OceanicDreams

My daughter-in-law Carmen surprised me again!

noreply@blogger.com (Wolfgang Leander) — Sun, 05 May 2013 14:00:00 PDT

First big surprise: In July 2011 she gave birth to the most beautiful, charming, smart, and sensitive grand-child on earth: Wolfie. *)

OK - agreed, it was not just her accomplishment; Felix also played an instrumental role in it, as it were... :-)

Carmen and Wolfie (April 2013)

Photo: Karin Leander

Second big surprise: During my recent stay in Miami, Carmen asked me one day, passing, whether I would like to see her first book, a children's book. I thought she would give me the manuscript to peruse it.

No, what she handed me over was a freshly printed copy of the the book, "Written and illustrated by Carmen Leander" as it says on the cover.

I could not believe what I held in my hands!!! I was absolutely flabbergasted!!! To be sure, I knew that Carmen likes to draw but so far I had not the slightest idea just how talented and creative she is, both as a story-teller and as an illustrator.

"The Pleek-Plook Puzzle" is written for young children aged 3 - 6 or 7 (even slightly older children, like the ones in my age bracket - I am 72 - would enjoy it, too...).

Wolfie loves the book - no wonder, his mom dedicated it to him. While he cannot read it by himself yet - Wolfie is not even two years old - he already knows the entire alphabet, and going over the words to identify every single letter gives him what undeniably seems to be an immense literary pleasure... :-)

The book's message is twofold, simple and straight-forward, designed to be easily and playfully assimilated by fresh and curious young minds:

1) Help preserve the health of our oceans,

and

2) Do not fear what seems to be strange, perhaps even threatening - rather get to know it to discover its beauty and purposefulness.

Here is the link to amazon.com

If you have small kids or grand-kids, get the book - they will love it, so will you!!!

*) I know, I know - ALL grand-children are like that... :-)

Ila France Porcher at the Forefront of Shark Conservation

noreply@blogger.com (Wolfgang Leander) — Fri, 29 Mar 2013 12:31:00 PDT

Sharks need to be protected from Canadian politicians!

Photo: Wolfgang Leander (2008)

Click to enlarge

Here is a blog posted by Ila - it's an open letter addressed to the Canadian government to reconsider their recent decision not to ban the sale of shark fins in their country.

With her letter Ila has proven, once again, her deep passion and love for sharks, her talent as a writer, and her unassuming tenacity in pursuing her sincere conviction that she must do everything within her reach to protect animals from human cruelty, greed, and depravity. Wherever Ila sees a creature suffer, her heart bleeds.

Ila France Porcher
Self-Portrait (2012)
Click to enlarge

Ila is one of the very few individuals I have come across who, unlike so many others, puts her ego behind the cause that has become the driving force of her life: Fighting for sharks, actively, totally committed, without pompously broadcasting her achievements which is what most in the shark "business" do - be they organizations or individuals.

Wanna go Tiger Shark diving in 2013?

noreply@blogger.com (Wolfgang Leander) — Thu, 28 Feb 2013 13:26:00 PST

"Emma" parading herself in front of some of her fans.

Photograph: Wolfgang Leander (2009)

Click to enlarge

If you haven't secured a tiger shark diving trip for yourself yet, you'd have to wait until 2014. All the operators, at least the most experienced among them, in my and others' opinion actually just two: Scott Wayne Smith ("Dolphin Dream") and Jim Abernethy ("Shearwater"), are fully booked throughout this year.

Here is the one and only chance to join a group of shark enthusiasts in October to "do" the legendary sharks of Tiger Beach in the Bahamas islands. The trip arranger is Dominick ("Dom") Macan of DiveAdvice.

Dom's back-to-back trips in November 2013 are already closed, and I understand these trips sold very quickly.

No wonder: Tiger Beach has become a hugely popular shark dive destination over the last few years, and rightly so.

Last November we dived between Tiger Beach and and a near-by place christened Fish Tales by Captain Scott Wayne Smith which made the trip absolutely fantastic. Fish Tales is not an escape alternative anymore if the weather conditions are not perfect at Tiger Beach proper but an excellent shark dive spot on its own merits.

A friend of Felix who went diving at Tiger Beach early this month on the "Dolphin Dream" talked about an incredible tiger shark action: At one point he and his fellow divers counted between 8 and 10 tigers that were on the spot at the same time - now that we haven't seen in a long time, and is perhaps an indication of the effects of the recently enacted ban on shark fishing in the Bahamas.

I consider the dives at Tiger Beach to be the best, world-wide, if you are looking for interactive shark diving. Nothing, absolutely nothing on earth, or should I say in the vast oceans?, not even South Africa, will match the incredible experience you, as an individual, can make diving with large sharks (all used to human presence and as such neither shy nor aggressive) in this prime sharky spot.

OK, so Dom has now been offered to charter the Dolphin Dream for a third trip in the second half of October. Understandably, he would accept the offer only if he could fill the boat. He has asked me to explore the possibilities of finding enough people for him to feel comfortable to take over the charter.

Thus far, we have lined up some six divers, including myself, who are keen on making this trip happening - Dom needs to have a total of twelve divers to commit to chartering the "Dolphin Dream".

Again: This could be your one and only chance to dive with tiger shark legends such as "Emma" and "Smiley" this year.

"Emma" - most popular shark in the world.

Photograph: Wolfgang Leander (2011)

Click to enlarge

"Smiley" - rapidly becoming the second most popular shark in the world... :-)

Photograph: Wolfgang Leander (2012)

Click to enlarge

If interested in joining me and other confirmed shark lovers on this trip, please send me an e-mail: wolf@oceanicdreams.com

Have a nice day, 'OceanicDreaming'.... :-)

Too good not to be shared: Carmen's most brilliant photograph.

noreply@blogger.com (Wolfgang Leander) — Thu, 17 Jan 2013 19:56:00 PST

Click on image to enlarge

Everything in this image is perfect: The composition, the colors, the subject's (Wolfie's) body language, his mischievous smile. Obviously, Wolfie, aged 1 1/2 years, was not told to say "cheese" - this most stupid invitation to make people to look 'photogenic' or 'happy'.

The photo was taken with a smart phone, and it makes me realize, painfully, as I have to admit, that we photographers of the old school - whatever that means besides the heavy, at times quite cumbersome analog equipment we had to shlep around - seem to be out.

So, even though Carmen and Felix have undeniably some talent as untrained photographers, I doubt they will ever get a 'real' digital camera-camera. Actually, who needs one, except for serious amateur photographers and professionals, when the results folks like Carmen and Felix get with their smart phones are good enough to participate in any type of a creative photojournalistic contest?

A Blog on a Blog.

noreply@blogger.com (Wolfgang Leander) — Sun, 06 Jan 2013 06:47:00 PST

Understanding each other's body language...

Photo: Isabel Muscat
Click to enlarge

http://fijisharkdiving.blogspot.com/2013/01/2012-good-bad-and-ugly-part-one_5.html

Mike has done it again, displaying his usual talent as a blog writer, his analytical skills, and his balanced (yes: balanced!!) conclusions on what he has been able to observe during the past year. As this is part one, there is more to come - the more explosive stuff.... :-) We are looking forward to receiving the continuation of his year-end message.

Just the amount of time Mike has invested to put together his thoughts and assemble relevant links to make this one of the most comprehensive assessments of the developments in the shark world is quite impressive.

Mike does not claim to have the key to "truth" as a concept of absolute and indisputable knowledge - who has it anyway, anywhere? -, and he tells his readers that,

"This is a blog reflecting personal opinions - not Journalism!"

which I don't agree with AT ALL!!!

Journalism is ALWAYS based on personal opinions and choices of reporting even if the author tries to be as objective as possible. Mike's blogs are highly subjective, which makes them a delight to read, and they can be defined as journalistic pieces of the genre coined "Feuilleton" in Europe.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Feuilleton

Read the part: "Feuilleton Style", and you will agree with me that this does indeed apply to Mike's blogs.

The shark world should be happy to have Mike as one of its few independent, critical, outspoken, and original thinkers, unlike so many others, in fact most, who bore their readers to death with their parroting of common places or unproven 'theories' (e.g. "no more sharks, no more oxygen to sustain life on the planet") - which, I have to admit, I myself have also fallen for it out of plain negligence.

Is Felix a photographer or does he take pictures?

noreply@blogger.com (Wolfgang Leander) — Mon, 31 Dec 2012 19:54:00 PST

Critical as I tend to be, I'd say he takes pix as almost everybody else does these days: Mediocre stuff, nothing special. Fair enough - Felix has other interests, and photography has never really gotten into his system.

Once in a while, however, Felix leaves me absolutely flabbergasted when I see the type of images he could take if he only had the burning passion to become a real photographer. One that always has the images and their composition already in his head before actually seeing them in the viewfinder.

The photograph Felix sent me today from his BlackBerry phone is, to me, the irrefutable proof that he is indeed talented. Felix recorded what has been called the hallmark of Henri Cartier-Bresson's work: Squeezing the shutter at the decisive moment.

Here is another fabulous shot taken by Felix, free-diving somewhere in the Bahamas:

And this one is, in his father's most humble opinion, the very best he has ever done. It could have made me utterly jealous for not having taken it myself - but it didn't as the credit for it stays in the family... :-)

Click on the images to enlarge them.

Chilean seafood - it could be the best, by far, if......

noreply@blogger.com (Wolfgang Leander) — Fri, 28 Dec 2012 21:11:00 PST

...... Chileans knew how to cook.

Unfortunately, average Chileans don't know how to cook well, not seafood, not meat, not vegetables. Very strange when you consider that in one of the neighboring countries, Peru, you find the most exquisite and diverse Latin American cuisine.

Years ago I ordered an appetizer of clams in Pucon, a charming town in the picturesque South of Chile. Guess what they served me - canned clams!! Canned clams in the country that rightfully boasts to have the best seafood in the world!!

I raised hell - poor 15 year-old Felix felt so embarrased about his complaining dad that he would have contemptuously denied to be my son at that moment - but it didn't help as the owner of the restaurant probably thought: "What's the matter with this scandalously behaving foreigner? Fresh clams, canned clams - what's the difference, anyway?"

Most restaurants in Chile, even in the capital city, Santiago, serve sub-standard food, cooked without any grace and love, let alone imagination. So, eating out in Chile can be a complete turn-off.

What a frustration knowing that the culinary 'raw material' the Chileans have, the fish and the "fruits of the sea" are absolutely superb: King crabs, all kinds of mussels and clams, sea urchins (a delicacy in Chile, and to my knowledge not in danger of depletion), abalones, stone crabs, sea snails, and fish, of course, many sorts, of which the "congrio" (= conger eel) is the most popular.

During our recent stay in Iquique, Karin and I preferred to go to super markets to buy yoghurts, fruit, cheese, crackers, nuts, and cookies. Couldn't go wrong with that. It's a good thing that we can both have frugal meals, and still enjoy life.

On our last day, Karin felt like having something special: a delicious MacDonald chicken burger which I passed, out of principle - dry bread yes, anytime; junk food, even tasty one, no way.

Instead, I went to have my last dinner in a seafood restaurant right in the fishery harbor.

Look what I ordered:

Yummy, right? Wrong!

You see me smiling because Karin took the photograph right before I was having my first bite. After 'savoring' it, I felt I was done - the soup at the bottom of the bowl looked and tasted like salty dishwater, the mussels were huge and tough, the fish had an extremely fishy, almost oily taste, so much so that Karin told me that only a pervert like me could order such a smelly "Geschlonze" *) - she almost had to vomit.

Nice to have such delicate table companions, huh? :-)

Felix, on the other hand, would have been quite proud of his old man had he been around.

I promised some people I care for to be more civilized and courageously control my anger when I feel my 'rocky mountain oysters' moving up all the way to my throat, as we Latins poetically describe that almost incontrollable urge to spit it all out in a fit of rage. :-)

Thus, I courteously asked the waiter for the bill, and even forced myself to say the soup was "buenisima" but that much to my chagrin the numerous rolls of bread I ate with it had filled up my tummy before I could finish the "Geschlonze" *).

*) Karin made up the word "Geschlonze". It means - well, just as it sounds, quite yukky, as "Geschlonze" simply HAS to be... :-)

PS: I just realized that I never published this blog, written five years ago. For some reason I kept as a draft - I am posting it now, unedited, as my opinions expressed therein have not changed. I am currently traveling in Northern Chile, and eating out in a regular restaurant (Chilean restaurants seem to be all 'regular') is still the same old mierda (pardon my Spanish) as it was back in December 2007... :-)

I almost forgot to wish all the readers of our blog a VERY good 2013 with most of their wishes fulfilled!!!!

Wolfgang and Felix

Caribbean reef sharks -

noreply@blogger.com (Wolfgang Leander) — Mon, 24 Dec 2012 19:06:00 PST

- they used to be my favorite sharks before I met, and fell in love with, tiger sharks. Not difficult to understand: The tigers' distinctiveness, their size, their character, and, yes, their incredible gentleness being their hall mark, starkly contrasting with their bad "press" they still get, makes them probably the most impressive and captivating of all sharks.

During the last trips to Tiger Beach we dived a fantastic near-by spot baptized "Fish Tales" by Capt. Scott Smith.

Scott discovered the place as an alternative to Tiger Beach proper - where you will regularly find 30 to 40 of swirling Caribbean reef sharks, some tiger sharks, nurse sharks, and, if lucky, the elusive great hammerhead shark with its huge dorsal fin.

Clean, crisp, minimalistic - Caribbean reef shark at Fish Tales

Photo: Wolfgang Leander, 2011

Click to enlarge

Caribbean reef sharks - the quintessential sharks.

Photo: Wolfgang Leander Green Turtle Cay, 2005

Click to enlarge

When I re-discovered the Caribbean reef sharks, I felt like seeing old friends again. Reef sharks were my constant and only companions when I dived the Abacos (Bahamas), mostly on my own, without any buddies. Just the sharks and me were the most memorable moments of my life as a diver.

An old friendship re-discovered...

Photo: Michel Lonfat, "Fish Tales" 2011

Click to enlarge

Caribbean reefies were the shark species - not self-styled shark 'experts': statisticians, Swiss or non-Swiss scientists, ego-driven pseudo conservationist magazine editors or slightly (?) megalomaniac wild animal photographers, and some smart shark dive operators - that taught me that they, the reefies, and sharks in general, are highly intelligent creatures, perfectly developed to prevail in their environment.

I have experienced Caribbean reef sharks in almost all types of "moods" and behavioral patterns, also charging prey (wounded fish) with lightning speed, and, boys, lemme tell ya, they were not much slower than mako sharks, the fastest of them all.

Compared to tiger sharks the Caribbean reef sharks seem to be underrated. They shouldn't. Quite the contrary: They are, along with the Galapagos sharks, the most elegantly shaped members of the large shark family, worthy of our admiration and - why not say it? - our reverence.

New Generation of Underwater Photographers.

noreply@blogger.com (Wolfgang Leander) — Wed, 12 Dec 2012 16:15:00 PST

They have come a long way, and when one looks at their work, we "oldies", meaning those stubborn seniors who still cling to film and all the rest of it, are full of envy at the new photographers' seemingly unlimited possibilities of bringing home spectacular images.

Mind you, there aren't many dinosaurs left - I would think that you won't find more than perhaps ten underwater photographers who still use the venerable Nikonos V. Of those very few, probably no more than five free-dive while photographing, using available light only. They are the laughable, nutty purists, me included, a soon to be extinct species.

Virtually every professional and amateur underwater photographer has now gone digital or else started out using digital equipment. Contrary to the old photographers who used rolls of film, and were thus rather limited (one roll of 35mm film yielded 36 images), the digital photographers are in a position to shoot "indiscriminately" underwater, often switching on their machine gun-type shutter mode which enables them to expose up to eight frames per second.

Imagine: One second - trrrrrrrrrrrrrr, and all you've got to do then is to choose the best image out of eight. It is not unusual for a digital photographer to "expose" 200 or 300 images on one single tank dive.

You could say that with such technical feasibilities, it is almost impossible NOT to get master shots, if only by sheer luck. True, but these pros have a different notion about their work. They are pragmatic and think it's the result that counts - period. Right they are!

What is it that we oldies have to ruminate about such things? Are we not flexible enough to adapt to, and gracefully accept, the new times and the progress that came with it anymore? Most likely so. Well, then I guess it's time for us to go... Not sure whether:
:-( or :-)

Raul Boesel Jr. is a young underwater photographer and an excellent free-diver. He loves the ocean with an almost uncontrollable enthusiasm, and feels it running through his veins. Even though there is growing competition out in the blue jungle, I could see Raul becoming a widely renowned underwater photographer one day. All he has to do is never be satisfied with his work - the relentless pursuit of excellence is the main driving force behind success.

Here is a marvelous, rather unique pic Raul took close to Tiger Beach a few weeks ago:

Not bad at all, huh?....

Shark Warrior Lesley Rochat was here!

noreply@blogger.com (Wolfgang Leander) — Tue, 11 Dec 2012 16:26:00 PST

'Here' means Tiger Beach. Lesley Rochat was here for the second time, and she absolutely loved it! I wouldn't be surprised to meet her at the Beach again next year.

Unfortunately, Lesley had a cold, so her diving was limited (as was mine due an ear infection coupled with a sinusitis).

However, she worked hard for an upcoming conservation project the details of which I cannot divulge at this time. She even convinced me to be interviewed by her - although I felt rotten and scatterbrained because of the medication I took against my otitis.

Larger than life - that is the expression that best describes this small, fragile looking ocean lady.

Lesley has dedicated her life to the conservation of sharks, and her enthusiasm for the cause is truly contagious. Craig Baumann, a new congenial friend from Oregon, who was also on our trip, grew so fond of Lesley that he decided to join her on her dive safari during the next Sardine Run south of Durban.

I used only one roll of film (36 frames) during the two weeks on Tiger Beach. The best - and only - photograph I managed to take of Lesley is this one. I squeezed the shutter at the right moment as both ladies were swimming perfectly synchronized.

HIM - Harmony in Motion

Click to enlarge

Total Diving Freedom.....

noreply@blogger.com (Wolfgang Leander) — Tue, 11 Dec 2012 13:44:00 PST

..... is what I always said was the salient feature of diving with Captain Scott W. Smith ("Scottie") aboard his Dolphin Dream (DD) . Now, being back from my last two one-week trips to the Tiger Beach area, I could add: On the DD, guests have also total cooking freedom.

Some of you probably know that I have had a serious health issue (gastric cancer) almost four years ago. After the removal of my stomach I had to adapt to new eating habits: eating small portions frequently, avoiding stuff that is not cooked adequately which led me straight to discover, and absolutely love, the joy of cooking.

Thus, going to a restaurant ain't no treat for me no more. But if I were invited to have lunch or dinner with the explicit permission to prepare my own simple dishes, I'd say: "I'll be your guest!"

Needless to state, if Scottie allows me to freedive with the tigers, he has nothing against my cooking my own stuff in the DD's galley.

Normally, I am a pretty messy cook, but on the DD I really tried to be tidy which can be appreciated in this image:

Da old Wolf has a new passion: Cooking!

Photograph: Felix Leander

Click to enlarge

The asparagus was absolutely delicious. By the way: You should never steam it longer than 10 minutes so as to have it "al dente", and serve it with good ol' plain melted butter. A lot of people, also the cook of the DD, grill the asparagus with cheese which, IMHO, takes away some of the delicate flavor of this divine vegetable.

Now, as to the diving: We had some excellent days, not at Tiger Beach proper due to sub-standard viz during our stay, but in a near-by place Scottie discovered a few years ago.*) That place, christened "Fish Tales", boasts of an incredible variety of tame (call them 'conditioned') sharks: Caribbean reef sharks, nurse sharks, tiger sharks, and the occasional great hammerhead shark. It is truly a paradisiac spot for shark lovers, and it comes in very handy when the weather conditions at Tiger Beach aren't that great.

Tiger sharks: Just as curious as we are...

Photograph: Wolfgang Leander

Click to enlarge

The best part of diving with the Dolphin Dream is the fact that Capt. Scott Smith allows you to move freely underwater whenever you feel like it as long as you follow the basic rules of common sense and good behavior. If you want to dive at night, Scottie will ask his deck hands to accommodate you.

Those who don't like to be lead by their noses will agree with me that it is the total diving freedom that makes diving the Beach with the Dolphin Dream such an unforgettable experience.

*) It was also Capt. Scott Smith who discovered Tiger Beach many years ago.

Since "Opa" is not allowed to post (and brag) about his gorgeous grand-son Wolfie.....

noreply@blogger.com (Wolfgang Leander) — Sun, 09 Dec 2012 21:15:00 PST

.... here are just two recent photographs of him taken by his father:

White Shark in Miami Beach

noreply@blogger.com (Felix Leander) — Thu, 29 Nov 2012 05:40:00 PST

Never thought I would be using that title for any of my posts...about a month ago Raul Boesel Jr. was freediving right off Miami Beach in about 80-90ft of water when Neptune decided to be good and grace him with a 10-12ft White Shark. The encounter was quick - the shark was shy, but Raul was able to capture the moment.

A lot more to come about Raul - he is part of the next generation of elite U/W photographers and a solid freediver. He and I recently got back from a phenomenal trip.

Tiger Beach: Last Minute Deal - and I mean "D-e-a-l"!!

noreply@blogger.com (Wolfgang Leander) — Tue, 06 Nov 2012 16:54:00 PST

Dom Macan from DiveAdvice who arranged the November 10-16, 2012, trip to Tiger Beach on the Dolphin Dream received two cancellations from Germany due to an emergency today.

In view of the tight time factor, Dom is willing to sell the two vacant spots at an incredibly low rate. The regular price for this year's fabulous interactive shark dive, to me the very best in the world, is US-$ 2.495.

Send Dom a mail, and find out at what bargain price you can grab this deal: dom@diveadvice.com

Tiger Beach: Best interactive shark dive in the world - by far!!

Photo: Wolfgang Leander (2010)

Whoever is flexible enough to take a quick decision should not let this chance slip away!!

No words, just an image....

noreply@blogger.com (Wolfgang Leander) — Sun, 09 Sep 2012 13:45:00 PDT

..... to express the excitment I feel at the prospect to be with "them" soon again.

Photo: Wolfgang Leander (Tiger Beach 2011)
Click to enlarge

How Jaws Changed the World - Shark Week 2012

noreply@blogger.com (Felix Leander) — Sat, 08 Sep 2012 09:47:00 PDT

I vividly remember watching Jaws for the first time – actually, I spent most of the time hiding behind the couch or my hands – peeking out once in a while trying to catch a glimpse of the monster. Going to the swimming pool became an ordeal, my imagination would always run wild as Jaws was stalking me to the tunes of John Williams. Fortunately, I was lucky enough to have had a balance in our home due to the constant interest in diving, the ocean, and sharks. Jaws had a profound effect on everyone that watched the movie at the time in one way or another.

“How Jaws Changed the World” attempted to shed light on the positive impact it had on people and sharks – such as a generation of marine biologists or that it inspired salvation (if anything, maybe the aftermath of the movie inspired salvation). This might be true, but there is no way that it comes even close to the damage it did / still does to sharks – not just in terms of those killed mindlessly , but also as far as human perceive these creatures. More people became Quinn opposed to Hooper…there was a significant decline in the shark population in New England and probably elsewhere. The movie did what it was supposed to do…scare people and then some.

One may argue – times were different then, and people did not know much about sharks. On the other hand, as a result of the movie, more funds were made available to research sharks. Discovery Channel aired various Jaws DVD ads during Shark Week 2012 (even during “How Jaws Changed the World”) – why not donate a percentage of those proceeds to shark research / protection – why was there no drive whatsoever during that episode to encourage people to donate? Wasted opportunity…

Some other thoughts:

Why was Mark the Shark given airtime?
Where were the usual shark industry critics…more attention was given to the VW ad than Shark Week. I guess you cannot bite the hand that feeds you…
Wish Joe Romero would have been given more airtime – his work is phenomenal

Impossible Shot + Sharkzilla - Shark Week 2012

noreply@blogger.com (Felix Leander) — Tue, 14 Aug 2012 17:05:00 PDT

So far so good…after watching three episodes I have yet to see blood in the water – and that is a great thing. The Impossible Shot is just about that – pushing the limits of getting that new angle using creative and ingenious ideas + technology. There was a nice integration of some of the pioneering shark U/W videographers such as Stan Waterman and how they have progressed over time.

Both the GoPro and Phantom cameras were featured again as in the previous episode. But this one added one more variable…45 HD cameras filming at the same time to create what is know as a time splice. Some very interesting footage was captured as a result. As of now, a lot of focus seems to be going into the capability of these new cameras and how to get views that have never been captured before.

I have to admit that I breezed through the Sharkzilla episode, as I personally did not find it that interesting. However, anyone that finds, prehistoric sharks, engineering, and crowds chanting entertaining will enjoy this one.

What next…

Note: Unfortunately due to travel I will not be able to watch the other episodes until next week - will write about them then.

Air Jaws Apocalypse - Shark Week 2012

noreply@blogger.com (Felix Leander) — Mon, 13 Aug 2012 19:17:00 PDT

What can I say – I am highly impressed with the first episode of Shark Week 2012 and very much looking forward to the rest. While Air Jaws as a concept is not new and breaching White Sharks are not novel anymore – the technology used to film this episode made for some stunning footage and made me feel like I was seeing these majestic animals up close again for the first time.

A Phantom camera was used to film most of the episode, which allows for extremely high quality video and the possibility to slowing down frames without losing any detail. The camera can shoot at resolutions up to 2560x1600 pixels at anywhere from 10 frames-per-second up to 1,455 frames-per-second (fps). To put that into perspective, my GoPro shoots at 720 pixels at 60fps. (Then again, my GoPro only costs a few hundred bucks – I believe the Phantom can go into the six digits).

Some other things I enjoyed:

Labeled sharks as highly intelligent, with individual personalities that actually learn from one another. Good to hear when others speak about sharks having small walnut brains with only two modes – predator and not. Anyone that has spent enough time in the water with these animals will know that sharks are adaptable, intelligent, and each unique.
GoPro seems to be a standard for all U/W productions these days one-way or another. Fantastic product!
Luke Tipple and the VW ad – congrats on the work Luke!

There was only one thing I did not enjoy and that was the Jaws DVD release ad– give sharks a break.

Good stuff Discovery.

Shark Week 2012

noreply@blogger.com (Felix Leander) — Sun, 12 Aug 2012 17:00:00 PDT

Shark Week has now been airing on the Discovery Channel for 25 years. Anyone that has been watching the last five years can attest to the degradation of the show year after year. Focused on sensationalism, it has lost its soul and passion that it once had way back when. Of course television has changed as well - in a time of "reality shows" such as The Real House Wives of (insert city of choice) viewers are more interested in plastic drama than quality, while the executives in ratings / eyeballs / advertising money. I guess the comparison can be made with The Real World (MTV) - remember the first season in NYC - compare that to the Real World St. Thomas (really???)

As I set my DVR to record the week, I am reminded of the past titles that are being shown as reruns, similar to those D horror movies that only make it to DVD.

But among all the blood, gore, and sinister sharks apparently there is hope for this 25th anniversary - at least that is what the industry insiders are buzzing about...a bit hard to believe when teasers such as the following are being aired:

JAWS will never die…

This year’s conservation partner of the show is Shark Savers – solid organization that brings a lot of credibility and a definite plus.

Hoping for a great week - one that will change perceptions.

Almost lost a finger thanks to a lionfish

noreply@blogger.com (Felix Leander) — Fri, 03 Aug 2012 19:18:00 PDT

About a month ago I was out with my friend Manuel Menendez diving / spearing - all in all it was a great day...but...in Manuel's own words:

"On July 4th I went diving with Felix Leander, Manny Dobal, and Nick Bernal. We had a decent day and got a few fish for dinner. When I got home the kids wanted to see the fish we caught.

Lifting a grouper out of the cooler I got poked by 3 spines from one of the Lionfish in the cooler. The pain was instant and intense. The Lionfish that stung me had been dead for 4 hours and was about 13 inches long.

I had my hand under running HOT water for 3 hours and couldn't stop literally stomping from the pain. I took 3 Tylenol extra strength and 2 percasets and my hand was still on fire and swelling.

By 11 pm I went to the hospital because my finger was turning black. When I walked into the hospital the first doctor told me she was calling the hand specialist because she was worried I might lose all or part of my finger...every few minutes a different nurse or doc would come by to ask to look at my nasty hand...

I got admitted and was in the hospital for 25 hours all because of a STING FROM A DEAD LIONFISH, I felt like such a fucking idiot...

Anyway I had 5 antibiotics administered by IV and countless shots of hydro-morphine and other painkillers.

I had been stung twice in the past 2 years by lionfish and had very minor bee sting like reactions this time the spines went deep and I got hurt bad...I have probably killed between 500 and 600 of these fish over the last 5 years and have gotten a little too comfortable with handling them...I have participated in, planned and won several Lionfish tournaments in the Bahamas and South Florida over the last 3 years and perhaps I was a little too comfortable handling them...

I have been bitten by a moray, stung by stingrays, bitten by a nurse shark, stung by bristle worms, gotten rashes all over due to a scorpion fish stinging BUT this lionfish sting was BY FAR THE WORST.

It’s been 31 days and I still cannot completely bend my middle finger and it is still inflamated …

BEWARE OF THE LIONFISH (even dead ones)"

Not much to say...

noreply@blogger.com (Wolfgang Leander) — Wed, 01 Aug 2012 09:46:00 PDT

... as I have been feeling quite empty these last days and weeks.

Yesterday, I had to go through hundreds of negatives to find a determined photograph I need for a book, and I came across this moody one.

I took the pic in South Africa in April 2008, and it really hit me to realize that this tiger beauty has most probably been killed in the shark nets facing Aliwal Shoal.

I dedicate this image, sadly, to the memory of all those beautiful, gentle sharks that have been caught senselessly in the nets.

RADICAL GROUPS THAT DISRUPT LEGITIMATE ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION NOT WELCOMED BY FIJI

noreply@blogger.com (Felix Leander) — Thu, 12 Jul 2012 11:23:00 PDT

I did not actually come up with that title - The Government of Fiji did on their blog.

(The following statement was issued by the Ministry of Defense, National Security and Immigration)

The Republic of Fiji takes very seriously the protection of its pristine environment, specifically with regard to the sustainable preservation of its waters and fisheries.

Government is currently working with local and international conservation organisations and the fishing industry, which are assisting the Fijian Department of Fisheries with monitoring, education, and awareness. Together with these partners, Fiji is committed to sustainable development policies that aim to protect the country’s marine resources, while taking into account the socio-economic needs of Fijian citizens, in order to ensure sustainable livelihoods.

Radical international groups, such as the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society, any similar organisation or any other related party, which seek to sensationalise esoteric fishing practices, including on so-called "reality television," do so for purposes of self-promotion at the expense of disrupting legitimate conservation work. These groups are not welcome in Fiji and will not be tolerated by Government.

-ENDS-

Short, sweet, and to the point - the message could not be any clearer. For a complete synopsis of the situation read the following posts:

Shark Diver Blog and DaShark

Wolfie One Year Old

noreply@blogger.com (Felix Leander) — Tue, 10 Jul 2012 10:25:00 PDT

Wolfie turns one year old this Saturday - what a ride it has been so far.

Instead of organizing a birthday party and getting him gifts (he usually just plays with the tags anyway) we decided to set-up a Charity Water Campaign in his name. I know - it is not a shark related foundation - to be honest, I have not found one that makes a do-it-yourself campaign as easy as Charity Water does (plus they seem to be one of the more forward thinking / organized charitable organizations).

So far Wolfie has been able to raise $150, his goal is $500. Donations can be as small as $1 - and each $ helps!

Here the link to Wolfie's campaign: http://mycharitywater.org/wolfie

He thanks you in advance ;)

What have I learned over the last year - patience, being less selfish, and wishing that I would have listened to my parents more when I was growing up!!!!

China - Sharks...this could be huge

noreply@blogger.com (Felix Leander) — Tue, 03 Jul 2012 07:02:00 PDT

As per the Humane Society International:

“The news that the government of China will stop serving shark fins marks a watershed moment for the global movement to protect sharks and pushes China onto the world’s stage as an emerging leader in shark conservation."

Read complete article here

How is this for saving a shark...

noreply@blogger.com (Felix Leander) — Sun, 01 Jul 2012 09:54:00 PDT

Shark Haphazard & Striped Marlin | Pelagic Life from Pelagic Life on Vimeo.