THE COVERS
Articles & Editorials
May 2011 • Volume 21 Number 5

    

Photos by Barry & Ruth Guimbellot
Illustrations by Keith Ibsen

How do you know if a particular marine creature is the real deal or just some cheap imitation? This month's cover feature, "An Uncanny Resemblance: Mimicry in the Marine World," examines the monkey business of mimicry in the underwater realm.
FEATURES
20
An Uncanny Resemblance:
Mimicry in the Marine World
Some sea creatures are much different than they appear. These animals mimic other species for a variety of reasons, from protection to predation, and they often do it surprisingly well. For us to fully appreciate what's happening, it's necessary to understand what mimicry involves, why some sea critters use the trick, and what that tells us about marine science — and what we still have to learn.
By Greg Laslo
30
Beyond the Blue-tiled Walls:
Prepping for Your First Dive
Making that first open-water dive is an amazing, perhaps even life-altering experience. Regardless of how well we've been trained, the open-water environment can present some challenges that go beyond those encountered in the pool. The author takes a look at the issue of first-dive readiness, and how to get a jump on being prepared.
By Robert N. Rossier
40
Avoiding 'Uh-Oh'
A Diver's Guide to Preventing
Air Deprivation
The best way to handle any type of air emergency is to ensure that it does not happen. In this article the author examines the various reasons why a diver might attempt to take a breath from the regulator and get no response — and offers tips that can help prevent an out-of-air emergency from ever happening.
By Lynn Laymon
COMMENTARY
8
Editorial: Becoming a Diver
By Alex Brylske
10
Buddy Lines:
Bum Rap on Reefs
 
12
Dive Observer:
Push Made in Florida to Allow Harvesting
of Popular Fish
By Gene Gentrup
79
No Dumb Questions:
Advice for 'Air Hogs'
Questions from our readers
By Alex Brylske
DIVE EXPLORATION
62
Global Dive Exploration Map
A geographical guide to great dive destinations across the globe
 
64
Dive Geo: Stargazing in Broad Daylight:
Exploring The Bay Islands of Honduras
Brilliant diving, day or night
By Scott Johnson
70
Training Site:
'The Caribbean of the Midwest'
Haigh Quarry, Kankakee, Illinois
Ideal for scuba training and for fun
By Linda Lee Walden
72
Passport:
Dive travel deals from all over
Compiled by
Gene Gentrup
74
Diving USA
Dive travel opportunities across America
 
EVERY MONTH
50
Attracting Attention:
How to Deploy an Inflatable Signaling Device
Tips for getting noticed
By Lynn Laymon
55
Instructor Tips:The Multitasking Scuba Instructor:
Tips for Making It Look Easy
How to look the part of a pro
By Greg Laslo
58
Always Learning: Squid and Seal Skyping:
Sharing Natural Wonders in a Virtual World
On being everywhere, virtually
By Marty Snyderman
84
Dive Shop
Compiled by
Gene Gentrup
86
What’s That?: Shark or Shrimp?
A Look at Not-So-Macho Shark Species
They don't get no respect
By Marty Snyderman
89
Premier Classifieds
 
90
Behind the Lens: Zooming In
Focusing on focal lengths
By Marty Snyderman
92
Dive Training Classifieds
 
97
Dive Training Quiz
Test your knowledge of the information in this month's issue
 
98
Final Check: What It Looks Like When …
You Share Air Only With Another Diver
No snorkelers allowed
By Lynn Laymon