Here’s a look at what you’ll find between the covers of the July/August 2016 issue.
FEATURES
What the Sea Robin Knows: How Fishes Reveal the Secrets of the Natural World
By Karen Straus
After reading, “What the Robin Knows: How Birds Reveal the Secrets of the Natural World,” the author started applying birding observations to marine life, with rewarding results. In this feature article she shares her insights, including how divers can borrow birdwatchers’ techniques for better marine life encounters.
From Way Back Then to Where We Are Now: Tracing the Evolution of Scuba Training
By Alex Brylske
Occasionally, it’s instructive to look back at the past as a way to understand how we got to where we are today. Such perspective enables us to appreciate why learning certain concepts or skills is critical to our safety. It also gives us insight into how diver education has improved its methods and effectiveness. Plus, to many, knowing how things were done in years past is just downright interesting, and demonstrates that all divers are part of a community with a rich history.
Turning Divers and Snorkelers Into Partners In Coral Reef Protection: The Blue Star Program
By Abigail Engleman
Diving and snorkeling, while commonly viewed as eco-friendly activities, can have a cumulative effect on frequently visited reefs. Minor direct contact, such as touching, standing or kicking, can damage coral. This article overviews a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration program in the Florida Keys that helps local dive operators and visiting divers protect North America’s only living barrier reef.
COMMENTARY
Editorial: Slow Down, You Move Too Fast
By Alex Brylske
Buddy Lines
Dive Observer: ‘Coral Gardens’ Take Hold In Cayman Islands
By Gene Gentrup
No Dumb Questions: Nitrox Analysis, Deco Theory and Dive Tables Versus Computers
By Alex Brylske
DIVE EXPLORATION
Dive Geo: Warm and Friendly: Enjoying the Wonders of the Fijian Islands
By Chris Huss
Training Site: North Point Quarry, Ohio: Partnership Creates ‘Something From Nothing’
By Linda Lee Walden
Passport: Dive travel deals from all over
Compiled by Gene Gentrup
Diving USA: Dive travel opportunities across America
EVERY MONTH
Scuba Skills: ‘Live’ Diving: How to Enter and Exit From a ‘Live Boat’
By Barry and Ruth Guimbellot
Instructor Tips: Talking In Circles: How to Use Discussions In Classroom Teaching
By Greg Laslo
Always Learning: Again and Again: On Revisiting Old Favorites
By Marty Snyderman
Dive Shop
Compiled by Gene Gentrup
What’s That?: Identifying the ‘Men In Gray’ The Whitetip Reef Shark, Silvertip and Oceanic Whitetip Shark
By Marty Snyderman
Behind the Lens: Leak-Proofing Your Camera
By Marty Snyderman
Premier Classifieds
Dive Training Classifieds
Dive Training Quiz
Final Check: What It Looks Like When…Your Safety Stop Is Safe
By Barry and Ruth Guimbellot
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The Covers
By Keith Ibsen
Birders know that keen observation skills are required for those who wish to learn more about winged creatures. In this month’s cover feature, “What the Sea Robin Knows: How Fishes Reveal the Secrets of the Natural World,” author Karen Straus explains how birdwatching techniques can be put to good use by divers wanting to know more about watery creatures.