Top Reef Safe Sunscreens

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Following on from my earlier article about Hawaii banning the sale of sunscreens that damage corals, I have been researching reef-safe/natural sunscreens to try.There are a variety of brands to choose from, some of which contain all-natural ingredients and some which use synthetic alternatives. I highly recommend reading Stream2Sea's sunscreen ingredients to avoid list, as there are a number of chemicals in some sunscreens that can damage the marine environment and your health. It's not just about avoiding oxybenzone and octinoxate.When using zinc-based sunscreens you need to bear in mind that a little goes a long way. Whilst they often cost more, you should only need to use a small amount each time.Here are some top reef-safe/natural sunscreens to check out:

Muck Diving Essentials

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Have you tried muck diving yet? Whilst the name doesn't sound appealing it's a unique type of diving gaining popularity around the globe.

Why go muck diving?

It is a great type of diving for anyone looking to improve their dive observation, patience, and buoyancy skills. All whilst having fun searching for tiny and camouflaged muck critters with their dive buddy.Muck diving provides unique and colourful macro photographic opportunities; imagine dramatic black sand landscapes contrasting against vibrant marine life for the perfect macro photograph.This type of diving really encourages divers to look closely and discover the wealth of marine life in small dive site areas. It is a great way to enrich each dive site experience and fully understand the diversity of life in the ocean.In my latest article for LiveAboard I provide everything you need to know about muck diving, including the best muck diving destinations in the world.Indonesia

How To Celebrate World Environment Day

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Featured on SportDiver:It was World Environment Day on June 5th and the focus this year was on how we can #BeatPlasticPollution.World Environment Day is the United Nations’ most important day of the year for promoting awareness and action to protect the environment. It began in 1974 and is a well-known global platform for positive change that is celebrated in over 100 countries. Divers can do their bit for the ocean environment and get involved in a variety of ways. We all want to enjoy pristine dive sites full of healthy marine life in the future, so here are my top ways to support this special day.https://www.sportdiver.com/how-to-celebrate-world-environment-day-on-june-5-2018

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Featured on Deeper Blue:Did you know marine iguanas are the world’s only marine lizard and are found at the Galapagos Islands?Marine iguanas have a small range and are listed as vulnerable to extinction by the IUCN. Main threats to their survival include introduced predators such as cats, rats, and pigs, plus the impacts of climate change.Changes in the global climate affect the iguanas’ beach nesting habitat and the ability to regulate their body temperature on land. Changes in weather patterns also affect the iguanas by reducing the availability of the algae they feed on.https://www.deeperblue.com/diving-with-marine-iguanas

Hawaii Bans Sale of Sunscreens that Harm Coral

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Featured on Scubadiverlife:Did you know sunscreens containing oxybenzone have a toxic effect at a concentration equivalent to just one drop in six-and-a-half Olympic-size swimming pools?
 
Oxybenzone and octinoxate (both common ingredients in sunscreen) kill corals, cause genetic damage to marine life and increase reproductive diseases in creatures from sea urchins through to mammals. Hawaii is taking the bold step of banning the sale of sunscreens containing those chemicals, in a bid to protect Hawaii's marine life.
 
It's time to follow this great example and change to natural sunscreen - there are many to choose from and it's an easy way to protect yourself and the global ocean we ALL rely upon for our survival.https://scubadiverlife.com/hawaii-bans-sale-sunscreens-harm-coral/

Arctic Freediving With Orca

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Featured on DeeperBlue:Did you know orcas can grow up to 8 meters (26 feet) long and can weigh an impressive 6 to 9 tonnes? Once thought to be one species, there are in fact several subspecies of orcas with distinct populations, diet, and behaviors.The orcas of Patagonia’s Peninsula Valdés are known for ‘intentional stranding’; chasing seal pups onto the beaches to catch them before slipping back into the water. By contrast, the orcas of South Africa hunt dolphins and occasional great white sharks.Find out more in my latest article for Deeperblue and LiveAboard:https://www.deeperblue.com/arctic-freediving-with-orca/

Getting To Know The Blue Mind Life

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Featured in Scuba Diver Life:
As divers we all know time with the ocean, or any water, is relaxing. But did you know it also improves focus, creativity and innovation?
Find our more about the massive benefits to our health with Blue Mind​ and Scuba Diver Life​.
Blue Mind Campaign