From one of the worst oil spills in international history, to yet another killer whale attack, we’ve got a glimpse at the top stories, obviously water/ marine related (we’re not called Aquaviews for nothing!) and scuba related of 2010.
Dolphin hunt film “The Cove” wins documentary Oscar
Touching the grisly business of dolphin hunting in Japan, the documentary “The Cove” despite bombing at the box office because of it’s disturbing subject matter, finally got recognition at Hollywood’s biggest award ceremony -The Academy Awards.
Whale at Orlando’s Sea World Kills Trainer During a Show
On Wednesday 24th February, 2010, during a show packed with an audience, the Killer whale named Tilikum snatched a trainer from a poolside platform with its jaws and thrashed the woman around underwater, killing her as spectators watched horrified.
A multi-disciplinary conference drafts a declaration of rights for cetaceans
A two day multi-disciplinary conference held at the University of Helsinki, Finland, addressed the question of whether whales and dolphins should be considered as non-human persons and granted special status. Experts covering various disciplines ranging from behavioral science to philosophy and international law concluded that all whales and dolphins have the right to life, liberty and well being. The subject was raised as the 30 year world-wide ban on commercial whaling was dangerously close to being overturned this year.
Sign the Declaration of Rights for Cetaceans and lend your voice to this important cause here.
NASA’s Terra Satellites Sees Spill on May 24, 2010 (image from Wikipedia)
Referred to as the Deepwater Horizon oil spill, Gulf Oil Spill and even America’s Chernobyl (although we should be rightly calling it what it was- the BP Oil spill, highlighting the corporation’s hand in it and making them accountable for their actions), the oil spill that flowed for three months in 2010 is dubbed one of the worst in international history. It’s impact is and will continue to be catastrophic to the environment, marine life and wildlife habitats for a long time to come.
The Life and times of Paul the Octopus
“Paul the Octopus”, who became a phenomenon during the World Cup Football tournament with his seemingly psychic ability to predict the outcome of matches, died in October of natural causes. He may not have kicked a ball, or even watched a match in South Africa, but few will have a World-Cup legacy which lasts longer than that of Paul, the “Psychic Octopus”
Boniface the Scuba Diving Dachshund
While we have seen Scuba Diving cats and Dogs in the news before, 2010 introduced a new dog to the underwater world- ‘Boniface’ the Scuba Diving Dachshund. With a Helmet of Plexiglas and a Marine styled striped wetsuit specially designed for the dog, it’s Russian owner has been practicing scuba diving with the dog who he says will soon be able to dive up to 45m.
Richard Branson’s New Boy Toy- An ‘Underwater Plane’
Sir Richard Branson billionaire Entrepreneur, recently showed yet again his extravagant side with the unveiling of his new aero submarine christened the “Necker Nymph” which is unlike anything else in the world. The 3-seater submersible built in the likeness of a fighter plane, uses the same principles of flight through air underwater.
Entangled Giant Tuna Drags Diver To 300 Feet
In Manila- Philippines, a scuba diver was accidentally dragged to a depth of around 300 feet (91 meters) by a giant tuna. Although at first there was no information on how the tuna got tangled with the diver who was said to be diving at a depth of around 80 feet (24 meters), information about the incident later surfaced. Turns out he was in a spearfishing competition at the time and wasn’t aware his catch was still alive till it apparently took him down.
Dog paddles 4km out to sea lion
A DOG had to be rescued after chasing a sea lion more than four kilometers out to sea in South Australia.
Scuba Diving Finally Gets Its Own Reality TV Show- The Ultimate Diver Challenge Airs on TV
The show shot in Cozumel, one of the best rated diving destinations the world over, showcases 28 scuba divers battling it out in team challenges designed to test their scuba knowledge and skills including – buoyancy, navigation, safety, search, stress and rescue skills, to earn the title of the “Ultimate Diver”.
