DIVING
Palau reveals new fish species... Pacific dives recover novel fish... The bright blue damselfish is finally in the hands of science, blue damselfish found 120m down off Palau
Amazing NEW find in the Pacific, Palau reveals new fish species...
for the images and Video please go to: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/7564126.stm
Pacific dives recover novel fish...Marine biologists being filmed for a BBC TV series have confirmed an astonishing 13 new fish species on a single expedition in the Pacific Ocean.
The bright blue damselfish is finally in the hands of science.
The researchers have a further 15 animals they think may also be new to science but require additional study. The haul comes from deep dives made across reefs in Micronesia. The quest to find the novel fish is detailed in the series Pacific Abyss and includes the capture of a long-sought and spectacular damselfish. The team concentrated its efforts on waters referred to as the "twilight zone".
Sited some 60m (200ft) to 150m (500ft) down, this is a transition region between depths that still receive some sunlight during the daytime and waters that are in perpetual darkness.
The twilight zone is rarely explored, being below the activity of normal scuba activity but above the operations of most submersibles.
The scientists had to use sophisticated closed-circuit rebreather gear to avoid decompression problems. Even so, for safety reasons, their dives were strictly time-limited, and each sortie saw a quick scramble to net as many different fish as possible before the required slow ascent to the surface.
The newly described species include several new colourful damselfish in the Chromis genus; at least one new species of basslet (from the Plectranthias genus); an unusual hawkfish and a new species of butterflyfish.
The most spectacular recovery was of the bright blue damselfish found 120m down off Palau. This was described recently in the scientific literature by team-member Dr Richard Pyle, from the Bishop Museum, Honolulu, Hawaii.
The fish has been named Chromis abyssus in honour of the TV series.
The story is a more complicated one, however, because Dr Pyle first saw this fish more than a decade ago. Other researchers, too, had sightings, including one from a small submersible and another from a Remotely Oerated Vehicle (ROV).
It was during the BBC filming, though, that nine specimens were finally captured, allowing for an official scientific submission this year.
Discovery of a new fish species
Pacific Abyss starts its three-part run on Sunday, 17 August, on BBC One, at 2000 BST
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/7564126.stm
for the images and Video please go to: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/7564126.stm
Pacific dives recover novel fish...Marine biologists being filmed for a BBC TV series have confirmed an astonishing 13 new fish species on a single expedition in the Pacific Ocean.
The bright blue damselfish is finally in the hands of science.
The researchers have a further 15 animals they think may also be new to science but require additional study. The haul comes from deep dives made across reefs in Micronesia. The quest to find the novel fish is detailed in the series Pacific Abyss and includes the capture of a long-sought and spectacular damselfish. The team concentrated its efforts on waters referred to as the "twilight zone".
Sited some 60m (200ft) to 150m (500ft) down, this is a transition region between depths that still receive some sunlight during the daytime and waters that are in perpetual darkness.
The twilight zone is rarely explored, being below the activity of normal scuba activity but above the operations of most submersibles.
The scientists had to use sophisticated closed-circuit rebreather gear to avoid decompression problems. Even so, for safety reasons, their dives were strictly time-limited, and each sortie saw a quick scramble to net as many different fish as possible before the required slow ascent to the surface.
The newly described species include several new colourful damselfish in the Chromis genus; at least one new species of basslet (from the Plectranthias genus); an unusual hawkfish and a new species of butterflyfish.
The most spectacular recovery was of the bright blue damselfish found 120m down off Palau. This was described recently in the scientific literature by team-member Dr Richard Pyle, from the Bishop Museum, Honolulu, Hawaii.
The fish has been named Chromis abyssus in honour of the TV series.
The story is a more complicated one, however, because Dr Pyle first saw this fish more than a decade ago. Other researchers, too, had sightings, including one from a small submersible and another from a Remotely Oerated Vehicle (ROV).
It was during the BBC filming, though, that nine specimens were finally captured, allowing for an official scientific submission this year.
Discovery of a new fish species
Pacific Abyss starts its three-part run on Sunday, 17 August, on BBC One, at 2000 BST
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/7564126.stm
DIVING IN PALAU... the Operators and Dive Centers plus Liveaboards, Dive the Jewel of the Pacific one of the BEST DIVE destination in the World
20/05/08 15:27 Filed in: Palau Diving | Micronesia
Our pages on DIVING and the DIVE SITES are completed... now we like to introduce you to some of the Operators in PALAU MICRONESIA.
Many more to come in next few weeks below is just a small selection of the Dive Centers and Liveaboards which are available to you in Palau we are also providing you with a link to the Palau Visitors Authority, PVA
National Geographic Society named Palau as the first Underwater Wonder of the World, and it continues to live up to it's reputation as one of the planets finest places to SCUBA dive. The diversity of marine life in combination with the variety of dive sites provides even the most experienced fish-watcher with amazing diving opportunities. The dive sites around Palau include sheer vertical walls, current-swept channels, high intensity dives like the famous Blue Corner, relaxing dives in coral gardens, unique dives like Siaes Tunnel and Blue Holes, and plenty of wreck diving. All of the dive sites contain examples of Palau's incredible diversity with huge schools of tropical fish and walls adorned with colorful soft corals and, of course, some of the big animals that jump start the adrenalin...read more and go to palautours.com for more detailed information @ http://www.palautours.com/dive-sites.html
Many more to come in next few weeks below is just a small selection of the Dive Centers and Liveaboards which are available to you in Palau we are also providing you with a link to the Palau Visitors Authority, PVA
National Geographic Society named Palau as the first Underwater Wonder of the World, and it continues to live up to it's reputation as one of the planets finest places to SCUBA dive. The diversity of marine life in combination with the variety of dive sites provides even the most experienced fish-watcher with amazing diving opportunities. The dive sites around Palau include sheer vertical walls, current-swept channels, high intensity dives like the famous Blue Corner, relaxing dives in coral gardens, unique dives like Siaes Tunnel and Blue Holes, and plenty of wreck diving. All of the dive sites contain examples of Palau's incredible diversity with huge schools of tropical fish and walls adorned with colorful soft corals and, of course, some of the big animals that jump start the adrenalin...read more and go to palautours.com for more detailed information @ http://www.palautours.com/dive-sites.html
Palau Visitors Authority PVA
http://www.visit-palau.com/
NECO Marine
http://www.necomarine.com/
Day Dream Palau
Ocean Hunter I, II &III Liveaboard
& FishnFins Dive Center
http://oceanhunter.com/
Sam's Tour Palau, Micronesia
http://www.samstours.com/main.html
Splash Dive Center at PPR
http://www.splash-palau.com/eg/
Sail and DIVE with the Eclipse, Liveaboard
http://www.palau-divensail.com/
The Aggressor Fleet - Liveaboard
http://www.aggressor.com/subpage11.php
Palau's mushroom-shaped rock islands offer a variety of exciting dives: WWII wrecks, shark-infested channels, blue holes, a freshwater lake with stingless jellyfish and even a few caves. There are also sheer walls covered in lush soft corals and huge anemones. Beginner divers may find Palau's strong currents challenging. All dives are made from the 18-passenger dive skiff, which is lowered into the water by a hydraulic cradle. Seven-day charters are Sunday to Sunday with five days and one-half days of diving. Diving begins Monday and ends Saturday morning. Transfers from the Palau airport are provided on the day of arrival and departure.
PALAU is one of the WORLD'S 10 BEST SCUBA SPOTS according to Forbes TRAVELER in 2007
18/05/08 21:38 Filed in: Palau Diving
Forbes TRAVELER names PALAU Micronesia as one of the WORLD'S 10 BEST SCUBA SPOTS IN 2007
© Photo of Blue Corner by Gunther Deichmann
Blue Corner, Palau, Micronesia
Blue Corner, Palau, teems with all manner of sea life—from turtles to barracudas and sharks. There are WWII wrecks, too. The current is fairly strong here, and most divers use a reef hook so you can "just kinda hang out and watch the action in front of you," says Tom Morrisey. "If you're lucky you'll see lots of sharks feeding naturally right in front of you… a lot people call it the best dive in the world." The best time to dive Palau is from October to early June.
http://www.palautours.com/
© Photo of Blue Corner by Gunther Deichmann
Blue Corner, Palau, Micronesia
Blue Corner, Palau, teems with all manner of sea life—from turtles to barracudas and sharks. There are WWII wrecks, too. The current is fairly strong here, and most divers use a reef hook so you can "just kinda hang out and watch the action in front of you," says Tom Morrisey. "If you're lucky you'll see lots of sharks feeding naturally right in front of you… a lot people call it the best dive in the world." The best time to dive Palau is from October to early June.
http://www.palautours.com/
Soon on PALAUTOURS.COM Biodiversity...Diving in Palau...Kayaking the Rockislands in Palau Micronesia...
17/05/08 18:43 Filed in: Palau Articles
Early next week we finish the section on Biodiversity – Palau Diving - & Palau Kayaking as you know and as per our last Blog the Dive Sites are all there now including the Wreck Diving…see below some excerpts & so much more in the coming weeks, stay tuned or subscribe to our blog @ http://www.palautours.com/blog.html
Your PalauTours Team
http://www.palautours.com
Biodiversity
Palau. To many the name conjures up images of lush jungles atop mushroom-shaped limestone islands surrounded by turquoise waters so abundant with life that it is nearly impossible to ingest it all. With magnificent reefs that contain over 1300 species of fish and 400 species of coral, it is no surprise that it is recognized as one of the best and most consistent places to see a huge diversity and abundance of both small tropical fish and large pelagic predators…
read more next week @ http://www.palautours.com
Palau Diving
National Geographic Society named Palau as the first Underwater Wonder of the World, and it continues to live up to it’s reputation as one of the planets finest places to SCUBA dive. The diversity of marine life in combination with the variety of dive sites provides even the most experienced fish-watcher with amazing diving opportunities. The dive sites around Palau include sheer vertical walls, current-swept channels, high intensity dives like the famous Blue Corner, relaxing dives in coral gardens, unique dives like Siaes Tunnel and Blue Holes, and plenty of wreck diving…read more next week @ http://www.palautours.com
Palau Kayaking
Palau’s famous Rock Islands are a maze of over 400 jungle-caped, mushroom-shaped islands within the barrier reef. What better way to become more intimately familiar with them than to kayak amongst them. Shallow lagoons, tunnel entrances to hidden marine lakes and lost wrecks all await discovery for those wanting to spend some time paddling amongst the islands. The calm water and slow pace gives the explorer plenty of opportunities to observe native vegetation as well as see a variety of sea, shore, and forest birds that inhabit the rock islands…read more next week @ http://www.palautours.com
Your PalauTours Team
http://www.palautours.com
Biodiversity
Palau. To many the name conjures up images of lush jungles atop mushroom-shaped limestone islands surrounded by turquoise waters so abundant with life that it is nearly impossible to ingest it all. With magnificent reefs that contain over 1300 species of fish and 400 species of coral, it is no surprise that it is recognized as one of the best and most consistent places to see a huge diversity and abundance of both small tropical fish and large pelagic predators…
read more next week @ http://www.palautours.com
Palau Diving
National Geographic Society named Palau as the first Underwater Wonder of the World, and it continues to live up to it’s reputation as one of the planets finest places to SCUBA dive. The diversity of marine life in combination with the variety of dive sites provides even the most experienced fish-watcher with amazing diving opportunities. The dive sites around Palau include sheer vertical walls, current-swept channels, high intensity dives like the famous Blue Corner, relaxing dives in coral gardens, unique dives like Siaes Tunnel and Blue Holes, and plenty of wreck diving…read more next week @ http://www.palautours.com
Palau Kayaking
Palau’s famous Rock Islands are a maze of over 400 jungle-caped, mushroom-shaped islands within the barrier reef. What better way to become more intimately familiar with them than to kayak amongst them. Shallow lagoons, tunnel entrances to hidden marine lakes and lost wrecks all await discovery for those wanting to spend some time paddling amongst the islands. The calm water and slow pace gives the explorer plenty of opportunities to observe native vegetation as well as see a variety of sea, shore, and forest birds that inhabit the rock islands…read more next week @ http://www.palautours.com
Latest NEWS from PALAUTOURS.COM updated DIVE SITES, Wreck Diving, Hotel accommodation…Conservation & other Business establishments
We are happy to announce that the following updates have been completed on the PalauTours.com website:
© Gunther Deichmann - Blue Hole
Palau Micronesia
http://www.palautours.com/
More than 60 dive sites with descriptions (click on the image above) have been placed now, we are still working on some of the images in the right order but all the information is now there.
Completed the Wreck Diving pages
Updated also the Research & Conservation page have added detailed info (see below or click on the image)
Under Hotel accommodation PPR is now available.
Under Other Business establishments Palau Helicopters is now offering their service we also added the Palau Shop
A few pages still being worked on but will be available very shortly, in the meantime enjoy the site.
Your Palau Tours Team
http://www.palautours.com/
© Gunther Deichmann - Blue Hole
Palau Micronesia
http://www.palautours.com/
More than 60 dive sites with descriptions (click on the image above) have been placed now, we are still working on some of the images in the right order but all the information is now there.
Completed the Wreck Diving pages
Updated also the Research & Conservation page have added detailed info (see below or click on the image)
Under Hotel accommodation PPR is now available.
Under Other Business establishments Palau Helicopters is now offering their service we also added the Palau Shop
A few pages still being worked on but will be available very shortly, in the meantime enjoy the site.
Your Palau Tours Team
http://www.palautours.com/
Did you know? Palau Pacific Resort was named ASIA'S leading Diving Resort in 2007...the World Travel Awards.
08/05/08 18:11 Filed in: Palau Articles | Palau Diving
© Gunther Deichmann - The place to be at sunset...
Click on the image above or the link below &
visit Palau Tours.com
http://www.palautours.com/
Palau Pacific Resort...
Asia's leading Diving Resort 2007, Micronesia,
The Pearls of the Pacific!
http://www.palauppr.com/ja/
Click the link above and visit PPR's Japanese website
One more reason why YOU should stay at the Palau Pacific Resort during your next vacation, surrounded by a beautiful Garden and your very own Beach.
Dive Palau in the morning and relax at Sunset at the beach or visit the Mandara Spa, it doesn't get any better.
© Gunther Deichmann - relax at the
tranquil Spa...
© Gunther Deichmann - different Orchids are everywhere...