

Single lens version with black silicone decorated from the front with neon lime green frame looks very modern and allows to comfortably see underwater. We also received a neoprene strap to secure the rubber and it is actually a very good solution, especially for people with long hair diving without a hood  BAGS – useful and very solidly made. The regulator case is stiffened, which gives more confidence that the regulators will be safely stored and transported. Travel bag with a capacity of 90L is extremely functional. It has wheels and a telescopic handle which make it easier to transport heavy equipment. The bag allows you to transport wet equipment without worrying about flooding your car or other means of transport. Equipped with 3 pockets (two external and one internal, which is located in the flap). Stiffened from the bottom guarantees additional security for the transported equipment.

The total price of the tested set is about 2700 PLN – so from the perspective of a recreational diver who has a few dives a year, it is a very reasonable price for your own equipment.

The tested set fulfils its function and provides an opportunity to pursue one's passion.

Text Hubert Reiss Photos in the water Editorial Team Photos of the equipment Decathlon Web page

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ONLINE Specialty or name City

Search

Find injury Select the body part in which you feel pain.

www.rehasport.pl PERFECTDIVER No. 6(18)/2021

61

planet earth

Harriers from the marsh Text and photos WOJCIECH JAROSZ

because although they hunt birds nesting in reeds themselves,

With the lightness inherent only in the best flyers, harriers glide low over the reeds, staring at the rushes. Not only do they look with their eagle eyes (by the way, they are distant cousins of falcons), but they also listen.

M

sure from predators. It is completely understandable and fits into the rule governing the world of living organisms, that it's better to be the hunter rather than the prey. Marsh harriers take care of their family basically just like we humans do. They look after the chicks carefully until they acquire the ability to fly.

When the young birds learn to fly and leave the family nest, the parents find them ready to manage on their own and it is time for young people to start living on their own (à propos

arsh harriers have facial disc made of feathers

leaving the nest by young people, i.e. leaving the family home,

around their heads – not as well-developed as that

I recommend a beautiful song 'Je vole' by Michel Sardou, but

of owls (also their distant cousins), but still helping

necessarily performed by Louane from the movie 'La Famille

to determine the location of a potential prey. The aforementioned cousins leave no illusions – marsh harriers are birds of prey with all the attributes of sky predators.

62

they do not want to subject their own chicks to too much pres-

Bélier' – 'We understand each other without words').

Nests in the form of floating platforms are built by females, although males can help with carrying the material. In fact, for

Marsh harriers (Circus aeruginosus) are, according to their

everything that happens in the nest, the responsibility is brave-

generic and species name, birds of wet and open areas at the

ly taken by the harrier lady. Not only does she build the nest

same time. They feel best at the shores of stagnant waters cov-

herself, she also incubates the eggs herself, until the chicks

ered with reeds. Among the reeds, they not only look for food,

hatch. The male at this time provides food by passing it on

but also make their nests. They usually hide the nests carefully,

to the female during aerial acrobatics (such gifts in flight the

planet earth

male gives to the female also during the courtship displays

ten fall their prey. Rodents, and especially the aforementioned

preceding the breeding season). Interestingly, when food is

voles, become their main food during their mass appearances,

in abundance, the male can handle more than one female in

which take place every few years. Perhaps it should be writ-

this way, so we are dealing here with polygyny or more famil-

ten that they took place every few years, because in the era of

iar-sounding polygamy. This form of polygamy requires a lot

a warming climate, more and more often changes in the num-

of work from the male, because maintaining the incubating

ber of these animals are chaotic fluctuations, and not regularly

female, and after hatching also the young, is not an easy task.

occurring population peaks. Going back to the marsh harriers:

Therefore, this type of behaviour is observed in marsh har-

during the flight, when they search for candidates for the po-

riers only during the seasons when the availability of food is

sition of calorie provider during the next meal, they can hover

actually greater than usual. Then, loosing less energy, you can

in the air. Most likely, this ability was the inspiration for the

catch a sufficient number of bird chicks (and sometimes eggs),

engineers when they gave the name Harrier to the legendary jet

rodents, frogs and other available vertebrates. And inverte-

attack aircraft, whose most characteristic and at the same time

brates, too, but more often during wintering in tropical regions,

unique feature is the possibility of vertical take-off and landing.

where the basis of the me be orthopterous insects, including

The bird's ability to fly is exceptionally well adapted to the har-

locusts, especially when they enter the so-called swarming

riers' lifestyle and hunting mode (as only Mother Nature can

phase and there is no problem with their availability.

do using natural selection). They have long and narrow wings,

Harriers catch their prey in the claws, often falling from

a long tail and are very light – they have, for example, a three

a height of several meters to the target. Marsh harriers hunt not

times lower weight to wing area ratio compared to a peregrine

only within the coastal reeds, where they have their nests. They

falcon (by the way, also an unmatched flyer, although flying

are also found while patrolling adjacent fields and meadows,

in a completely different way). The silhouette itself in flight is

where voles, but also field mice and other rodents most of-

also very characteristic, with wings raised above the line of the

PERFECTDIVER No. 6(18)/2021

63

planet earth

body, which is often described as the shape of a wide letter V,

low-grey, the tail is bluish-grey, and the wings are of at least

and with a lowered head. Very often they fly against the wind,

three colours, i.e. grey, light grey and clearly marked black on

which allows them to effectively use the lift during a slow flight

the wing tips (primaries). The underside of the body is rusty

over the patrolled territory. The slender body and raised wings

brown. Females are larger than males, and their colour is

during flight are not the only features that allow the harrier

chocolate-brown with a pale yellow throat, the top of the head

to be distinguished from other birds of prey.

(quite a stylish cap) and the front edge of the wings. Juvenile

Male marsh harrier are interestingly coloured. Their backs

birds also have a coloration similar to females, and after they

are brown, the head and breast are yellow-white or yel-

reach sexual maturity after 2-3 years, they adapt the adult colouration. At this point it is worth adding that the marsh harrier, which this article concerns, is the most numerous, but not the only species of marsh harrier occurring in Central Europe.

Its close relatives is the Montagu's harrier (C. pygargus) nesting in Poland, though less numerous, and the Hen harrier (C. cyaneus) which also used to breed in Poland – today it doesn't, unfortunately. There is also the pallid harrier (C. macrourus) visiting Poland, but it is a rather rare guest. These marsh harriers have many things in common, but also differences, mainly in terms of size and coloration. The European marsh harrier is the largest in the 'family', but the general silhouette in flight and the dark primaries of males is a trait present in all of the species mentioned. In addition to these, there are many more species of harriers in the world, as many as 15 altogether. The

64

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most interesting in terms of coloration, in my humble opinion, are: the black harrier (C. maurus) from South Africa, unfortunately at the danger of extinction, East Asian pied harrier (C. melanoleucos), which fortunately somehow holds up, as far as the population is concerned, and finally the already mentioned Eurasian pallid harrier, whose population is at risk.

Finally, a word about the harrier's wanderings. Eurasian marsh harriers are with us only in the warm part of the year. During winter, following the example of many species of their bird relatives, they fly away to warmer places, where it is easier to find food. Although marsh harriers are rather loners outside the breeding season, they can form groups during migration and in wintering grounds. Birds nesting in central and northern Europe winter most often in Africa (northern populations can travel up to 5,000 km) and in the Mediterranean region.

During the next dives, swims or just walks in the vicinity of reeds, look for harriers – they are really beautiful birds and meeting them always leaves an indelible impression!

www.nurkowanie-ecn.pl

planet earth

Underwater cleanup This year

300,000 people

cleaned up their bit of Poland as part of the Clean Up the World campaign. Among the cleaners were also volunteers – divers invited by the Perfect Diver Magazine who, in the final round, together with the Our Earth Foundation team, cleaned up Lake Ciecz in the Lubuskie Voivodeship.

66

planet earth

SEEK, AND YE SHALL FIND

SEPTEMBER IS TIME FOR CLEANING

Sometimes we don't notice the rubbish around us at first

Traditionally, during the third weekend of September, the

glance. But looking under some bushes is enough to find aban-

whole of Poland cleans up. We already know that such a large

doned bottles, cans, or other types of packaging. It's just that

involvement as this year’s has not been recorded for years.

sometimes we have to bend down to see what is hidden from

Over 3,500 registered groups from the Baltic Sea to the Tatra

us. We can also... go underwater.

Mountains cleaned up under the banners of the Clean up the

I must admit, my diving experience in comparison with

World – Poland campaign. We still have to wait for the official re-

Perfect Diver readers cannot be considered impressive in any

sults, but we can already estimate that 300,000 Poles took part

way. In fact, it is limited to a spontaneous dive in the Adriatic

in the action! This year, special attention was given to waste left

Sea during sailing trips. And yet, even my meagre experience

over from our leisure and recreational activities – we call this

is enough to notice that one of the "attractions" of the under-

'weekend waste'. And, as we all know, the weekend is a great

water world is the rubbish I know so well.

time to relax by the water. Therefore, since last year, under-

PERFECTDIVER No. 6(18)/2021

67

planet earth

...since last year, underwater cleaning has been permanently included in the Action's finals.

and underpants, but here everyone has to use their imagination and figure out how they got there.

The second category was the unfortunate "weekend waste".

It is no longer a coincidence that beer bottles from virtually every Polish brewery, cans, jars, and food wrappers were found in the bags they fished out. Out of sight, out of mind? Not this time, unfortunately, the waste fished out that day stung the eyes and was a visible testimony to what we want to change so much in the behaviour of Polish women and men – littering in nature.

And the third category. This one hurts me the most. It's the bulky stuff. Leftovers from renovations, construction sites, water cleaning has been permanently included in the Action's

whole kitchen sets, plates, cups, pots, trolleys, chairs, and of

finals. And so, on the second day of this year's final, September

course tires. Did you think that wild dumps are only a problem

18, together with Perfect Diver magazine and the invited divers,

of rubbish being taken to the forests? Unfortunately not! Wild

we went to Łagów, to go underwater and clean up.

dumps are also a problem of Polish water bodies, only you can't see them and hardly anyone talks about them. Perhaps

UNDERWATER TREASURE

it is time to start?

You may wonder what we found at the bottom of the beau-

68

tiful Lake Ciecz? While observing and meticulously picking up

HARD WORK LIES AHEAD

raschel bags from divers emerging from the water, I had an

How much effort does it take to take a bag full of rubbish out

opportunity to take a closer look at them. I divided them into

of a forest? Every participant in the Clean Up the World cam-

three categories: The first was waste that found its way into the

paign knows that this is no easy task. But it's nothing compared

water by accident. Sunglasses that were on someone's nose

to the effort a diver makes whilst cleaning up underwater. In

a moment ago, only to land in the water through a moment

Łagów, bag after bag, more and more rubbish appeared in our

of carelessness. It includes mobile phones and walkie-talkies

Headquarters. In literally two hours a really impressive pile of

which nobody seemed to want to part with. I would also in-

rubbish accumulated, and at the end of the day, we closed

clude in this category all kinds of clothing, swimming trunks,

the whole action with the result of

534.1 kilograms

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of rubbish! For this huge effort and commitment, I would like to thank all the divers! A huge green heart for you!

Unfortunately, even such an impressive result is just a drop in the ocean.

And here enters our most important task, that each cleaning action should be accompanied by educational activities and promoting the attitude of not littering in nature. After all, it is not about cleaning up litter lying on the bottom all the time. I think you will all agree that there are definitely more interesting

things to do underwater. This year's 28th campaign was held under the slogan "I think, therefore I don't litter". The Clean Up the World – Poland campaign is primarily about a joint manifesto against littering in nature.

This year, the manifesto resounded particularly loudly in the media, on the

IT’S A COLD WORLD OUT THERE.

Internet, and in the local community. And let it continue to do so! On land and, thanks to you and Perfect Diver magazine, underwater!  Grzegorz Mikosza  Chief coordinator of the Clean up the world – Poland campaign

BUT BARE KEEPS YOU WARM ON EVERY DIVE.

WWW.NURKOWANIE-ECN.PL

tips & curiosities ACADEMY

How to select A DIVING TORCH? THIS ARTICLE WILL SHOW YOU

AN EFFECTIVE TEST THAT WILL LET YOU SELECT THE BEST TORCH FOR YOU

Text WOJCIECH A. FILIP

Everyone have heard that a certain type of torches is the best.

Without specialized knowledge, we are often lured by commercials based on the “BESTs: highest amount of lumens, highest wattage, brightest light.

Photo Tomasz Płociński

70

tips & curiosities

ACADEMY

Photo Mariusz Czajka

Beginners may think that if something can output 10,000 lumens, it's better than the one with 1000 lumens.

Well, not quite.

It would be best if we got rid of all the advertisements, descriptions and choose the best one by trying out a few

● the torch will allow for effective communication and lighting up details during any type of diving ● you can use the torch to light up videos recorded with a small camera Cons:

models underwater, not knowing anything about various

● the torch is probably more expensive

types of torches.

● you should read the full article

Here are 3 methods that we usually apply when selecting

● you will not be among those who have a torch with the highest wattage and 100,000 xxx lumens output 

a torch – check out which one you've applied to select your diving light.

METHOD 1

Logical

METHOD 2

“Because everybody says so” Just listen to the advertisements  What is this method all about?

You need to familiar with the basics of how light and torches

This one is based on accepting that the key elements for

work underwater and effectively resist advertisements: a high

a torch is to have the highest wattage, highest lumen (lm) out-

amount of lumens and a high wattage are the parameters that

put, highest lux (lx) value and other parameters, while leaving

will rarely prove useful underwater, but perfectly describe the

its actual performance underwater to sheer chance.

perfect torch to be used on land.

What is this method all about?

You focus on testing several torch models and selecting the one that meets the simple criteria described in the test that you will find listed in the second part of the article.

Pros: ● if your package says its the strongest torch out there, it must be the best one  Cons: ● if this is the torch that you really wanted, there are no cons.

Pros: ● the torch will work well in waters with limited visibility

PERFECTDIVER No. 6(18)/2021

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ACADEMY

Since only a few of us have specialist knowledge about light combined with a lot of diving experience, we need a simple and effective method for torch assessment.

Manufacturers take advantage of this, telling us that the higher the numbers describing the torch's parameters, the better the torch is. Seems legit, but it's not true in the case of a diving torch.

When selecting a diving torch, you should avoid the most powerful ones.

They will most probably be nothing much but obstructive when diving.

METHOD 3

“Because reasons” – or love at first sight We've all had this time when we wanted to buy something because we simply liked it.

What is this method all about?

You don't care about anything at all, you just buy the thing you've always dreamed of  Pros: ● they're all there and if this purchase is connected with Method 1, then having made your dreams come true also means you've bought a really good torch Cons: ● it might be that you do not have a package that says it's the most powerful and thus the best torch  Photo Mariusz Czajka

Photo Mariusz Czajka

72

tips & curiosities

ACADEMY

Photo Mariusz Czajka

EFFICIENT 3-STAGE DIVING TORCH LIGHT TEST What we'll need: ●

wetnotes or an underwater slate

Stage 2. Is the torch suitable for communication?

Grab one end of the 6 m line and give the other one to your

● 6 m of line

partner who will swim 6 meters away from you, turning their

● a diving spot with a visibility typical for our dives

back on you. Agree in advance that once they notice a hori-

● bottom, platform or the deck of some nice wreck 

zontally moving spot of light from your torch, they will extend

● several torches that we want to test

their hand to the side without turning. Then move the torch slowly up and down a few times. If the movement is visible,

Write ”BEST TORCH” on the slate with capital letters that would

your partner will raise their hand without turning.

be 1 cm high.

Stage 1. Is the torch suitable for diving in low visibility

Passed: your partner has no doubts as to the direction in which you are moving the torch – it has a beam of light

waters, such as in Poland:

narrow enough to enable communication.

Extend the slate with the text as far before you as possible,

Failed: your partner is doubtful or does not recognize the

draw the torch back slightly further than 0.5 m and shine on

direction of your light’s movement – the torch's beam is

the slate directly.

too wide.

Failed x2: you cannot clearly see your partner, because the

Passed: you can read the writing right away – the torch will

light bouncing back against them blinds you – the torch has

work well in low-visibility water.

too much lumen output/wattage. It's best suited for lighting

Failed: you can see a a dazzling white spot – the torch will

up objects on the ground.

blind you.

PERFECTDIVER No. 6(18)/2021

73

ACADEMY

A good diving torch should easily pass all 3 stages of Photo Tomasz Płociński

Stage 3. Is the torch suitable for underwater exploration (lights up small objects sufficiently well)?

Stop approximately 1 meter above the bottom or a wreck where you placed your slate or wetnotes. Keep shining forward. Look down towards the bottom through the light of your torch.

Passed: you can see the bottom, the slate, wreck parts – the

the test.

Were you precise when testing your torch? Follow the same principle when selecting your torch – it should be the perfect underwater tool, with as few drawbacks as possible. Reject those torches that you have any doubts about – invest in your own safety.

torch's lumen output/wattage is well-suited for exploration and wreck or cave dives.

74

Failed: you see a white, non-transparent stream of light

REMEMBER that it's up to you what you want to take under-

 contact Luke Skywalker: you have mistakenly brought

water: if you don't care that your torch is not suitable for com-

a JEDI sword underwater instead of a torch. Such equip-

munication, wreck diving or rescue operations but it has a high

ment will only hinder you in advanced diving (too much

amount of lumen output, I have great news for you: do not

wattage/lumen output).

waste time for tests, as any torch will do for you 

tips & curiosities

ACADEMY

Nine commandments for those in search of the perfect torch:

Summary I hope you're not bothered by the joking form used to talk about serious issues.

This issue, as over the years little has changed when selecting

Light

torches: beginner divers are looking for a method to quickly

1. It cannot dazzle in low-transparency water

test torches and rely on advertisements, as they have nothing

2. It's light should allow for communication

better. Manufacturers seize the opportunity and sometimes

3. It should offer a wide beam (for filming)

offer us incredibly sturdy torches that dazzle more than actually illuminate anything and we think this must be the way...

Functionality

Really? It's all up to us!

4. Simple, easily accessible light mode switch

Do you have any doubts?

5. Suitable for use on land

Come to a practical underwater light use seminar at the Te-

6. Easy to use when riding a DPV

cline Academy.

If you're short on time, try this: take 2 torch underwater and

Traveling

choose the one that will accurately light up small details from

7. Light

up close and the video that you record will allow you to see

8. Does not take up much space

those small details instead of a white spot.

9. Airlines allow for it to be transported on a plane

May the moderate force be with you   WAF 

Photo Tomasz Płociński

https://teclinediving.eu/tecline-academy/#/

PERFECTDIVER No. 6(18)/2021

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LATARKA TA KTYC Z N A TACTICAL AKCJ E SEARCH P O SZ U KI WAWC Z E RATOWNRESCUE I CTWO P O DWO D N E

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