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Indonesia's East Nusa Tenggara: Liveaboard Safari to Komodo, Flores & Alor

Bobtail squid at Beangabang, Alor, Indonesia
Bobtail squid at Beangabang, Alor, Indonesia. Photo by Scott Bennett.

Located in the eastern half of Indonesia is the island chain of Nusa Tenggara where unique marine life can be found on brilliantly colourful reefs as well as sites with volcanic sands, great for muck diving and macro photography. Scott Bennett takes us on a liveaboard adventure to three of the islands: Alor, Flores and Komodo.

SUPE D-Pro Strobe Review

The vibrant reefs of Steenbras Deep
The vibrant reefs of Steenbras Deep, Gordon’s Bay, South Africa. Gear: Canon R5 camera, Canon 8-15mm circular fisheye lens, Marelux housing, two SUPE D-Pro strobes. Settings: f/7.1, 1/125, ISO 500. Photo by Kate Jonker.

Want to know more about the SUPE D-Pro strobe from Scubalamp? Kate Jonker put it through its paces and offers insights from several photographers who have used this strobe in underwater photography.

Triptychs: Contributors' Picks

Great White Triptych, by Gary Rose. This photo was taken in Guadalupe Island, Mexico, and printed on white aluminum panels. Gear: Nikon D500 camera, Tokina 10-17mm lens at 17mm, Nauticam housing, Inon Z330 strobes. Exposure: ISO 320, f/11, 1/125s

We asked our contributors to create an underwater “triptych,” and they returned with an artistic range of color, black-and-white and toned compilations, from abstract close-ups to wide-angle shots, featuring a variety of marine life, large and small, as well as divers, on reefs and wrecks, and in open water, lakes, and even an aquarium.

Marguerita Hagan Portfolio

The Beautiful Woman Comes (Nefertiti), by Marguerita Hagan. Hand-built ceramic, 24K gold leaf, 15 x 9.5 x 10in, Michener Art Museum collection. Photo by Richard W. Gretzinger.
The Beautiful Woman Comes (Nefertiti), by Marguerita Hagan. Hand-built ceramic, 24K gold leaf, 15 x 9.5 x 10in, Michener Art Museum collection. Photo by Richard W. Gretzinger.

American artist and diver Marguerita Hagan, who is based in Philadelphia, creates exquisite and intricate ceramic sculptures inspired by marine life and microorganisms found in our oceans. X-Ray Mag interviewed the artist to learn more about her creative process, research, and perspectives on the underwater realm and the interconnected ecosystems of our planet.

Baby hammerhead during development with a nascent hammerhead snout.
Baby hammerhead during development with a nascent hammerhead snout.

How hammerheads grow their hammers

In an unprecedented study, scientists from the University of Florida (UF) have delved into the development of hammerhead sharks' skulls, uncovering the process behind their iconic hammer-like shape at the embryonic stage.

Led by UF professor Gareth Fraser, the study focussed on bonnetheads, the smallest among the hammerhead shark species. The species’ abundance in the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean, along with their near-shore presence, made them ideal subjects for the study.

Photo shows a coral reef with a background of the sun's rays shining into the waters
The Coral Reef Breakthrough seeks to protect at least 125,000 square kilometres of shallow-water tropical coral reefs.

Coral Reef Breakthrough: An initiative to safeguard world's coral reefs

Coral reefs are essential for marine biodiversity and climate resilience, supporting at least a quarter of marine species and offering ecosystem services worth up to US$9.9 trillion annually. More than a billion people, including vulnerable coastal communities, depend on them for their livelihoods.

Today, these vital ecosystems are under threat due to the climate crisis and human activities, and time is running out to protect them.

(Filephoto) River Dolphins in Rio Negro

Amazonian river dolphins killed by severe drought

The Amazon River Basin, known for its rich biodiversity, has witnessed a tragic event. Over the past week, 120 river dolphin carcasses have been discovered floating in its tributaries. Experts suspect that the severe drought and extreme heat are the culprits behind this mass mortality.

Dolphin Discovery

The carcasses of these dolphins were discovered floating in a tributary of the Amazon River in Brazil. The Mamiraua Institute, a renowned research group, reported that two additional dolphins were found dead near Tefe Lake.

Celebrating 70 years of BSAC

For the last seven decades, BSAC has played a key role in promoting underwater exploration, safety and education. As we celebrate the club's remarkable journey, let us dive into the past and explore the significant contributions BSAC has made to the diving community.

Video

To celebrate 70 years, BSAC has created this special video as a thank you to our members, instructors, volunteers and friends across the world: