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INSIDE THIS ISSUE
Capa: Kadu Pinheiro
14.
greAT HaMMErHeADs
Gratitude. The word defines this Divemag issue. The next pages are filled with dreams coming true, starting with an experience that was on my bucket list: diving with the Great Hammerheads in Bimini.
EDITOR KADU PINHEIRO
51. buraco do inferno
14. 51. 62. 78. 82. 86. 90. 93.
Bimini, Great Hammerheads ‘Buraco do Inferno’ mapping Divemag’s 6th anniversary party ‘Seulixomeu’ project Tom Mount interview Sylvia Earle in Brasil Gear and news Our Word Underwater 2018
The Universe conspired so that it happened now, with the guest appearance of a gorgeous female tiger throughout the trip, allowing me to take the shots I’ve ever wanted to. We could not miss the photojournalistic coverage of our magazine’s 6th anniversary party. An unforgettable night, starting a new chapter in our história. An epic party, gathering all scuba diving market, showered by friendship and rock’n’roll. There’s also the mapping of ‘Buraco do Inferno’ dive site, Sylvia Earle in Brasil, Tom Mount enterview, ‘SeuLixoMeu’ project, Our Word Underwater 2018: all for you, reader, only in Divemag! Thank you for helping writing our history.
Kadu Pinheiro Editor
dIVEMag.com
International dive magazine
Editorial Board
Contributors
Cristian Dimitrius
staff PRODUCT DIRECTOR Bruno Tae
Karina Oliani
EDITOR Kadu Pinheiro - kadu@divemag.org JOURNALIST IN CHARGE Kadu Pinheiro
Carolina Schrappe
Contributors to this issue: Emerson Covisi, Erika Beux, José Mário Ventura, Marcella Duarte, Mariana Mennato, Rodrigo Thomé, Tom Mount PROOFREADING Marcella Petrere Duarte
Gabriel Ganme
ADVERTISING Reinaldo Alberti - reinaldo@divemag.org CONTACT US sac@divemag.org
Paula Loque
DIVEMAG is a monthly, free online publication by Editora Dive Ltda. The views and opinions expressed in articles are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the position of the magazine. The Editorial Board was fomed to ensure that the magazine complies with the highest global standards for diving publications. Its members are well recognized and respected, representing our activity in the media and the diving trade.
March 2018
Reinaldo Alberti
Alexandre Vasconcelos
Alcides Falanghe
CONTACT US
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BIMINI EXTREME Great Hammerheads, Tigers, Bulls, Atlantic spotted dolphins. Text and photos: Kadu Pinheiro
S
harks, sharks, and more sharks... thrilling interactions, stunning visibility, incredible stories: a trip that enters the ranking of world’s best.
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BIMINI EXTREME | SHARK DIVING | BY: K adu Pinheiro
W
hen I visited the island for the first time, a few years ago, I wasn’t lucky to be there in the right season for its most extreme dives. With limited time, at the invitation of Bahamas Government, we did only the basics – but I was able to gather many information about all the rest.
15
S
ince then, I’ve been looking for a new opportunity to go to Bimini – in the right season and in right company. And it came up in a trip promoted by Dive for Fun, with the living legend Gabriel Ganme, from Shark Expeditions.
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BIMINI EXTREME | SHARK DIVING | BY: K adu Pinheiro
N
othing is more inspiring than sharing the water and the clicks with “uncle Gabs”, so I can finally portray the biggest star of this island, who arrives between december and january and leaves in mid march: the Great Hammerhead. Sphyrna mokarran, my favorite shark, is a solitary apex predator of rays and crocodiles – yes, it hunts salt water crocodiles, sneaking into shallow mangroves and ambushing these dinosaurs, draging them into deep sea waters.
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BIMINI EXTREME | SHARK DIVING | BY: K adu Pinheiro
H
ow many trails of this fantastic animal I’ve followed in other trips! Certain time, diving in Belize, I saw a big crocoldile carcass, eaten up, on the edge of an oceanic wall‌ it was the leftover of a mokarran snack. Can you get the respect and admiration I feel for these sharks?
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BIMINI EXTREME | SHARK DIVING | BY: K adu Pinheiro
T
he Great Hammerhead can attain 6.1 m (20 ft) of lenght and 450kg (1000 lb) of weight. It lives in warm, shallow waters, inhabiting coastal areas and the continental shelf of the tropical zone worldwide. It distinguishes from water sharks by the shape of its “hammer” – called “cephalofoil” –, which is wide with an almost straight front margin, and also by its tall, sickle-shaped first dorsal fin. WIld observations suggest that the cephalofoil functions to immobilize stingrays, a favored prey that the hammerhead devours (sting included), as well as smaller sharks.
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BIMINI EXTREME | SHARK DIVING | Por: K adu Pinheiro
Extinction
A
ssessed as globaly Endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the Great Hammerhead is one of the sharks most threatened by fishing, both commercially and recreationally. Its large fins are extremely valuable on the Asian market – as the main ingredient of shark fin soup, cosmetics and vitamins –, as well as its livers. It is also taken unintentionally, as bycatch, suffering very high mortality. In Brazil, even the meat is sold – it reaches the markets under the name “cação”. Add the low reproductive rate – litters of up to 55 pups every two years – to the equation and the result is: Great Hammerhead populations are declining substantially worldwide.
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BIMINI EXTREME | SHARK DIVING | BY: K adu Pinheiro
GREAT HAMMERHEAD name: Sphyrna mokarran habitat: coastal aereas and continental shelfs of the tropical zone worldwide conservation status: endangered size: up to 6m (20 ft) and 450kg (1000 lb)
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BIMINI EXTREME | SHARK DIVING | BY: K adu Pinheiro
UNFORGETTABLE DIVES
B
imini surely is one of the best places in the world for diving with Great Hammerheads – dare I say it, one of the only ones with 99% chance of interaction during the right time of the year. The sharkdive there was set up by Neal Watson, and now is masterly conducted by his son and crew, at Bimini Scuba Center.
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BIMINI EXTREME | SHARK DIVING | BY: K adu Pinheiro
A
fter a brief navigation, around 10 minuts from the marina (conveniently inside the hotel where we stayed), we arrived to the shark dive site: a sheltered channel, protected from winds and waves.
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BIMINI EXTREME | SHARK DIVING | Por: K adu Pinheiro
A
s soon as the boat anchored, the guides started preping the metal bait box, filled with the “chum” – fish chunks and blood, to attract and feed the sharks. We want our guests of honor to arrive soon for lunch!
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BIMINI EXTREME | SHARK DIVING | by: K adu Pinheiro
W
hen the first shark showed up, luring us into the water, we jumped out of the boat and descended to around 10m depth to watch, first row, the Sphyrna mokarran catwalk.
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BIMINI EXTREME | SHARK DIVING | by: K adu Pinheiro
I
can’t help but mention the incredible amount of well behaved – sometimes not so much – nurse sharks, standing in the middle of the food frenzy, waiting for some leftover bait. Dozens of them, smoothly layed down, sneaking closer to the box like rogue dogs – the guides try to keep them from approaching, so as not to disturb the great stars of the party.
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BIMINI EXTREME | SHARK DIVING | BY: K adu Pinheiro
nurse shark name: Ginglymostoma cirratum habitat: coastal waters sandy bottoms and reefs, in the Atalntic and Eastern PacĂfic conservation status: near threatened size: up to 4m (13 ft) and 300kg (660 lb)
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BIMINI EXTREME | SHARK DIVING | BY: K adu Pinheiro
THE SHARKDIVE
E
ach group consists of 12 divers maximum, accompanied by at least 3 guides, 1 feeder and 2 safety divers, who ensures that the sharks do not approach people from behind. Down below, a row of PVC rods is stuck in the sand, as to demarcate the position of the divers and also to protect them in the event of a more vigorous lunge by some shark.
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BIMINI EXTREME | SHARK DIVING | BY: K adu Pinheiro
T
o attract the big guys, the ideal scenario is a mild current: the divers are positioned against it, so that the sharks always approach them from forward – as the bait spreads in the opposite direction.
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BIMINI EXTREME | SHARK DIVING | by: K adu Pinheiro
O
nce the show starts, the divers may stay up to 3 hours in the water, with only an interval to change tanks. Attention when it’s time to go up and back to the water: other sharks, like the bull, usually stay under the boat waiting for a snack.
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BIMINI EXTREME | SHARK DIVING | by: K adu Pinheiro
H
igh point of the dives was the visit of a great tigress, apparently pregnant, almost 4 meters long. Rare presence in the waters of Bimini, she stole the scene almost every day, intensely interacting among the hammerheads during the feeding.
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BIMINI EXTREME | SHARK DIVING | by: K adu Pinheiro
T
he group was amazed, someone even said: “Who needs to go to Tiger Beach (another spot in the Bahamas, famous for the dives with tiger sharks) if now the tigers are around here? I nicknamed our little girl “Sweetheart” because of her behavior and her delicacy during the dives.”
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BIMINI EXTREME | SHARK DIVING | by: K adu Pinheiro
A
nd she wasn’t the only one in the area, another tiger shark, a bigger male, also circled the hammerheads, but stayed aloof and more suspicious.
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BIMINI EXTREME | SHARK DIVING | by: K adu Pinheiro
TIGER SHARK name: Galeocerdo cuvier habitat: close to the coast, in tropical and subtropical waters around the world, except the Mediterranean conservation status: near threatened size: up to 6m (20 ft) e 700kg (1500 lb)
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BIMINI EXTREME | SHARK DIVING | by: K adu Pinheiro
D
uring the last dives, we had the constant presence of many bull sharks around the “arena”, bringing some tension to the group. This feared shark is one of the main culprits for human attacks (along with the Tiger and the Oceanic Whitetip), including those at Boa Viagem beach in Recife, Brazil.
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BULL SHARK name: Carcharhinus leucas habitat: áreas costeiras e de mangue da zona tropical de todo o planeta; são capazes de viver em água doce, como no Rio Mississippi, Lago Nicarágua e Rio Amazonas conservation status: near threatened size: up to 3,5m (12 ft) and 130kg (290 lb)
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BIMINI EXTREME | SHARK DIVING | by: K adu Pinheiro
A
nother highlight of the trip was the dive with the Atlantic spotted dolphins, a rare and very docile species, similar to their bottle-nose siblings, which also appeared.
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BIMINI EXTREME | SHARK DIVING | by: K adu Pinheiro
T
he dolphin dive happens in the afternoon, near the canal, when the animals return from hunting in open ocean. There is a large group residing on a sand bank north of the archipelago and several others that appear throughout the year.
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BIMINI EXTREME | SHARK DIVING | by: K adu Pinheiro
T
he visibility at this spot, only 6m deep, is stunning: an incredible blue, with a very white sand bottom. In order to attract the dolphins, we must not swim towards them.
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BIMINI EXTREME | SHARK DIVING | by: K adu Pinheiro
J
ust take a breath and dive to the bottom: they will come in your direction and interact with you, playing and showing each other for a long time. TIt’s impossible not to fall in love with them, charmed by their mesmerizing moves and great intelligence.
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BIMINI EXTREME | SHARK DIVING | by: K adu Pinheiro
I
n addition to the sharks and dolphins spectacle, typical Bahamian reef dives are also held, full of life, beautiful coral formations and various species of sharks visiting the walls.
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BIMINI EXTREME | SHARK DIVING | by: K adu Pinheiro
T
he Gulf Stream attracts many turtles and shoals, such as tunas, trevallies and mackerels. There are almost 30 diving spots, including wrecks and even marine caves to be explored.
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BIMINI EXTREME | SHARK DIVING | by: K adu Pinheiro
BEAUTIFUL AND MYSTIC
B
imini encompasses 23km² of turquoise watered and almost deserted beaches, split into two land portions (South Bimini and North Bimini), with a population of only 2,000 people. More than natural beauty and marine biodiversity, the island is shrouded by stories and mysteries, as the legend that says the epicenter of the Bermuda Triangle is there.
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BIMINI EXTREME | SHARK DIVING | by: K adu Pinheiro
T
here is an intriguing linear rock formation, made up of submerged blocks of multiple sized stones, similar to a paved road – known as Bimini Road. Mystics consider it a vestige of some lost civilization (Atlantis?), while geologists claim it is only a natural process of rock outcropping.
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BIMINI EXTREME | SHARK DIVING | by: K adu Pinheiro
T
he wreck of S.S. Sapona was the work of chance and many accidents. To reduce costs, the ship was built with cement, iron and wood, to join the US fleet in World War I – but was ready only after it had ended. During the Prohibition in the United States in 1924 it was bought as scrap and towed to the Bimini coast, where a smuggler went on to store and sell rum and whiskey, and planned to open some sort of ni-
43
ghtclub inside it. But soon, in 1926, a hurricane threw the boat up the reef, where it remains to this day. Years later, it was used in firing drills by the US Army – bringing an even more frightening appearance to the wreck, which is partly out of the water. A cool snorkel spot with lots of fish and depths that do not reach 7m.
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BIMINI EXTREME | SHARK DIVING |byr: K adu Pinheiro
S
panish conquistador Ponce de León landed on the island in search of the “fountain of youth”; writer Ernest Hemingway lived there, fishing between 1935 and 1937 - the inspiration for his books “The Old Man and the Sea” and “Islands in the Stream”; Martin Luther King would have written his most famous speeches during his stays in Bimini (“I have a dream”, receiving the Nobel, and “I’ve been to the mountaintop”, the last one before he was murdered).
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BIMINI EXTREME | SHARK DIVING | by: K adu Pinheiro
F
or all this, Bimini is one of the most interesting diving destinations in the world. A place for those who seek great encounters. I can hardly wait for another right season and right company to return!
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BIMINI EXTREME | SHARK DIVING | by: K adu Pinheiro
HOW TO GET THERE
T
he easiest option is going to Bimini via Miami or Fort Lauderdale – you can also dive there and/or do some shopping on the way back. It is the westernmost district of the Bahamas, about 80 km (50 mi) due east of Miami. Bimini is the closest Bahamian island to the mainland United States: only 20 minutes flight or two hours fast ferry from Florida.
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WHERE TO STAY
W
e chose the Bimini Big Game Club Resort & Marina, in Alice Town on the North Island, a 5 minute walk from Bimini Blue Water Marina and 10 minutes from the city center. Built in 1947 and renewed in 2010, it has swimming pool, restaurant, wi-fi, air conditioning in the bedrooms; it is a comfortable option for those who want to dives with the Great Hammers, as Bimini Scuba Center is located inside the hotel facilities. Another great lodging option is Hilton Resort, more expensive and distant, but worth at least a visit to its excellent restaurants.
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BIMINI EXTREME | SHARK DIVING | Por: K adu Pinheiro
E
duardo Jun Hagiwara, a great childhood friend whom I had the pleasure to introduce diving – and now shares the passion for the sea with his son André!
BIMINI EXTREME | SHARK DIVING | Por: K adu Pinheiro
WHEN TO GO
T
he season for diving with de Great Hammerheads is between dezember and march. The water is cold during this time of year, a semi-dry suit is recommended.
S
pecial thanks to all the friends who took part in this trip, especially Gabriel Ganme, Bruno Tae and Gabriel Vieira – without you this story would not be possible. We also thank Rodrigo Guimarães from Dive Travel and his commitment to fit all the missing pieces of the trip. diveforfun.com.br divetravel.com.br xproaquatics.com Shark Expeditions by Gabriel Ganme
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DESENHADO PELA NATUREZA.
Descoberto por Você. 2018
21 X
TARIFAS ESPECIAIS
Reserve Hoje! 800.227.3483 | 954.929.0090 info@anthonyskey.com
ANTHONYSKEY.COM
TULUM 2018 www.maramar.com.br maramar@maramar.com.br
Tel : (3 1) 3 2 2 5 -0 0 2 9
19/05 A 26/05 D E 2018
Tulum é um sítio arqueológico correspondente a uma antiga cidade muralhada maia. Situa-se ao longo da costa do Mar do Caribe, no sudeste do México, no estado de Quintana Roo, também conhecida como Riviera Maya.
Fotos: Kadu Pinheiro
Considerados sagrados pelos maias, os cenotes que são as entradas das cavernas, encantam turistas e mergulhadores por suas águas cristalinas de grande visibilidade. No México, são cerca de 7 mil deles, encontrados muitas vezes em sítios arqueológicos. Venha mergulhar com a gente! Os mais famosos de Tulum são: Cenote dos Ojos, Gran Cenote e cenote Aktun Ha.
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photo: Mario Coutinho; Hell’s Hole deep blue
I
t was 9:16 am in a dry August in Goiás when we began the exploratory dive to try to find out where “Guéla do Kapeta” (“Devil’s throat”) ended. This expedition to “Buraco do Inferno” (“Hell’s Hole) involved more than 10 people among divers, specialists in vertical techniques and speleorescue, specialists in diving accidents first aid, surface coordinator, gas blenders, and even a “Globo TV” news team. We had been in the area for a few days, camped, descenting and lifting equipment, exploring and diving in other parts of the cave, collecting data, preparing safety cylinders, filming and photographing. Huge enthusiasm – but the task required planning and concentration. Everything had to be perfect to minimize the risk.
THE DEPTHS OF HELL’S HOLE
By: José Mário Ventura, Fotos José Mário Ventura, Gabriel Katter, Diego Ferreira and Mário Coutinho
51
Convenções:
0 5 10 20
Desnível acentuado
?
Desenvolvimento desconhecido
Contorno das galerias
Desnível leve
r
Passagem com restrição
X
Passagem impossível
Contorno de galeria inferior
38m
Profundidade no fundo
Contorno aproximado
10m
Profundidade no teto
Passagem com silte
Abismo com chaminé
Profundidade de 0m a 40m
Desnível de abismo com chaminé
Profundidade de 40m a 80m
Blocos abatidos
40
B’
Estrombo do Kapeta
50
0 5 10
Lago de superfície
A
+70 - 95
Profundidade de 80m a 185m
? 185m
Trom
pa d
Gu
éla
185m
?
co
B
ab 120m ati do
do
o Ka
10m
peta
6m
+7 0 - 95
20
blo
Ka
pe
35m
ta
10m
80m
X
25m
X
X
X
X
X
X
X X
X
X
<
ao
L
X
1m
X
15m
so
s Ace
ago
X
C’ 80m
X
r
X
?
X
X
60
6m
40m
lA
Salão x Fantástico ?
X
X
?
?
X
X
X
X
X
Túne
20m
X
X
X
X
25m
r
X
X
60m
40
X
X
X
X
30m
X
X
N
X
X
X
18m 25m
X X
X
eta
X
Kap
X
o do
X
irint
A’
o
Se
co
Lab
?x
Sa
lã
15m
150
X
200
120
X
C
X
Perfil C - C’
X
40m
100
10m
X
10m
X
X
X
80
?
45m
?
80m
X
Desnível Submerso (metros)
Desnível Seco (metros)
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100
50
40
30
20
10
Projeção Horizontal (metros)
140
180
200
Localização: Padre Bernado, GO Altitude: 560m Projeção Horizontal: 320 m Desnível total: 235 m Desnível submerso: 185m Escala: Gráfica
185m
185m
?
Perfil A - A’
Perfil B - B’
0
10 5
Mapa da Caverna Buraco do Inferno V1.2 - Todos os direitos reservados, José Mário Roberto Ventura, © 2018
Realização:
haloclina
> > e x p lo r a t i o n te@m > >
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5
Buraco do Inferno · GO-043
160
Apoio:
20
0
40
60m
Topografia UIS grau 2A: Guilherme Aguiar, José Mário Roberto Ventura, Panorama Ambiental. Desenho Final: José Mário Roberto Ventura, Tiago dos Anjos. Exploração inicial: GREC (Grupo de Resgate e Exploração de Cavernas) Mauricio Carvalho, Carlos Eduardo Campos, Marcelo Conforto. Outros Exploradores: Eduardo Macedo, Gabriel Ganme, Gabriel Katter, Gilberto Menezes de Oliveira, Guilherme Aguiar, José Mário Roberto Ventura, Lucio Bravin, Marcus Werneck, Rodrigo Severo, Sérgio Costa.
THE DEPTHS OF HELL’S HOLE | BY: José Mário Ventura
B
uraco do Inferno is a cover-collapse sinkhole – also know as doline – located in Padre Bernardo, Goiás state, Brazil. First explored by GREC (Rescue and Cave Exploration Group), the mouth of the sinkhole is almost 100 meters (330 ft) wide, developing vertically by 50 meters, forming a well. The north central region of Goiás is known for its deep cover-collapsing sinkholes. “Hell’s Hole” is inserted in the Paranoá Group geological formation, a limestone unit, where carbonate lenses are observed (commonly dolomitic).
Covered in underbrush, which can be dense during summer months, with numerous small, medium and large trees, the abyss deposits countless rock blocks of all sizes and shapes. A lot of destroyed blocks (result from the collapse that formed the dolina), aided by erosive processes and deposition of organic matter from heavy summer rains, gives the well a fairly steep and irregular terrain, making any displacement dangerous, especially when carrying heavy gear.
The greatest challenge for diving In “Buraco do Inferno” is exactly the process of descenting and lifting equipment.
Photo: Jose Mario Ventura; Lucio Bravin during deco stop, with entrance doline on the back
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THE DEPTHS OF HELL’S HOLE | BY: José Mário Ventura
A
n ultra deep dive like the one we were about to do requires a huge amount of equipment. In addition to personal gear of the three bottom divers and the four safety divers, we had all the material for collective use. There were almost 50 tanks with gas mixtures ranging from Trimix 4/80 to Pure Oxygen, 6 closed-circuit rebreathers, sidemount and twinsets equipment, dozens of high-performance regulators, dive computers, wet and dry suits, fins, toolboxes, first aid kits, emergency oxygen, backup gear etc. Descenting all this material by a zipline requires, besides great physical strength, a lot of specific hardwear, like ropes, blocks, pulleys, carabiners and tapes. Human access is also carried out by rope, which demands more physical effort, especially after a dive, and more equipment. To set up the camp where we would sleep and eat we needed supplies, generators, awnings, tents, stoves, tables and chairs – and, I will not tell who, someone even had a portable toilet. So much equipment – and a bit of frills – took six cars (including big vans and a wagon) and one more cart to transport everything.
Photo: Jose Mario Ventura;
54
doline seen from the entrance lake
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THE DEPTHS OF HELL’S HOLE | BY: José Mário Ventura
I
nitial explorations on “Hell’s Hole” were made 30 years ago. In spite of periodic visits by several dive groups during the 1990s and 2000s, forays to the deep galleys have never been conducted. The exploration lines were basically limited to Tunnel A to a depth of about 80m, the beginning of “Devil’s Throat”, and the access siphon to the Dry Hall. Deeper explorations, and even searches for shallower conduits, re-
quired a certain logistical dedication that, in open circuit, were complicated. “Hell’s Hole” diving logistics is, without a doubt, the process that requires most time to think, prepare and execute. The 50-meter gap in the dry part of the cave difficults equipment access the, discouraging those less obstinate. Over the past decade, the use of closed circuit rebreathers made logistics ea-
sier, so that dive explorations are less suffering to prepare and execute. H2EP – Hell’s Hole Exploration Project arose in this context, with the objective to explore, map and obtain speleological data from this doline. The great catalyst of this project was undoubtedly the “enigma” of the fracture located at the end of Tunnel A. A question arose after some unpretentious incursions: How deep is this cave?
Photo: Diego Ferreira; José Mário Ventura
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observes the steel zipline used to descent and lift the gear.
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THE DEPTHS OF HELL’S HOLE | BY: José Mário Ventura
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he lake that gives access to the submerged section of the cave is about 30 meters in diameter. The water, of a blue so deep that resembles a sapphire, is at 27ºC degrees and the surface is covered with algae. Lambaris and other species of fish can be spotted on the lake. A close look can also reveal some freshwater turtles and even a duck.
The recesses of the rocky wall are shelter for bands of parrots that whenever we approach toast us with sonorous cries. The hollows that are closer to the water, therefore more difficult access, also work as shelter to numerous bats. In addition to countless insects (and their predators as frogs and spiders), we can also see, hear and sometimes even feel thousands of bees colonizing a huge hive on the rocky wall. It is also common to find tegu lizards walking hastily and even vultures, whose burrow is near the point of equipment descent, always distrustful keeping some distance. Photo: Mario Coutinho;
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diver in the cavern zone
THE DEPTHS OF HELL’S HOLE | Por: José Mário Ventura Photo: Mario Coutinho; Guilherme Aguiar, Jose Mario Ventura and Lucio Bravin at deco stop after an exploratory dive to 185m and almost 9 hours long.
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he flooded part develops from an immense cavern zone. Soon one notices a steep descent that quickly leads to more than 30 meters depth. The water is so crystalline that easily dribbles our spatial perception – if we are not careful, we end up deeper than we should. The view is so dazzling that it’s easy to forget the dangers of cave diving. It is worth remembering that this cave was the scene of an accident
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that resulted in two fatalities in the early 90’s. Tunnel A is undoubtedly the most logical gallery to be followed, as a large arched porch invites the divers. After this portico the conduit develops in a straight line for about 100 meters, with the bottom descending diagonally until it connects with an immense fracture at 80 meters depth. This fracture (see profile B - B’), the “Devil’s Throat” was the great incognito that
we wanted to unravel. A number of other galleries develop from Tunnel A, in shallower depths. Another obvious destination is the Dry Hall. A smaller, shallower arched porch that beckons for divers who, after a short trip, find a dry saloon. There, after a brief dry walk, it is possible to continue diving into a small lake that houses submerged meanders that have not yet been fully explored.
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THE DEPTHS OF HELL’S HOLE | Por: José Mário Ventura
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Less obvious is the little conduit leading to “Devil’s Labyrinth”. After winding for about 30 meters you get to a large hall that gives access to another conduit. This duct descends rapidly to 80 meters deep where there is a vertical restraint, which has never been explored. Like the rest of the cave, this area contains a large amount of sediment resting on the rock. Any movement near the walls, roof or floor creates enough disturbance to spread this sediment through the water, impacting the visibility. Explorations have been performed using closed loop rebreathers, which minimizes the release of gas bubbles that potentially cause detrimental effects as they strike the roof.
That morning in August 2017, the bottom team, who was going to try to unravel the mystery of the fracture, started the dive knowing that everything was perfectly organized and fully confident in the team. The safety divers started to descent later, at pre-arranged intervals so that timing on the rendezvous was perfect. The bottom team followed down the fracture until reaching the end of the exploration line (installed a few months earlier), already at 176 meters depth. The expectation was to exceed 200 meters and the dive plan was carried out accordingly. The previous exploratory dive had ended at the top of a large hall, but we didn’t get to explore its bottom.
Photo: Jose Mario Ventura; diver at deco stop with entrance lake above him
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THE DEPTHS PF HELL’S HOLE | BY: José Mário Ventura
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fter connecting an exploration line to the existing one we descended to look for possible developments. Soon we came across a very flat bottom at a depth of 185 meters apparently with no vertical development. We decided to explore a huge conduit that develops at that depth a little longer, leaving the bottom at 30 minutes run time. We follo-
wed the fracture, rising gradually, until we found one of the safety divers at 150 meters deep. The timing worked perfectly: he had waited for only a minute. We kept following to the first decompression stop, at 96 meters. By then we were in sync with both deep security divers and with our minds full, thinking of all we had seen and with the feeling that
the mystery of the fracture was solved. There was, however, a long way for this dive to be success. We still had a lot of decompression ahead of us. After more than 8 hours, we emerged. Tired, hungry, a little cold, and almost unable to move our jaws. But the ultimate goal was fulfilled: we were alive to tell the story ... and plan the next dive.
Lucio Bravin ascending “Devil’s Throat”; even with the closed circuit, there is percolation
Photo: Gabriel Katter Guilherme Aguiar observes the guide line at Devil’s Throat
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Photo: Jose Mario Ventura; “Hell’s Hole” dry section, opposed to
THE DEPTHS OF HELL’S HOLE | BY: José Mário Ventura
the lake, with its huge spider webs
Agradecimentos: H2EP (Hell´s Hole Exploration Project) Team, without which it would be impossible to safely carry out the exploration of the end of the fracture: Bernardo Bianchetti, Diego Ferreira, Eduardo Macedo, Gabriel Aguiar, Gabriel Katter, Guilherme Aguiar, José Mário Ventura, Lúcio Bravin, Mario Coutinho, Wesley Santos Reporting team: Edson, Marquinhos, Álvaro Staff from the farm where Hell’s Hole is located Lagão Gas Station Haloclina Panorama Ambiental Aerius Group
Photo: Jose Mario Ventura;
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Locals watch Hells’s Hole
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divemag 6 years CoVERaGE OF OUR MAGA ZINE’S 6th ANNIVERSARY PARTY, through THE LENS OF Milena Monteiro AND oUR GUESTS’ TESTIMONIES
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divemag’S 6th ANNIVERSARY, TESTIMONIES
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t is not every day that we get to celebrate the 6th anniversary of a brazilian publication specialized in diving. Our party was special in so many ways, a landmark for the scuba diving market. We showcased the magazine’s strength and the respect it has earned over the past years by bringing together the main agencies, gear brands and schools. A night to gather beloved friends and longtime partners that are part of our legacy. And nothing better than their own words to show how significant and important the event was. Before the party, we received our partners, advertisers and collaborators in a private cocktail for a brief presentation of our numbers, errors and successes of the last years, sharing our hopes and dreams with the team. The perfect moment to thank them for all the trust they have always placed in our project. This new chapter of the magazine will be written for (and by) our readers. Everything will be thought and done to best serve you – because Divemag, my friends, is our legacy to the dive market.
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great honour and joy to share this party with the best people in the scuba diving world, reunited by DiveMag. Meeting divers, managers and many friends, sharing thoughts and hugs, making plans to the sound of rock, left my heart full of happiness and enthusiasm! Long live Divemag, success in the international branch!
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Dr. Lúcia Eneida aT centEr
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divemag’S 6th ANNIVERSARY, TESTIMONIES
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r. Lúcia Eneida [DAN Brasil]
abriel Ganme
he party was insane. In the best way. It showed how Kadu and the magazine are cherished and important for brazilian diving. Besides being his personal friend, I’m proud to collaborate with Divemag’s editorial board.
Gabriel Ganme, K adu Pinheiro, Juan Quinteros
Marcelo Obeidi
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arcelo Obeidi [Sea Worker]
ivemag’s party, 6th anniversary of the magazine... success! Sorry for those who couldn’t be there, because it was the maximum joy and satisfaction to celebrate Kadu Pinheiro’s work – a international quality professional, that shares diving news in Brazil like no other. Now in this new stage, with new team, Divemag will be a even greater success, all around the world. Just wait and see.
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memorable event, with the presence of the most respected professionals in the market. And a very positive energy! May many more years to come!
Galileo Gagliardi, K adu Pinheiro, Juan Quinteros
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ilena Monteiro [diver and and official photographer of the event]
ivemag’s anniversary party, besides gathering people who make it happen in the diving world, has announced news that promise to unite even more this universe of divers, with the seriousness and quality that we are all used to. It was a great honor taking part in this moment that is certainly a milestone for all of us diving lovers!
Zé Gu Torres, Daniel Lervolino, Gabriel Vieira
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uan Quinteros (underwater photographer and videomaker)
eautiful party, incredible night! Everybody was there! It was very cool to be along with the people who make and love our market, in such a well-deserved celebration! Congratulations on your six years of hard work and dedication, may many more successes to come! Fun is just beginning!
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divemag’S 6th ANNIVERSARY, TESTIMONIES
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abriel Vieira [Dive for Fun]
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ndré Valentim [Mares / Head]
hen I received the invitation to celebrate Divemag’s 6 years, I had no doubts: booked my flight right at that time. Out of obligation and pure pleasure. This is the great value of doing what you love.
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uciene Monteiro [client, Diving College]
ivemag’s anniversary party was sensational! Cool, well organized, nice space, at the same time simple, functional and pleasant to be in. The raffles gave a fun touch to the night and excited everybody. The people present ensured the friendly atmosphere... I met a lot of people. The sound was nice, very good band, I just thought it was a bit loud, but it may be my taste only.
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Obligation because it is the duty of any member of the diving industry to honor the greatest publication in our segment. Pleasure because I was sure to find several friends of inestimable value with whom I share the same love for the activity. Well, the certainty that a Kadu’s party would have good rock’n roll soundtrack and the warm weather also helped! Expectations were met. A new concept, even more modern, was a shot in the arm for the market – and a rather fun night. Congratulations Kadu and long live Divemag!
Guilherme Kodja , K adu, All an Piccinin
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uilherme Kodja [IPM / Brazil Marine Megafauna project]
saw this dream beginning, yet with another name. I used to sit in the newsroom next to Kadu, taking care of Nautica Magazine when I was the technical editor. We talked about the issues and the challenges... until Kadu took off for his solo flight. Selfless. Competent. He made the difference and Divemag’s 6 years in Brazil are the proof of that.
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Happy to have managed to advance my return so I could be next to several diving friends. Thus, I congratulate Kadu and all the team involved, not only on my behalf, but on the behalf of Pro Mar Initiative (IPM) and Brazil Marine Megafauna project. Health, much more successes and as I always say: MANY MANTAS IN THE DIVES! Ahoy. Cristian Dimitrius, K arina Oliani, André valentim
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divemag’S 6TH ANNIVERSARY, TESTIMONIES
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lexandre Vasconcelos [Navy]
ivemag isn’t just a magazine, it’s a dream that Kadu made true. It was born by the hands of the most renowed professionals in the market. The party not only celebrate the six years of the magazine, it also celebrates a shift in the way we advertise diving. I wouldn’t miss it for anything. An event that, just like Divemag, is 100% done by divers and for divers – that is the difference.
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arcelo F. Bomfim [IANTD Brasil]
aking part in Divemag’s 6-year party was highly rewarding... meeting friends and alumni is always rewarding! Listening to people’s experiences, findings and evolution makes us think it was worth it being a diving instructor for all those years. Witness the 6 years of existence of a project like Divemag is a privilege. Not only Kadu’s project have avenged, now it gains new airs, new partners, coverage and expansion. Within all the festive atmosphere that reigned throughout the night, one fact caught my attention: the presence and friendly fraternization among the representatives of the certification agencies, to highlight Alvanir “Jornada” Oliveira from NAUI, Roberto Buiocchi from SSI, Fernando Martins from PADI and me from IANTD.
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Jornada , Vasconcelos, Fl ávio Gomes
For me a sign that – probably – our market finally begins to mature. I believe this can bring us good fruit. The new Divemag team has a lot of work ahead of them. I wish a future plenty of success – and that we can walk through it together. May 10, 20, 30 and many other years of existence come. Big hug! DIVEMAG’S 6TH ANNIVERSARY, TESTIMONIEs
CIGAR TASTING by caruso
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Bomfim
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oberto Trindade [IANTD]
he daily rush ends up diminishing our contact with old diving friends. Divemag’s party was a moment for us to reminisce about thousands funny stories, laughing at everything and having real fun. “Why we didn’t do this before, at least once a year?” was everyone’s first question. More than a meeting with old friends, the party was a sharing of professional experiences, providing a discussion on current opportunities for the market. New partnerships are in sight for everyone. The key point is on the internet. You should all stay tuned for news.
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left Belo Horizonte to attend Divemag’s event and, when I arrived in Sao Paulo, I came across with more than an anniversary party. Meeting old characters and new players of the diving market, as well as active divers from all over Brazil, brought about a strong feeling that the magazine has a solid influence in our trade.
L awrence wahba , Paul a loque, k adu
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aula Peçanha Loque [Mar a Mar Mergulho - BH]
Jorge Louz ada and Erik a Beux
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orge Louzada [underwater photographer]
met Kadu Pinheiro in 2015, on a trip for Cocos, Costa Rica. Nothing better than meeting people during trips... I already admired his work at Divemag, and when we spent one week shooting in Cocos, the admiring only grew. Excellent diver and photographer, always willing to share knowledge and valuable tips. I remember Kadu was sure of being Mario Gomini’s (from Peru, our friend now) buddy. Despite being an excellent photographer at the time, since he already owned a studio in Lima, Mario had only 50 dives in his log book – and we know that in Cocos the dives are not for the inexperienced. From here to here, we’ve exchanged a lot of ideas and I had the pleasure of presenting my portfolio in Divemag. In short, I was extremely happy with the party and with everyone who was there. It reinforced the success and dedication of the entire Divemag team. Long live Divemag!
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A D DIVEMAG TEAM
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osé Mário Ventura [IANTD]
he party managed to unite people from different segments of the diving market in a friendly and optimistic atmosphere. It was very nice to meet old friends in this mood. Congratulations Divemag team!
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Terence Tanak a , José Mário ventura , Bruno TAE
llan Piccinin [Toca do Mergulhador]
ivemag’s party was a milestone in the modern history of diving in Brazil. It was able to bring together dive enthusiasts, renowned photographers, personalities and major agencies, making everybody feel like a unit, with no flags or egos, just representing our passion for diving. A highlight of the night was ting with the partners, where phasized that his mission is the diver and not the diving marked history.
the meeKadu emto please trade. He
reinaldo, tae, valentim, dani, rodrigo guimarães, k adu
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odrigo Guimarães [Dive Travel]
ivemag’s super party! This is “the” diving party. Kadu, Tae, it must happen every year! And the whole market must be there... a great fraternizing moment for school owners, suppliers and clients. Everybody talking about trips, gear, and lots of foolishness. Congratulations, looking forward to the party in 2019!
Decio Miname and All an Piccinin
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DIVEMAG’S 6TH ANNIVERSARY, TEsTIMONIEs
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atiana Kalef e Tayguara Pereira (Mergulhadores)
s Divemag readers it was with great enthusiasm that we received the invitation for its 6th anniversary, on Facebook. Being reasonably new in this community, we had high expectations and were also a little apprehensive, since we are still getting to know the people. But we gathered some friends and we went to the party.
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But as we arrived, any fears disappeared in that great atmosphere. The joy was palpable and the receptivity was stamped on the divers faces. Events like these bring something fundamental to brazilian divinging: the opportunity to meet, exchange ideas and create ties that go beyond the dive operators that we are connected to.
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arcella Petrere Duarte (Divemag staff)
The party was very well organized, the band (perhaps not the best music style for a event that yearns for communication between people) was fantastic and featured female representativeness – that is so needed in diving.
he party was one we wish to repeat every week! Rare opportunity to have fun with friends out of the water (being able to have some cocktails and sleep late!), meeting people we had not seen for some time and others who we only “knew” virtually... divers of all levels, instructors, certification agencies and dive operators: everyone reunited by the love of diving and admiration for the magazine and Kadu’s work.
In short, we want it many more times. Congratulations to all DiveMag team.
All the success for Divemag in this new phase, inaugurated in style!
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In an activity that is undoubtedly linked to the preservation of aquatic areas (marine or not), communication is the key. Discovering projects, creating partnerships, participating: this is being a diver beyond the 60 minutes that the air in our tanks lasts.
Lu monteiro, Marcell a DUARTE, Tatiana K ALEF, Tayguara Pereira
Arthur Albanez e Nicole Trivisas
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icole Trivisas Gomes [Dive Travel]
ivemag was able to reunite the best team of partners, certification agencies, dive centers, travel agencies, and everyone who shares the same passion: d-i-v-e! Besides celebrating one more year of the best publication in our segment, the party was a great step for everybody to realize that together we are stronger and can evolve even more. Being there was a supreme joy. May many others come... long live Divemag and all those who make it what it is!
ivemagâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 6th anniversary party was excellent, in a very pleasant ambience for diving enthusiasts and or non-divers as well. The band surprised us with a great sound and setlist, that matched the diving vibe. It was a great opportunity to meet old friends and other professionals, trading experiences.
divemag 6TH ANNIVERSARY, tESTIMosNIES
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odrigo Tronquini [diver]
Bruno Piva , Danielle L aure, Bruno TAE, Kleiton pereira
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runo Piva Jr. [Nautilus]
ivemagâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s party was really cool, well organized, in a great place, the cocktails price was fair, friendly staff and the band was amazing.
PatrĂcia Matias, Carol schrappe, Rodrigo tronquini
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@DIVEMAG Fernando Alves, Carolina Fukuda , Fernando Regis
cristiam dimitrius AND bruno tae
Marcelo Rossi, Cristian dimitrius, reinaldo alberti
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Irene demetrescu AND Greta
k adu, Victor, julia , carol pinheiro: FAMILY THERE
fernando martins
Carolina schrappe
Lol a , ulisses, Juliana turati
cibele, roberto buiocchi, k adu, lurdinha parra
divemag 6TH ANNIVERSARY, WHO WAS THERE
FULL HOUSE, 1165 bEATED TO OUR GUESTS ENERGY André, k adu, eduardo jun hagiwara
danielle l aure, bruno tae, marcelo chamie
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divemag 6TH ANNIVERSARY, WHO WAS THERE
jornada , k adu, reriton gomes
monica guimarães, denise serafim, k adu, lis gomide
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divemag 6TH ANNIVERSARY, WHO WAS THERE
gabriel , bruno, zé gu, kleiton, terence
ADVICES FROM MY HEROES
ilk a , k adu, alessandra sak ai
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emorable moments in the company of good friends, listening to wise advices from people who I respect as my parents, remembering how it all started... arthur, bruno tae, joão manesco
walter ok amoto AND Bruna Yuri
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PAPPARA ZZING l awrence wahba
l awrence wahba , k adu, cristian dimitrius
TOCA DO MERGULHADOR TEAM
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Danielle l aure AND bruno tae
juan quinteros, gustavo haddad, terence tanak a
erik a beux , Felipe Bedran, Marco Fรกbio Levy
@DIVEMAG Maneco francisco
paul a loque, jorge louz ada , k adu, carlos montechi, ingridi gielow
fl รกvio l ara , k adu, Arne Wiegandt
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wolfpack HONoRING THE PART Y
divemag dream team, gratiUDE!!!
William Palma Spinetti AND k adu
divemag 6TH ANNIVERSARY, WHO WAS THERE
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vicente albanez , reinaldo KObayashi, k adu
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K adu, Walter Nuñez , vanessa tome nishiok a
“SeuLixoMeu” PROJECT S
SeuLixoMeu (YourTrashMine) project was born in 2016, by the hands of nature and extreme sports photographer Alexandre Socci, who has been witnessing our trash’s rising impact in the cities, beachs and oceans across the globe.
By: Marianna Menato
In 2017, Alexandre heard about my work as an enviromental engineer and realized we share the same ideal, so he asked me to together develop this project that focuses on caughting lay people’s attention to the problems caused by trash – as we know that everyone must act to change it.
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Since 2017, we act as volunteers, trough lectures, campaigns about decontamination of Pinheiros and Tietê rivers in Sao Paulo and EcoRowing between Santos and São Vicente, addressing public health problems and waste pollution in mangroves.
Last february, Rodrigo Thome and Alexandre Socci took the photos for the campaign “The sea claims for help”, with the mermaids, the actress Isabella Santoni and all the team being volunteers. The campaign was widely accepted by the public, as it playfully shows that our consumption habits and lack of care on trash disposal cause thousands of deaths in the oceans.
SeuLixoMeu | BY Mariana menato
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SeuLixoMeu | by Mariana menato
earmaids deaths represent the suffering and dying marine fauna.
Our goal with “SeuLixoMeu” is sharing the problems we witness and, therefore, opening people’s eye so they can become environmentally conscious citizens. We believe this change and improvement is only possible through environmental education, information and attitude.
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SeuLixoMeu | BY Mariana menato
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ver 8 million tons of plastic reach the oceans every year. Around 90% of all floating debris are plastics. By 2050, 99% of the marine birds will have ingested it. It is as if, every minute, the load of a trash truck filled with plastic was thrown at the sea. To raise awareness of this scenario among its thousands of daily visitors, Rio Marine Aquarium has joined the campaign “YourTrashMine – The Ocean Claims for Help”, an initiative of environmental engineer Marianna Menato and photographers Alexandre Socci and Rodrigo Thomé. Photos, sce-
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nography and other interventions promise to impact the audience about the calamitous situation of the oceans, caused by improperly waste disposal. The campaign was launched on March 2nd, and was attended by record-breaker apnea diver Carol Schrappe, who made a “sereism” performance. The ads impact the public by placing mermaids in vulnerable situations, stuck on fishing nets or killed by eating trash. Other scenes and characters also are part of the temporary exhibition, until March 11th.
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n our last trip to Flórida, we had the opportunity to visit IANTD International headquarter, and the privilege to interview a dive legend: Tom Mount.
We talked about various relevant issues to the international diving market and asked him to tell us a little about his history in diving, the classic “how did it all begin?”.
INTERVIEW: Tom Mount Text: Kadu Pinheiro; Photos: Emerson Covisi and Kadu Pinheiro
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INTERVIEW | tom mount
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om began diving in 1957, as he was serving the US Navy. He left the Navy in 1963 and started working as a comercial diver in Freeport, Bahamas.
In 1991, Tom and Dick Rutkowski created what later would be International Association of Nitrox & Technical Divers (IANTD) – the first organization dedicated to training technical divers. Today, Tom acts as CEO of IAND, Inc. / IANTD Board of Directors. He is also founding member of National Association for Cave Diving (NACD) – the first cave divers training agency in the United States. Besides, he took a leading part in the developmente of closed circuit rebreathers for recreational diving. Tom is the author of numerous IANTD manuals – incluiding: Technical Diver Student Workbook, Trimix student workbook and Cave Diving Student Manual and Workbook – and of a lot of books, as The Cave Diving Manual, Safe Cave Diving, The Greatest Adventure, Photography and Mixed Gas Diving. And the one I treasure the most: the Tao of Cave Diving, which cover photo was taken by me, as well as a few others that illustrate the book. What an honor! He also wrote various articles and texts on technical and general diving for magazines and specialized publications.
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@DIVEMAG
INTERVIEW | tom mount
Viaje pelo mundo com quem mais entende de mergulho. Entre em contato e conheça os melhores destinos:
Viaje para as Philipinas, com toda a estrutura que você precisa e realize mergulhos inesquecíveis na Ásia.
Mergulhe nas Ilhas Guadalupe com os gigantescos tubarões-brancos, ou na incrível Revillagigedo (Ilhas Socorro).
Visite as Maldivas, em um dos nosso barcos e conheça os mais remotos pontos de mergulho do Oceano Índico.
O melhor mergulho do Caribe está em Curaçao, com todo o conforto que você merece, serão férias maravilhosas.
Conheça o melhor de Roatan, em Honduras, hospedado em bangalôs super confortáveis, é inesquecível.
exceptional underwater adventures
Embarque em um dos melhores liveabords das Ilhas Galapagos para uma nova experiência submarina.
/divetravel.brasil @divetravel.brasil
11 3816-9666 info@divetravel.com.br
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Tom has been involved in all facets of the business from commercial to recreational diving. He worked for the Army Corps of Engineers, for NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration), for Teach Tour Dive Travel Company and even had his own dive center. From 1965 to 1967, he held the world record for deeper diving using compressed air. I asked him if he kept diving until today, and the answer was “of course!”. He was only away from water for a few months due to a surgery, from which he recovers without major complications. I also asked if he had any advices for novices in cave and technical diving. What is the key for good training? “Martial arts”, Tom said. This answer makes all
sense for me, as I myself spent great part of my life studying and practicing martial arts, and I confess that it helped me a lot during my diving training, to stay focused and calm in stressful situations. Tom is a recognized martial artist in the United States, having won several championships and entered the Hall of Fame of Martial Arts. He estimates having more than 11,000 logged dives, 2,500 of them in cave environments. Tom has left a huge legacy to the diving world and never tires of producing more manuals and improving more techniques that can help in the training of new divers and professionals. Thanks Tom for the conversation, for all the stories you shared and for the kindness and dedication you received me with.
@DIVEMAG
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Sylvia Earle in BraZil: “CHILDREN, TAKE THE PLUNGE” At the age of 82, the researcher continues traveling the world to warn us that our destiny and the oceans’ are one; here in Brazil, she helped obtaining the approval for the conservation units of São Pedro and São Paulo (PB) and Martins Vaz and Trindade (ES) archipelagos
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Text: Marcella Petrere Duarte Photos: Erika Beux
n march, Sylvia Earle, PhD in Marine Biology and scientific exploration and oceans preservation icon, was in São Paulo for the release of her most important book, ‘The Earth is Blue’. In a lecture at Sesi Theater, she gave an overview of the oceans critical situation and pointed out that we must act to recover their health, as they are “the heart of the Earth”. “Evidence of human impacts is more than clear. On a planetary scale, our generation was able to tear marine life apart, warm the Earth and change the pH of the oceans to levels that can end life in a few decades”, said the researcher, warning that a better future is in our hands. “But we don’t have to feel guilty about our actions that damaged the environment when
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we did not have information. Now we know that the population of certain fish has declined by 95 percent, that half of coral reefs have disappeared, that species are on their way to extinction... now that we are sure that our lives depend on the oceans, we need to act. It’s not too late. We still have time to avoid the worst”, she said.
She also gave her advice: find time to dive. “My mother was 81 when she dived for the first time and
had the chance to see fish swimming in the water rather than on a tray with butter and lemon. It was lifechanging. So, if you’re already 81, do not wait any longer. If you are not, do not wait until you’re 81 to have this experience. Dive, children, dive”, she joked. Sylvia took the opportunity to explain why she stopped consuming fish and other marine animals: “It would be like eating flamingos, lions and other unique and endangered species at dinner”. The explorer recalled that we are used to living bathed in the sun, on land or on the surface of the seas, and we end up having no idea of the size of the planet. “We submerge 15 meters and it is already a different world, very beautiful, but that is only a thin layer. Even when we descend ten times that, at 1,500 m depth, where there is total darkness in the oceans, this is still nothing close to the 11 km of the deepest marine areas. The vast majority of beings, whose existence are fundamental to our own survival, lives in the dark without ever seeing sunlight”, she said.
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Sylvia Earle In Bra zil
ConservaTION UNITS ARE NOW REALITY Sylvia was in Brazil for more than releasing her book: she also wants to bring us hope. Through Mission Blue project, of which she is the founder and president, her main goal is to develop a global network of protected areas by the oceans – that she calls “points of hope.” Around here, she fought for the creation of the Conservation Units of Sao Pedro and Sao Paulo, in Pernambuco, and Martins Vaz and Trindade, in Espírito Santo, archipelagos.
She wants brazilians to also protect the “blue Brazil”, following the example of the country’s forests conservation. “Headlines about preserving ‘green’ are common, but many people do not seem to know that without the ‘blue’ the ‘green’ would not exist. The oceans regulate the climate, absorb much of the carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and produce oxygen, retain 97% of the Earth’s water and make up 71% of the biosphere. The big question is: what can we do to take care for the blue world that takes care for us?”
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animals to have a refuge in which to recover their populations, and from there the areas where the fishing occurs are repopulated”, Sylvia said. More than 1,000 km off coast, both archipelagos are true laboratories of geology and biodiversity: there are submerged ridges, dozens of endemic species, spawning of green turtles, among other peculiarities.
The researcher met with Michel Temer, in Brasilia, to defend the project, which encompasses an area of about 900,000 km² of islands and sea. The success was almost immediate: a few hours later, the president authorized the creation of the units. With them, Brazilian marine environmental protection areas will increase from only 1.5% to around 25%.
According to the project, there will be two types of conservation management. Most of the area (more than 80 million hectares) will be as APA (environmental protection area), where economic activities such as fishing and extractive activities will be possible – under strict regulation for sustainable exploitation. In each archipelago, a smaller region (about 11 million hectares, summed) will be considered Natural Monument (Mona), receiving full protection.
“Brazil has been blessed with exceptional natural resources. We now have an unprecedented opportunity to protect them in the long run. Places where fishing are prohibited really make the difference. They allow the fish and other
Sylvia also visited Alcatrazes archipelago, to learn about the partnership between the Brazilian Navy and ICMBio (Chico Mendes Institute for Biodiversity Conservation) that resulted in the recovery of the local ecosystem.
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Sylvia Earle In Bra Zil
A life dedicated to protecting and exploring the oceans Sylvia Earle summs more than 7,000 hours underwater, coordinated more than 100 expeditions and received 19 honorary doctorate degrees. She was the first person to be named “Hero of the Planet” by Time magazine in 1998, and the first woman to become chief scien-
tist for the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) in 1990. She was one of the first women to take part in human survival experiments in underwater environments and has developed mini-submarines and diving suits for deep exploration. The New Yorker magazine named Sylvia “Her Deepness”. She has been a National Geographic resident-explorer for 20 years.
“What it takes to be an explorer? To be a scientist? Just to continue being a child, having the curiosity of a child, asking questions and seeking the answers”, she said. ‘The Earth is Blue’ can already be found in bookstores all over the world.
TO LEARN MORE Dr. Sylvia at TED: https://www.ted.com/talks/sylvia_earle_s_ted_prize_wish_to_protect_our_oceans Mission Blue project: https://mission-blue.org/ documentary on Netflix: https://www.netflix.com/br/title/70308278
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Equipamentos, novidades
Neoprene FLEXA Regulador LOOP Mares
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egulador ideal para uso como stage, side e uso normal por debaixo do braço, ele é uma revolução de regulador vertical! Definindo novos padrões, o modelo único e exclusivo da Mares representa a verdadeira inovação!
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artesanato, novidades
Almofada de cilindro de mergulho
I
nformações sobre o material: linha 100% algodão e almofada com enchimento de fibra siliconada anti-alérgica, tamanho natural de um cilindro verdadeiro.
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Onde comprar: Informações sobre material: linha 100% algodão e enchimento de fibra siliconada anti alérgica Valor do tamanho S-80 190,00 reais Tamanho S-40 140,00 reais Feito por encomenda Frete por conta do comprador Contato pelo Facebook Sandrinha Mares ou pelo Instagram @mares_de_linha_handmade
Our World Underwater 2018 international photography and video competition
by: Erika Beux
GOLD “Gannets feeding” by Greg Lecoeur Location: Scotland
Wide Angle Unrestricted
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Our World Underwater 2018
D
uring Our World Underwater festival, on February in Chicago, were announced the winners of the largest underwater photo and video championship.
Honorable Mention â&#x20AC;&#x153;Honu Love At Duskâ&#x20AC;? by Renee Capozzola (USA) Location: Maui, Hawaii
Wide Angle Unrestricted
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Our World Underwater 2018
T
he beauty of the oceans was highlighted by thousands of images and videos from underwater photographers and cinegraphists, from amateurs to professionals from around the world.
bronze â&#x20AC;&#x153;we spinning aroundâ&#x20AC;? by Anders Nyberg (Sweden)
Macro Unrestricted
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Location: Bali, Indonesia
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Our World Underwater 2018
Traditional Macro
GOLD “Density” by Shane Gross Location: Bahamas
bronze “Humpback whale” by Greg Lecoeur Location: Tonga
Wide Angle Unrestricted
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T
he “Best of Show” was Canadian photographer Shane Gross, who came first in the Traditional Macro and Traditional Wide Angle category. Shane’s “Density” photograph shows the silhouette of three seahorses at the time of spawning. He recalls trying to capture this image for five years in a small lake in the Bahamas harboring the largest diversity of seahorses on the planet. “This is a place that desperately needs protection”, says the photographer.
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Our World Underwater 2018
Traditional Macro
Honorable Mention “Hyppocampus
guttulatus
double exposure” by Adriano Morettin (Italy) Location: Gulf of Rijeka, Cro-
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atia, northern Adriatic Sea
SILVER “In the Glans” by Anders Nyberg (Sweden) Location: Bali, Indonesia
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Our World Underwater 2018
gold “Mating” by: Shane Gross (Canada) Location: Eleuthera, Bahamas
T
he other Shane’s photo, called “Mating”, depicts the mating of nurse sharks (Ginglymostoma cirratum) in the Bahamas. The prize of USD 55,000 was divided among the winners of the contest.
Traditional Wide Angle
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Our World Underwater 2018 gold “Dominate” by Songda Cai (China) Location: Anilao Batangas
SILVER “Amazing”
Macro Unrestricted
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by Songda Cai (China) Location: Anilao Batangas
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Our World Underwater 2018
Wide Angle Traditional
silver
Wide Angle Unrestricted
“Fast & Furious” David Salvatori (Italy) Location: Umkomaas (South Africa)
SILVER “Leatherback Turtle” by: Eduardo Acevedo (Spain)
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Location: Tenerife (Spain)
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Macro Traditional
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Our World Underwater 2018
bronze “A Pair Yellow Gobies” by Enrico Somogyi Location: Anilao, Philippines
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Our World Underwater 2018 Macro Unrestricted
Honorable Mention “Up” by: Davide Lopresti Location: La Spezia - Italy
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Our World Underwater 2018 Wide Angle Traditional
BRONZE “Encircled” by: Jason Sintek Location: Cabo Pulmo
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Our World Underwater 2018 Compact
gold “Blenny under the Sun” by: Enrico Somogyi Location: Rab, Croatia
bronze “Tres Amigos” by: Sarah Vasend Location: La Paz, Mexico
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Our World Underwater 2018 Compact
honorable mention “The Conductor ” by: Ari Nieminen (Finland) Location: Lake Vähä Arajärvi, Finland
silver “Swarm and Palms” by: Enrico Somogyi Location: Tulamben, Indonesia
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Our World Underwater 2018 B&W
bronze “Carapace” by: Pedro Carrillo (Spain) Location: Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain
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Our World Underwater 2018 B&W
silver “Longimanus” by: Greg Lecoeur Location: Red Sea
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Our World Underwater 2018 B&W
gold
honorable mention
“ROCK AND LIGHT”
“Invasion”
by: Vaclav Krpelik (Czech Republic)
by: J.R. Sosky
Location: Egypt
Location: Monterey, CA
Check out the complete resuls, videos, awards and other information:
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http://www.underwatercompetition.com/Competitions/our-world-underwater-2018
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