Flotsam & Jetsam

Waterpixel is a New Online Community of underwater photographers set up by former members of the troubled Wetpixel. It's free to join, and unlike its forebear, which tended to address those who used high-end photographic equipment like DSLRs and mirrorless cameras, Waterpixels will also encompass the needs of those who use more modest devices like GoPros and housed smartphones. The site administrators intend to cover their costs by selling merchandise such as Waterpixels branded T-shirts, coffee mugs, and beanie hats. It's a forum designed to serve and connect professionals, industry experts, and enthusiasts, together with newcomers who share a passion for underwater imaging. https://waterpixels.net

Another Assfish. Paul Neis (Mountain Home, AR) writes, "Imagine my surprise when I discovered in the November 2023 issue of Undercurrent's review of Susan Casey's new book that there is actually a fish named the robust assfish. I thought that I was the first to name one, but I may have a new species that I termed the "giant assfish." The particular specimen came in and smashed my wife from above while looking through its viewfinder. No apology and later we were told it gave the middle finger to someone else waiting to take a photo. Thus, I would say it is a little aggressive."

Yikes. We discovered this little warning on Facebook by diver John Sabo: "I once saw a snorkeler who thought it would be a smart idea to swim down and give the statue a big hug. Unfortunately for her, she did not realize the statue was covered with fire coral until it was too late."

An Observation of the Conception Verdict. Victor Kenton (Los Angeles, CA) writes, "I have dived the sister ship of Conception (The Truth) since 1974. I am also a retired Federal Magistrate Judge from the same Court where Mr. Boylan was convicted. I find the prosecutor's comments that Mr. Boylan acted in a cowardly manner to be, frankly, awful. The Coast Guard should have been enforcing and monitoring safety regulations. The owner, Glen Fritzler, has not taken responsibility. This conviction was based on a Civil War-era statute that places responsibility on the ship's captain. There was no need for the prosecution to vilify the captain. It did not lessen the tragedy."

Dive Photo Guide Winners Announced. The annual DPG Masters Underwater Imaging competition comprised seven categories of photos and prizes worth $75,000. The Best of Show prize went to Italian photographer Marco Gargiulo for his extraordinary split shot of a juvenile imperial blackfish riding a jelly-fish under the gaze of Italy's Mount Vesuvius You can see "The Passenger" and all the winning photos here: https://uwpho.to/DM2023-Winners

Watch Out for Those Teeth! There was a terrify-ing moment when beachgoers at Pensacola managed to rescue a large mako shark that had become stranded in the shallows and finally got it to swim off, none the worse for the experience You can see the video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gGol1sdOXgw