Working to Protect Marine Ecosystems: Oregon Bans Shark Fin Trade

In June 2011, Oregon passed legislation that prohibits the distribution and possession of shark fins within its state. Oregon House Representative Brad Witt, House District 31, sponsored House Bill 2838, which declares that an individual may not “possess, sell or offer for sale, trade or distribute a shark fin” within the state. Bill 2838 effectively … Read more

BARRACUDA ATTACK

THE INCIDENT Barracuda attacks on humans, including completely unprovoked ones, are far more common than recognized. After an unprovoked barracuda attack amputated my left little finger and the side of my hand in Cozumel, DAN saved my life. No diver should be without DAN coverage! I was on a dive boat in Cozumel run by … Read more

The Pleasure is All Ours: Thoughts on Touching Wild Animals

We experienced a very interesting incident a few weeks back during our survey of Cenderawasih National Park.  We were there to explore sites for a new dive guide to the Bird’s Head Seascape, which will include Cenderawasih, Raja Ampat and Triton Bay. Fifteen thousand-square kilometer Cenderawasih is Indonesia’s largest marine park and, for the moment, … Read more

What’s In A Name?

There’s something very revealing at times about peoples’ names. Remember that a huge segment of our population derived their surnames from their ancestors’ original trades or employment. Just think about how many people you know whose last names are Cook, Smith, Carver, Baker, Carpenter, Speaker, Chandler, Flowers, Fryer, Gardner, Packer, Singer, Fisher, Taylor, Driver, and … Read more