New Blue Whale Population Discovered off New Zealand

There is a population of blue whales living in the Taranaki Bight of New Zealand. Studies have confirmed there are approximately 700 blue whales there and they are genetically distinct from other blue whale populations.

 

"Their discovery is being hailed as significant because the whales’ home in the South Taranaki Bight is also the setting for several oil and gas rigs and is set to be targeted by seafloor mining operations."

 

"In light of the planned industrial work in the region, Dr Torres and her colleagues intend to present their findings to political and industry leaders – including representatives from the whaling industry."

 

Great work by Dr Torres and the team at the Marine Mammal Institute. Here's hoping the whales get the protection they need.

 

https://www.independent.co.uk/environment/nature/blue-whale-new-population-new-zealand-genetic-a8356311.html

Top 10 NZ Marine Reserves To Visit This Summer

Featured on Stuff.co.nz:With summer well underway it's time to head to the coast to discover the best of New Zealand's wild spaces.With over 15,000 known marine species and numerous marine reserves with activities for all, Kiwis are spoilt for choice for their next ocean adventure.Here are my Top 10 marine reserves to visit this summer:https://www.stuff.co.nz/travel/destinations/nz/100655126/top-10-nz-marine-reserves-to-visit-this-summer

Where to Cage Dive with Sharks

Featured on Liveaboard.com: 'Great white sharks first appeared around 11 million years ago and can be found around the globe in temperate to subtropical waters. Growing up to 6 meters in length and weighing up to 2 tonnes when fully grown, they are an imposing fish to encounter and very popular to cage dive with.'Where is the best place to see great white sharks?Can you dive with great white sharks without a cage?Find out the answers to these questions and more in the full article:https://www.liveaboard.com/diving/marine-life/where-to-cage-dive-with-sharks 

Ronald McDonald House is Awesome

I have had the privilege of supporting the work of  Ronald McDonald House New Zealand recently by donating some copies of No Damage to a #ComCastCaresDay, hosted by NBCUniversal and Bravo.The books were given to the staff at RMDH and I hear they're already enjoying them. People who work for charities are not often rewarded for their hard work and I'm delighted to have raised a smile.Receiving these photographs and a thank you email has made my day!

Wellingtonian Sets New Zealand Freediving Record at 105m

Wellingtonian Dave Mullins has set the New Zealand freediving record at the Cressi New Zealand Depth Nationals, Lake Taupo, on 18th March 2017. Diving to a depth of 105m, using a single mono-fin, he has beat the previous record of 93m set by Austrian Herbert Nitsch.Well done New Zealand!Read more here: http://nz.thescubanews.com/2017/03/29/wellingtonian-sets-new-zealand-freediving-record-at-105m/

Sharks - Caretakers of the Oceans

A very proud day seeing my shark conservation article for Forest and Bird New Zealand in print. With over 70,000 members/readers, this will go some way to spreading the shark conservation message.Full article here: Caretakers of the Oceans

Is Zealandia a New Underwater Continent?

A submerged continent called Zealandia has been discovered just east of Queensland, Australia in the Pacific Ocean.A new continent may be about to join the seven we recognize today. In a recent paper published in the Geological Society of America’s Journal (GSA), scientists have determined that almost entirely submerged Zealandia meets the criteria.http://scubadiverlife.com/zealandia-new-underwater-continent/

Are you disaster ready?

It has been an emotional and difficult time in New Zealand since the earthquakes on Monday, with thousands of people stranded and the tragic loss of two lives. My thoughts are with those families that are suffering right now as we experience aftershocks and emergency assistance is provided.It was my first earthquake experience, it was pretty damn scary, and whilst the occasional aftershock rolls in at my home, I have been taking time to familiarise myself with the most important two things each of us in New Zealand right now can do - be PREPARED for aftershocks and ACCEPT however we feel at any given moment.There is no right or wrong way to feel during a natural disaster and it's important people feel able to reach out for support when they need it.Advice on how to reach loved ones from within NZ and overseas can be found here: https://www.redcross.org.nz/stories/new-zealand/red-cross-responding-after-earthquakes/Advice on preparing an emergency kit and grab bag can be found here: http://getthru.govt.nz/how-to-get-ready/Updates on aftershocks, scenarios and probabilities can be found here: https://www.geonet.org.nz/Kia kaha everyone and look after each other.

A Wedding in The Scuba News Family

I have been offline recently and for a very good reason...I have been busy in the north of New Zealand marrying my Man of the Sea! On 18th October 2016, Nicholas and I officially tied the knot. After a week of celebrations including our first scuba dive as husband and dive, we then moved into our home at the other end of New Zealand's North Island. Did I mention we left our respective jobs the week before our wedding as well? It has been a busy and exciting time for us and we don't do things by halves in this family.I am really looking forward to sharing our photographs and stories from the wedding week (especially Nicholas's stunning dive photography) but first there is unpacking to do. I will leave you with this blog from The Scuba News in the meantime:http://www.thescubanews.com/2016/10/18/a-wedding-in-the-scuba-news-family/Mrs Curzon x