My Favourite Critter – Seahorses

Every diver has a favourite critter or ocean giant they like to find during their travels and dives. Sharks, nudibranchs, whales and dolphins are often listed as popular but what about seahorses?Learn more about these fascinating creatures and the well-named Large-Bellied seahorses of New Zealand in my latest article for The Scuba News NewZealand. http://nz.thescubanews.com/2016/10/17/my-favourite-critter-seahorses Large-bellied seahorse (Hippocampus abdominalis). Image courtesy of Te Ara. Photographer: Melanie Lovell-Smith. 

Exploring seal and sea-lion populations in New Zealand

Are you looking for a different marine wildlife experience for non-scuba days? How about exploring New Zealand’s populations of seals and sea-lions? With opportunities to view both topside and underwater, spending time with these animals is a great day out for all the family and offers a fascinating introduction into their lives.My article for The Scuba New New Zealand is continued here: http://nz.thescubanews.com/2016/09/18/exploring-seal-and-sea-lion-populations-in-new-zealand/

Cambodia: A diving hidden gem

As the global population increases and world travel becomes more accessible for many people, it is increasingly difficult to find dive sites that offer spectacular marine life and minimal tourism. Many areas of world class diving are overrun in peak season with boats and large dive groups, which is a far cry from the serenity and peace of scuba diving that most of us seek. There are however some lesser-known diving locations to explore, if you are prepared to go off the beaten track and begin a travel adventure both topside and underwater.My article for The Scuba New New Zealand about diving Cambodia is continued here: http://nz.thescubanews.com/2016/09/18/cambodia-a-diving-hidden-gem/  

Snorkeling with Blue and Mako Sharks in South Africa

'Is it possible to have a severe case of the blues when scuba diving? It is if you’re surrounded by blue sharks in the crystal-clear, deep-blue waters of the Agulhas Current off South Africa.'Snorkeling with blue sharks is something I recommend to divers and swimmers of all abilities, as it is a great introduction to the world of sharks. In my latest article for The Scuba News New Zealand, I take a look at what's on offer in South Africa:http://nz.thescubanews.com/2016/08/29/snorkeling-with-blue-and-mako-sharks-in-south-africa/

Shark Diving for Novices

There are many types of dive at the top of peoples’ bucket lists and diving with sharks is surely one of them. There is something incredibly life-affirming about spending time in the water with these apex predators and many divers long to experience shark diving at least once in their lifetime. There are shark trips suitable for both novice and experienced divers and what starts out as a one off event can soon become a lifetime pursuit as the diversity of sharks and dives available becomes apparent. Enjoy my top ten considerations for safe and enjoyable diving with sharks here:http://nz.thescubanews.com/2016/07/18/shark-diving-for-novices/ 

WSGT Gratitude Writing Contest Winners

 I recently received an Honourable Mention in the We Said Go Travel Gratitude writing contest. I am delighted with this result and you can read the full article about my time in Kuala Lumpur at the link below:The sky was filled with crimson paper lanterns, swaying in the hot, sticky breeze of Kuala Lumpur. Beads of sweat formed on occasional tourists passing by in their khaki shorts as Malaysians and Chinese people, as old as the earth, hunkered by their stalls. I admired the golden writing on those lanterns high above me; we had arrived in Chinatown.My senses were overwhelmed as I weaved through the crowds, hemmed in between tall buildings that surrounding the main concourse. The city smog from Indonesia’s palm oil plantation burning was thick above us and set to linger at this time of year. It was a sad reminder of the many ways in which destroying the environment also destroys our health. I was, as were no doubt many others, thankful for the ready availability of surgical masks to breathe more easily. I ducked under multi-coloured umbrellas; more reminiscent of popular European beach destinations than the grubby and pungent alleyways of the city.https://wesaidgotravel.com/contests/kuala-lumpurs-son/ 

Say Goodbye to Single Use Plastics

The news about plastic in the ocean is unrelentingly bad, and although it’s difficult not to become overwhelmed by the scale of the problem, there are developments afoot to address it.When it comes to single use plastics, the numbers are staggering: 500 million single-use straws are used and discarded each day and 100 billion plastic bags are used annually in the United States alone. Given that plastic beverage bottles take 450 to 1,000 years to decompose (if at all), and plastic bags take approximately 1,000 years, it’s no surprise to hear the largest area of plastic debris in the ocean is estimated to be 3.8 million m² (10 million km²) in size.Read more of my latest article for Scuba Diver Life here: http://scubadiverlife.com/2016/05/15/13428/           

Diving Britain - Wales

Wales is known for mountainous national parks, wind-swept beaches, lively cities such as Cardiff and a rich Celtic heritage.  Did you know Wales is also home to a variety of dive sites, with a number of the best sites in Pembrokeshire and Anglesey?Discover some of the top dive sites in Wales in my latest Diving Britain article for The Scuba News.http://uk.thescubanews.com/2016/05/17/diving-britain-wales/Catch up with my previous Diving Britain articles here:The South WestThe South Coast 

Wanted: Scuba Diver Contributors

I have recently been appointed as the Managing Editor of a new online scuba diving magazine, The Scuba News New Zealand. I am thrilled to be joining the team and launching this regional edition of The Scuba News.Do you have any press releases, offers, articles or blog posts from your dive business or club that you would like me to publish at The Scuba News?Or perhaps you know a keen diver/marine conservationist in New Zealand who would like to become a contributor?This is completely free of charge and every article will be added with links back to your own website.The Scuba News is also seeking contributors outside of New Zealand for editions in the UK, Egypt, Canada and the US. Get in touch if you would like to be a part of this awesome online space for divers around the globe.Happy diving all!KathrynKathryn@thescubanews.comThe Scuba News New Zealand

Cool Scuba Jobs: Great White Shark Guide

There are a lot of cool scuba jobs out there, and one of the coolest is a great-white shark guide. If you’ve ever wondered how to become a shark guide, or just how to find a reputable operator, look no further than my latest article for Scuba Diver Life:http://scubadiverlife.com/2016/04/28/cool-scuba-jobs-great-white-shark-guide/