February 2021

This finding was based on research by a team of biologists and mathematicians from Swansea University and the University of Essex. It involved 15 three-spined stickleback fish observed individually in a fish tank containing two, three or five plants in fixed positions.

Using high-resolution tracking data from video recording, the scientists made their observations on the following parameters: movement (time stationary, step length, turning angle and burst frequency) and behaviorial (distance travelled, space use, time in free water and time near objects).

Fourth Element - the UK-based thermal protection manufacturer - came up with the idea in April 2020 with the aim of lifting divers' spirits, whilst they remained at home during the first British Government lockdown.

The idea was simple. Take the best photo you can underwater in your bathtub. And if you don't have a bath, just get creative. A sink, bucket, water butt or just about anything that can hold water was perfectly acceptable. 

Until recently, the geographic wanderings of the whitespotted eagle ray have always been a mystery.

Now, in a study that took place from 2016 to 2018, a team of researchers have started to unlock some of its movement patterns.

The 54 rays in the study were tagged with acoustic transmitters, along both the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic coast of Florida, using collaborative acoustic telemetry networks.

A BDSG spokesman states "Although we are currently in lockdown, it is time to start preparing to scuba dive UK sites and seas. We are all very keen to get back in the water again.

We understand that everyone is heartily sick of COVID-19 rules, hence this is an appeal for divers to do the right thing, and behave accordingly. Please take into consideration the following guidelines as you get set to scuba."

Medical Fitness

Divers need to comply with relevant medical requirements, and medicals may have lapsed, so check your dates. There is now the added complication of any impact COVID-19 may have created. Your respiratory system can be affected by the Coronavirus and can have long term effects that could impact on your ability to dive safely. If you have any doubts, seek professional medical advice from a diving doctor.

For those unfamiliar with this training agency, the qualification is the highest GUE closed-circuit rebreather (CCR) rating, ie advanced Trimix.

This means that John Kendall is able to teach both GUE's CCR courses: CCR Diver Level 1 and CCR Diver Level 2. John now joins the nine other GUE instructors in the world, capable of teaching this course.

Currently there are only 10 GUE CCR2 instructors in the world. Global Underwater Explorers