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	» BACK TO NEWS - Archive of June 2005 news and articles
	South African scuba diving, marine and environmental news - Archive June 2005 News and articles relating to scuba diving, marine and environmental issues in South Africa and abroad. Features on Great White shark cage diving, tropical reef diving and wreck diving holidays plus diving with sharks, whale sharks, whales, dolphins and turtles Durban gripped by Sardine fever - Sardine Run in full swing The phenomenal sardine run is awaited by fishermen, commuters and tourists every year and it's been dubbed the Greatest Shoal on Earth. Baby dolphins never sleep Sleep-deprived mothers of newborn babies should spare a thought for bottlenose dolphins and killer whales. Global warming kills our wildlife - humans are the cause Global warming is the greatest threat to wildlife, according to Sir David King, chief scientific adviser to the British government. Global warming could shift sands of African desert areas One of the first studies to examine how climate change might alter the land surface of Africa has been published by scientists from Oxford University. Seven scuba diving deaths recorded in past two weeks Officials with CoCo View resort announce the deaths of two divers Tuesday near Pirates Point. One was a guest on a guided tour, the other was Divemaster Tulio Gomez. Both occurred minutes into the excursion. The new Jaws era...a chance for divers to play a new role Based on the successful 1975 film of the same name, Playstation's new game, Jaws lets you play as a great white shark who must defend his territory from underwater drillers. The game features locations from the movie and destructible underwater environments. Bull Sharks blamed for attacks in Florida The past 10 days have seen three extraordinary incidents involving sharks in the waters of Florida. Florida attacks spotlights the real, but rare danger of shark attacks Two shark attacks in three days off the Florida Panhandle have left one teen dead and a second seriously injured. The tragedies spotlight the real, though rare, danger of shark attacks. Stranded bulk carrier's cargo to be removed The bulk carrier Kiperousa was still stranded on the coast near East London on Tuesday, three weeks to the day after running aground. Three new world heritage sites on the cards for South Africa Three new sites in South Africa may become United Nations world heritage sites. Tortoise thieves running amok on Zanzibar Thieves are taking advantage of lax security and the docile nature of giant Aldabra tortoises to purloin growing numbers of the protected reptiles from Zanzibar's Changu Island, a senior official said on Tuesday. Meet the newly appointed BSAC Council members for 2005 - 2008 Following the BSAC Annual General Meeting in May of this year, the BSAC has some newly elected Council members. Shark attacks in perspective - article Say the word "shark" and the first image most people conjure up is a Jaws-inspired white shark devouring unsuspecting bathers while well-meaning authorities and scientists helplessly stand by. Master the Zen of diving with peak performance buoyancy What's the quickest way to tell the difference between a novice diver and an experienced diver underwater? The answer is easy - just observe their buoyancy skills. Shark attack scare hits the United States A shark mauled a 16-year-old boy fishing in knee-deep water off the Florida coast on Monday, causing panic just three days after a teenaged girl was killed in another attack. Australian fishing group attacks shark dive fee plan There has been a mixed reaction to a NSW Government plan to introduce a fee to dive with grey nurse sharks in marine parks. DAN and International ATMO offer scholarships The DAN America Recompression Chamber Assistance Program (RCAP) and International ATMO, a leader in hyperbaric medical education, have joined together to offer scholarships to send candidates to the International ATMO Hyperbaric Safety Director Course in San Antonio, Texas. Shark kills teen in Florida A 14-year-old girl was bitten to death by a shark as she swam with a friend off a northwestern Florida beach, authorities said on Sunday. New software able to track causes of oil spills and pollutants Authorities now have a new tool to help nail culprits responsible for oil spills and other chemical pollutants, an international chemistry conference will hear. Marine polution risk minimised during Kiperousa salvage operation The risk of marine pollution at the scene of the stranded Kiperousa, is substantially minimised as an the oil transfer operation which commenced earlier this week, is nearing completion. Whaling issue 'still unresolved' The 57th Annual International Whaling Commission (IWC) concluded its five day meeting on Friday in the South Korean coastal town of Ulsan with an agreement to hold further talks on a management procedure of whale hunts. Climate change in Africa gave rise to modern humans Now experts fear that global warming linked to carbon emissions will have its worst impact on humanity's cradle. "Africa is the most vulnerable continent to climate change," said Jennifer Morgan, director of the Global Climate Change Programme at conservation group WWF. Tsunami alert system takes shape Six months after the 26 December tsunami, which swept away a myriad of futures, many homes still remain crumpled and lives shattered. But amongst the ruins a resolve is growing: next time it will be different. Korean shark fishing skipper gets off lightly Eastern Cape newspapers carried the story last week of a South Korean fishing vessel arrested at sea after a dramatic sea chase involving one of Sea Fishery's new patrol ships. Jellyfish is Anatomically Sophisticated A U.S. study says the anus-less, headless, heartless, gutless, back or front-less jellyfish is really a remarkable genetically sophisticated creature. South Africa warned to scale back on gas emissions Forget about South Africa's big soccer date in 2010 for a moment. Focus instead on 2012 - that's the date when South Africa's honeymoon with cheap and dirty energy supplies is likely to come to an end. Great white shark dies in captivity A great white shark mistakenly captured by fishermen died shortly after the Monterey Bay Aquarium transported it to an ocean holding pen. National parks opposes diving fee plan The National Parks Association of New South Wales has come out in opposition to a proposed fee for diving in critical habitats along the state's coast. Maui swimmer punches tiger shark and gets away with it Brad Grissom locked eyes with a 7-foot tiger shark just before he punched it in the snout in waters off Kamaole Beach Park I on Saturday morning. Tugs gather around grounded ship for salvage attempt Like vultures hovering around a fresh kill (or should that be like tow-vehicles gathering at the scene of a roadside accident), three additional tugs are on standby to assist with salvage attempts on the stranded logger Kiperousa. Circle hooks help save sea turtles Results from the first large-scale testing of specially designed fishing hooks show that the use of circle hooks can reduce the number of endangered sea turtles killed in long line fishing operations by as much as 90 percent, said WWF. Scuba diving fee of $20 to swim with sharks SCUBA divers could be forced to swallow a fee as high as $20 each time they plunge into the ocean to watch grey nurse sharks. Disruptions in the Earth's magnetism causes whale strandings Increased solar activity causing disturbances in the Earth's magnetic field may cause whales to run aground in the North Sea, say researchers. Scientists map ocean floor in Antarctica to reveal hidden dangers to passing ships Using inflatable boats, a portable depth sounder with GPS, and a REMUS autonomous underwater vehicle, a team of scientists and engineers has created the first detailed, comprehensive chart of the ocean floor around Palmer Station in Antarctica, revealing previously unknown submerged rocks. Big fish important in the gene pool - study Anglers chasing big fish and leaving the small fry might be doing far more harm than good, according to marine scientists in the United States. Taking the Master Scuba Diver challenge Want to join the best of the best in recreational diving? Explore the underwater world like never before? Live the dive lifestyle? If you answered yes to any of these questions then you'll want to visit your local PADI Dive Center or Resort to accept the Master Scuba Diver Challenge. Underwater enthusiasts congregate to 'Celebrate the Sea' in Singapore The Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI) Asia Pacific were again proud supporters of the growing underwater photography and film festival - Celebrate the Sea held over 3 full days (3-5 June 2005) Suntec, Singapore. PADI Diving Society welcomes members and partners at launch event for Asia Pacific region The Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI) Asia Pacific were very excited to co-host the first PADI Diving Society Asia Pacific launch event and welcome members and partners on Friday 3rd June 2005. Well known British diver has gone missing Keith Morris, one of Britain's best-known technical divers, went missing on a dive in the English Channel on 17 June. The boat from which he was diving has returned to the scene with a diving search party. Young girl killed by shark in Vanuatu A young New Zealand girl has been killed by a shark in Vanuatu while on a family yachting vacation in the South Pacific nation, officials in New Zealand said on Thursday. CapeNature managers take a 5 percent pay cut amid crisis in funding Senior managers at cash-strapped CapeNature have taken a voluntary 5 percent cut in salary to try to ease the conservation organisation's serious financial problems. Sardines Run heads for Durban The sardines reached Amanzimtoti on Monday and was expected to beach in Durban on Tuesday, or Wednesday at the latest. New 'cutting edge' Buoyancy Compensator announced by Poseidon Poseidon, world reknowned for their extremely durable and easy breathing regulators, has announced the release of their series of innovative and cutting edge Buoyancy Compensators. Tanya Streeter launches charity underwater marathon event in UK World champion freediver Tanya Streeter launched Mencap's first 24 hour sponsored scuba diving event, Dive:24 on Saturday 18 June at the 30 metre Submarine Escape Training Tank in Gosport, Portsmouth during a DeeperBlue.net FreeDiving Course. Whale watching beats slaughter Anti-whaling nations were jubilant on Wednesday over the vote against a Japanese-backed move to resume commercial hunting of the marine mammals, but environmentalists warned Tokyo would likely still kill more whales next year. New attempt to refloat Kiperousa Maritime authorities are looking to Wednesday's spring tide off the coast of East London to assist in refloating the beached bulk carrier Kiperousa. Film shows whale's 'protracted death' CAMPAIGNERS against whaling have released an under-cover film which they say undermines claims they die quickly and as painlessly as possible. Japan's proposal to resume whaling voted down Japan lashed out at anti-whaling nations on Tuesday after its proposal to resume limited commercial hunting was voted down by an international commission and its "scientific" harvesting heavily criticised. Bull elephant tramples guide to death A guide at Knysna Elephant Park between Knysna and Plettenberg Bay was trampled to death on Tuesday by a bull elephant as he took it for a morning walk. CapeNature seeking help to clear debt of R20m CapeNature has asked the provincial legislature's community development committee for at least R20-million to bail it out of the red. Oiled African penguins arrive in Cape Town for care Close to one hundred oiled African penguins have been found on Bird Island in Algoa Bay near Port Elizabeth, and 65 of them have been flown to Cape Town for cleaning and rehabilitation. Elephant management strategies discussed by SADC member countries Member countries of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) are discussing ways to establish a common strategy to manage the elephant population in the region in order to monitor their migratory movements, their impact on their habitats, and to minimise the conflict between wildlife and human populations. South African shark tourism booms amid latest shark attacks South African medical student Henri Murray was spear fishing off the coast of Cape Town, the country's main tourism center, when a 5-meter (16-foot) great white shark seized him from below and dragged him away. A Shark's Tale: Who is afraid of who? Thirty years after Jaws first bared his teeth, sharks are still seen as man's deadliest predator. But, really, it's them who should be afraid of us, says Michael McCarthy South African pollution permit conditions to be reviewed The government will start identifying South Africa's top 50 dirty industries from next month and get them to clean up their acts, Environment Minister Marthinus van Schalkwyk announced on Monday. Climates of change coming to South Africa The Western Cape will be the first province in the country to experience at first-hand the results of climatic changes in the next 10 to 15 years. South Africa commissioner not attending International Whaling Commission (IWC) meeting South Africa is set to be severely embarrassed at the crucial International Whaling Commission (IWC) meeting which opens in South Korea on Monday by the absence of vice-chairperson Horst Kleinschmidt. Warm weather brings Basker Sharks - Look but Don't Touch Newspapers have been reporting on the warm weather with glee, splashing coverage of people enjoying the sun across the media, and alongside the people, sharks. South Africa celebrates 45 years of research on Antarctica South Africa is celebrating 45 years of research on Antarctica and this month is also Antarctica Month. The protection of this delicate area is now also firmly entrenched with the signing of the environmental liability regime in Sweden two weeks ago by all countries of the Antarctic Treaty. Caught in nets: WWF report identifies dolphins, porpoises most in need of urgent action Nine dolphin and porpoise populations around the world need immediate action if they are to survive the threat of entanglement in fishing gear. Elephants rumble in the jungle Each elephant has its own unique, expressive voice, according to new research on how African elephants communicate with each other. Early win for anti-whalers Australia and other anti-whaling countries today won an important battle against pro-whaling nations led by Japan. See the beautiful side of South African marine life Marine biologist Thomas Peschak is the principal author of a beautiful coffee-table book packed with exquisite photographs and scientifically accurate (readable) text explaining why the southern African coastline is one of the most exciting and diverse marine environments in the world. Grounded vessel still monitored An oil spill response team from the Environmental Affairs and Tourism Department has put up a protective boom across the Mtana Estuary in the Eastern Cape as part of its precautionary measures after a gross ton log-carrier lay aground. Great White shark reputation still blemished by the "Jaws" movie 30 years on Thirty years ago, in the summer of 1975, Jaws had moviegoers paralyzed by fear. The story, about a giant great white shark that terrorizes a seaside community, tapped into the most primal of human fears: What unseen creature lurks below the ocean surface? Calls for ban on chumming as shark attacks increase The Shark Concern Group has called on the government to ban chumming and the use of bait in the shark tourism industry because of the increase in shark attacks. Sardine fever has hit KwaZulu Natal South Coast The sardines have arrived! Holidaymakers and locals enjoyed themselves on Monday catching the slippery silver fish when they beached at Hibberdene on the South Coast. DAN offers new training program in providing oxygen As part of its Mission to help divers through education and rapid access to treatment, DAN (Divers Alert Network) recently provided customized training to diver instructors in Cozumel. South African scuba diver sets new deep dive world record South African scuba supremo Nuno Gomes is the deepest diver in the world. On Friday, after 12 hours and 20 minutes of Red Sea time, Gomes surfaced with a new world record under his belt. Salvage operations to resume for stranded vessel Attempts to salvage the bulk carrier Kiperousa, which is stranded off the Eastern Cape coast, were suspended until Monday, SABC radio news reported. Great White Shark 'not to blame' for spearfisherman's death While the death of Henri Murray is indeed tragic, people and particularly the young man's father, need to realise that spearfishing is to blame and not the shark. Coalition urges UN curbs on harmful ocean sounds An environmental coalition urged the United Nations on Wednesday to take steps to protect whales, dolphins and other marine life from the powerful sound waves used in oil and gas exploration and by the world's navies to navigate and detect submarines. Red Tide toxins pose lingering threat to marine mammals New research findings have revealed that the toxins produced during Florida red tides do pose a threat to marine mammals, even after the blooms have disappeared. Nets kill nearly 1000 marine mammals a day, says WWF Fishing nets intended for other marine species are killing at-risk species of dolphins and porpoises around the world, according to a report commissioned by the nonprofit World Wildlife Fund-U.S. Pride of India docks in Cape Town A display of Indian naval power is open to the public at Cape Town's Victoria and Alfred Waterfront. Maritime officials making new salvage plans Attempts to refloat the stranded log carrier Kiperousa failed, but would be attempted again on Friday evening, the South African Maritime Safety Authority (Samsa) said. Experts wade into anti-shark waters Specialists are being asked to critically review all standard anti-shark measures such as shark nets, electronic repellents and baited lines and to assess their usefulness in protecting Cape Town's coastline. DAN Associate Pro Level recognizes dive professionals One of the single most important determining factors for most divers to become DAN Members is the advice and recommendation of their dive instructor. Book Review: Currents of Contrast - Life in Southern Africa's Two Oceans THE ocean currents peculiar to southern Africa create four distinct marine provinces with richly varied habitats -- the cool temperate west coast of the Benguela region, and the warm temperate south coast, subtropical east coast and tropical east coast of the Agulhas-Mozambique region. Stricken carrier to be pulled out to sea Oil has begun to leak from the stranded bulk carrier Kiperousa at the Bira River mouth near East London. Now an attempt is to be made to pull the ship off the rocks at high tide, about 4pm on Thursday. Nets kill thousands of marine mammals - WWF Almost 1 000 whales, dolphins and porpoises die daily in fishing nets and urgent changes are needed in trawling methods to save nine populations under immediate threat, conservation group WWF said on Thursday. Southern African Ministers meet to unlock Transfrontier Parks' potential for 2010 World Cup As part of the preparations for the 2010 Soccer World Cup, Marthinus van Schalkwyk, Minister of Environmental Affairs and Tourism, will on Monday host nine other Southern African Ministers for the Environment and Tourism in Johannesburg for discussions about a regional approach to unlock the tourism potential of Southern Africa's transfrontier parks. Oil to be removed from stricken ship The South African Maritime Safety Authority has made contingency plans to deal with a possible oil spill from the bulk carrier Kiperousa, aground off the Eastern Cape coast. Salvage operation launched to save stricken ship A major salvage operation was mounted off the Eastern Cape coast on Tuesday to prevent a bulk carrier, which was disabled after hitting a reef, from running aground. Asia risks second mega-tsunami The Indonesian island of Sumatra is now at risk from two potentially major quakes, one of which could generate waves 10 metres high, seismologists warn. Secrecy shrouds oil-rig 'mutiny' There is a veil of secrecy at an oil rig which docked in Cape Town harbour recently, after rumours that the crew wanted to throw the captain overboard. Fresh water danger for Lake St Lucia Lake St Lucia is drying up and under pressure. That's the view of local ecologist and tour operator Kian Barker who has spoken out about his and others' growing concern over the continued closure of the estuary mouth, which is preventing sea water from entering the system. Ragged Tooth sharks arrive early at Protea Banks Every year the Ragged Tooth sharks make there way up from the colder Cape waters to the east coast of KwaZulu Natal as part of their breeding cycle. No Great White Sharks will be killed says green groups "There will be no attempt to hunt, remove, or kill that shark or any other shark." BSAC launches new look "Come and Dive 2005" campaign The BSAC's annual Come and Dive event has had a re-vamp for its tenth anniversary in time for the biggest campaign yet. Enter the world of the shark at your peril Should man-eating sharks be hunted and destroyed? Crew of sinking ship safe, vessel to be towed out to sea The 25-man crew of a ship, slowly sinking off the coast of East London on Tuesday night, were being transferred to a South African navy ship as a safety measure, port authorities said. Only fond memories of shark attack victim remain Family and friends will be sharing their memories at a memorial service on Thursday for shark attack victim Henri Murray, who was taken by a Great White near Miller's Point. Scientists oppose shark culling Civilisation has outgrown animal bounties, an oceanographic scientist said on Monday following calls to hunt down sharks after an attack on a Cape spear fisherman. Mossel Bay pair rescued after being swept off yacht A pair of Mossel Bay residents were rescued after being swept off their yacht by crashing waves on Tuesday, the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) said. Humans heat the oceans according to study Human-caused global warming is measurably heating up the oceans, say US and UK researchers. Shark defenders rally to 'Jagged-Toothed One' The aptly named "Jagged-Toothed One" will have strong scientific support at a meeting of the Shark Working Group on Tuesday, despite some knee-jerk reactions to Saturday's tragic death of a young spearfisherman at Miller's Point. South African deep diver, Nuno Gomes, wants world's deepest sea diver title With 21 large bags of diving gear, South Africa's scuba supremo, Nuno Gomes, has made his way to the Red Sea to claim the title as the world's deepest sea diver. Scientists identify key vectors of toxicity in marine mammals A gray whale that strayed into Tokyo Bay during the Golden Week holiday period early last month found its sudden fame cut short when it was strangled by a fixed shore net. Drifting ship blown ashore by strong winds A Maltese-registered vessel has run aground at Great Fish Point on the Transkei coast. Are shark attacks on the increase? The shark attack off Miller's Point over the weekend has again raised the questions whether shark attacks are more common nowadays and why they happen. Israeli inventor develops revolutionary underwater breathing system An Israeli Inventor has developed a breathing apparatus that will allow breathing underwater without the assistance of oxygen tanks. Kill the killer, says grieving father of shark attack victim The father of 22-year-old shark victim Henri Murray is opposed to calls made to exterminate the predators, but says he wouldn't object if the Great White that attacked his son was killed. Sponging dolphins learn from mother Female bottlenose dolphins are taught by their mothers to use marine sponges to look for food, according to a study. South Africa celebrates National Environment Week Issues relating to the environment come under the spotlight this week as South Africa celebrates National Environment Week, coinciding with International Environment Day today. Declare war on sharks, says swimming legend An experienced long-distance swimmer is calling for a bounty to be placed on Great White sharks after medical student Henri Murray was attacked - and says he is planning to hunt them. South Africa’s plan for the protection of the Marine Environment to be launched The Deputy Minister of Environmental Affairs and Tourism, Ms Rejoice Mabudafhasi, will on Wednesday 8 June 2004 launch the South African Implementation Plan for the Protection of the Marine Environment. Parents make peace with shark attack victim's fate An outdoor enthusiast and a keen sportsman, medical student Henri Murray had a fighting spirit. Search off for shark attack victim The car keys of the spear fisherman feared to have been taken by a great white shark at the weekend were found on a beach at Fish Hoek, the National Sea Rescue Institute said. Shark 'bounty-hunting' mooted The project manager of Swimsafe says he plans shark "bounty hunts" similar to those in Southern Australia after a Matie student was attacked by one of the predators at Miller's Point. List of Top 100 dive sites of the World updated SCUBA Travel: The Independent Guide to Diving around the World have updated their list of top 100 dive sites from around the world. 'Monster' shark spotted in False Bay waters The shark believed to have cut short the life of Durbanville medical student Henri Murray on Saturday, was spotted in False Bay on Sunday, dragging a fishing buoy. Underwater exploration along the coast of South Africa Following the phenomenal success of "Operation Zembe" Monty Halls, a full time dive journalist and expedition leader will once again collaborate with maritime archaeologist, Dr Bruno Werz of the South African Institute of Marine Archaeology (SAIMA), to lead a second expedition from 2-22 October 2005 to Cape Town to further the story behind one of the most exciting archaeological discoveries in decades. South Africa set to celebrate National Environment Week The 21 st Century marks the first point in human history that the majority of the world's people will be living in cities," said Marthinus van Schalkwyk, Minister of Environmental Affairs and Tourism, speaking on World Environment Day on Sunday. The Minister was also launching South Africa 's celebrations of National Environment Week. Friend tries to rescue shark-attack victim In a horrific attack off Miller's Point on Saturday a massive shark came out of the depths, seized young spearfisherman, Henri Murray, 22, of Durbanville and disappeared with him underwater. Environment Day spotlights cities Events have been taking place in more than 100 countries to mark World Environment Day, which is promoting the idea of "green cities". Shark attacks scuba diver A Durbanville scuba diver has apparently become the latest victim of a shark attack in False Bay, the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) said on Saturday. Satellite reveals secrets of Bermuda's deep-diving dolphins in groundbreaking study Three wild dolphins living in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Bermuda are surprising scientists in San Diego and a worldwide audience following the dolphins' daily swims and dives via the Internet. Hooked lines may be the end of rare turtles Costa Rica and more than 1 000 scientists from around the world will ask the United Nations on Monday to ban a form of industrial fishing they say menaces an endangered sea turtle and other marine creatures. Environment atlas shows worldwide devastation The devastating impact of mankind on the planet is dramatically illustrated in pictures published on Saturday showing explosive urban sprawl, major deforestation and the sucking dry of inland seas over less than three decades. The DAN Research 'Safety Stop' for May Eight interns are at DAN Headquarters for summer training. This includes being instructed in the main task of collecting dive data for Project Dive Exploration, but there's more this year! Delayed treatment of bubble related illness in diving - review of standard protocol The basic treatment of a diver with bubble related illness consists of recompression in a medical hyperbaric facility. However transportation of such a injured diver to the hyperbaric chamber can last for several hours. BBC Nature says give sharks a break BBC Nature have put together an interesting and informative factfile on shark conservation. Entitled 'The ultimate image problem' the article gives an easily readable overview on the threats to shark populations. Autopsy finds stranded whale was sick An autopsy of the whale which died during yesterday's big rescue attempt at Busselton, south of Perth, has revealed the whale was ill. Shark breeding scheme to use artificial uteruses The New South Wales Government is to start captive breeding of grey nurse sharks in an attempt to save the species. Too Wierd to Be Real... Vampyroteuthis infernalis - the Vampire Squid from Hell Vampyroteuthis infernalis literally translates into the phrase "vampire squid from hell". It is the only known member of the Order Vampyromorphida, the seventh order in the Class Cephalopoda. Technical terms aside, the vampire squid appears like a creature that swam out of a scary science fiction movie. It features black chromatophores interspersed with reddish-brown chromatophores. Rescued whales head to sea Hundreds of volunteers worked throughout the day on Thursday to free about 70 whales stranded on a beach near this Western Australian town. NSRI rescuers rush to boogie-boarder's aid The National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) at Plettenberg Bay went to the rescue of a young boogie-boarder after he apparently had a seizure in the surf. Western Cape 'only has water for seven years' The Western Cape will face serious water shortages in seven years' time unless something is done about water supplies. South Africa embarks on reptile mapping project South Africa is re-counting its snakes, crocodiles, tortoises, lizards and other endangered reptile species for the first time in 16 years. Scuba dive sites in South Africa: Ponta Malongane Ponta Malongane is situated in southern Mozambique just north of the South African border. Dive any of the hardly known coral reefs, 10m to 30m deep, with caves and gullies, giant turtles, scorpion fish and whale sharks, a colourful variety of tropical fish, dolphins and sharks. Visibility is generally around 40m. Engineering students develop a coral reef monitoring system Five senior engineering students at UCSC are trying to push the limits of low-power wireless transmission to facilitate the monitoring of remote natural environments. False killer whales stranded near Perth The condition of up to 160 false killer whales stranded on the Busselton beachfront, south of Perth, is deteriorating and at least one of the mammals has died. Undersea diving found safe for older divers Recreational divers who continue to dive into their later years should be able to continue their hobby without worrying about being held back solely because of their age, say Duke University Medical Center researchers. Massive sardine shoal headed for KwaZulu Natal coast A massive sardine shoal has been spotted off East London, headed for the KwaZulu-Natal coast, the province's tourism MEC, Narend Singh, said on Tuesday. Coral reefs: A dying situation? If any living organism is facing threats from every direction, it is coral reefs. Groups seek battle plan to overturn fishing rights policy Unions, non-government organisations and human rights groups, angered by the government's policy on long-term fishing rights, are to meet today to discuss ways of fighting back.
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