Best Coral Coverage in 36 Years

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The Great Barrier Reef is currently experiencing the best coral coverage in 36 years

Dr Terry Cummins. OAM, PhD on diving The Great Barrier Reef

The Great Barrier Reef (GBR) was World Heritage-listed in 1981 and is considered one of the World's Seven Natural Wonders. It covers 344,400 square kms, is 2,300 km long or approximately half the length of the Eastern Australian coastline. It comprises 3,000 individual reefs, 300 coral cays, 600 continental islands and 150 inshore mangrove islands, making it the largest barrier reef in the world.

Apart from its size, the GBR has high levels of biodiversity and is considered one of the most complex natural systems on earth. With over 600 types of soft and hard corals, more than 100 species of jellyfish, 3,000 varieties of molluscs, 500 species of worms, 1,625 types of fish, 133 different species of sharks and rays, six out of the seven sea turtles found in the world and more than 30 species of marine mammals, it is an enormous ecosystem.

Currently, the world press and some institutions would like you to think the GBR is dying or already dead. Although we all have grave concerns for the future of the world’s reefs due to the combined impacts of the planet's overpopulation (e.g. coastal development, increased agricultural run-off, climate change, etc), the GBR is very much alive. Unfortunately, ‘the reef is dead’ headline suits some but is a total over-exaggeration of the facts.

Best Coral Coverage in 36 Years
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Recently, marine physicist Peter Ridd implied that these headlines are ruining the reputation of its “premier tourist attraction” – the GBR. The latest data from the Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS) 2021 / 22 Long-Term Monitoring Program Report states that the GBR has recorded the highest level of coral cover in 36 years. It is indeed a pity that I as the Chair of Dive Queensland Inc, have had not one reporter from the media contact me about this excellent news.

Good news is rarely reported these days. Ridd states: “You have just got to wonder how bad some of these institutions have been in terms of exaggerating the loss of corals in these events” and “it proves without a shadow of a doubt that many of them are completely untrustworthy.”

Furthermore, my research shows that even a number of dive store owners within Australia and beyond believe what they read in the press. Additionally, some travel wholesalers would rather send their clients overseas where there is much less diversity of coral and other marine life. For example, the Caribbean has just 90 species of coral compared to the GBR’s 600 plus.

Best Coral Coverage in 36 Years
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I agree with Ridd that the “mass bleaching events” described by the press and some institutions are entirely misleading. Yes, there have been four bleaching events in pockets along the GBR’s 2,300 kms length, which is hardly “mass”. One of these events was in the 1990s and the other three in 2016, 2017 and 2020. There has been minimal bleaching along the entire length of the GBR in 2021 and 2022. Coral bleaching is not coral death! Impacted corals can, and many do, recover.

There are other instances of misinformation about diving the GBR. Here are a few results from my PhD thesis that you may find interesting where I surveyed over 530 divers returning from a trip to the reefs off Cairns. Please note that I asked them whether they had dived on coral reefs before visiting the Cairns section of the GBRMP, 75% of them indicated they had. Further analysis revealed that they had collectively dived on coral reefs at 841 locations across 16 countries/regions, so they were in an excellent position to compare their dive with other dives they had done elsewhere.

The analysis revealed 72% of the divers were satisfied or extremely satisfied with the quality and abundance of coral, 76% were satisfied or extremely satisfied with the quality and abundance of marine life. Also 79% were satisfied or extremely satisfied with the underwater visibility and 85% were satisfied or extremely satisfied with the general diving quality.

Best Coral Coverage in 36 Years
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Apart from the condition of the Reef, another rumour that my research identified was the impact of the Queensland dive regulations. Rumours are that the Code of Practice (dive regulations) limits diving to 20 meters and dives of only 45 minutes. However, 85% of the divers I surveyed expressed they were either satisfied or extremely satisfied with the quality of the dive briefings. More importantly, 88% agreed or strongly agreed Cairns is a safe place to dive because of the dive regulations.

Without boring you with the massive amount of data I collected, service levels, crew quality and the dive vessels' standard (day and live aboard) all scored very high levels of diver satisfaction (70% plus).

Finally, the divers were asked to compare to their diving experiences on the Reef to other places they had dived, which included comparisons to 934 coral and non-coral dive destinations used by the survey respondents. Most said the diving was better, 83% said they would return to dive Cairns, and 88% indicated they would recommend Cairns to others.

Best Coral Coverage in 36 Years
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These rumours of depth and time restrictions in Queensland are exactly that – a stupid rumour which may have been generated from the operational character of some dive packages< This is where some dive operators offer three 45 minutes dives on a day trip at different locations. Of course, the liveaboards offer five dives per day or even more. I have spent all my adult life in the dive and dive tourism industry sectors and have been diving the GBR since the early 70s.

My wife Cathie and I dive the Cairns section of the GBR weekly with various operators. Our dive profiles regularly involve 60-minute plus bottom times, and we regularly reach depths of over 20 m. We are not sure where this other equally misleading rumour – “you can’t dive below 40 m” comes from, especially since the Queensland Government, in close consultation with the dive industry, was the first to introduce a ‘Technical Diving Code of Practice. So yes, you can participate in technical diving in Queensland, training and extended range. For example, Cairns has one operator totally specialising in Tec and there are others who offer Tec throughout the State.

Having dived in over 16 countries and logged over 7,200 dives, I can honestly say the diving Queensland has to offer visitors is extraordinary. It is also has without a doubt the best managed marine park on the planet. So, you will not have ticked all the boxes until you visit the Great Barrier Reef.

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Authors profile:

Terrence (Terry) Cummins is currently the President of Dive Queensland and a prominent figure in the global dive community. He is a diver, photographer, writer, and educator and has been a senior executive of diver training agencies. He sits on several governments, NGOs and business advisory committees relating to diving, tourism and business sustainability. Terry has a long list of prestigious awards and accomplishments, including an appointment as a Fellow of the Explorers Club of New York and an Order of Australia Medal for his contribution to scuba diving.

Photo Credit: Cathie Cummins

@timpell49
#AskMark Mark great video love your content I recently had my cylinder hydro tested it was filled with air how long can you keep the air in the cylinder before you use it .Also dive shop can drain the air and fill with nitrox?
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@timpell49
#AskMark Mark great video love your content I recently had my cylinder hydro tested it was filled with air how long can you keep the air in the cylinder before you use it .Also dive shop can drain the air and fill with nitrox?
#scuba #scubadiving #scubadiver

Become a fan: https://www.scubadivermag.com/join

GEAR PURCHASES: https://www.scubadivermag.com/affiliate/dive-gear

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We partner with https://www.scuba.com and https://www.mikesdivestore.com for all your gear essentials. Consider using the affiliate link above to support the channel.

The information in this video is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional SCUBA Training or recommendations for every manufacturer. All content, including text, graphics, images, and information, contained in this video is for general information purposes only and does not replace training from a qualified Dive Instructor or specific requirements from equipment manufacturers.

YouTube Video UEw2X2VCMS1KYWdWbXFQSGV1YW84WVRHb2pFNkl3WlRSZS41ODI2RjhGOTVBODI2NDE5

How Long Can You Keep Air in a Cylinder? #AskMark #scubadiving

Full List of Dive Shows with Links:
https://divernet.com/scuba-diving/your-worldwide-dive-show-guide-for-2025/

JANUARY 18-26: Boot Düsseldorf (International Boat Show)
FEBRUARY 1-2: Duikvaker 
FEBRUARY 21-23: European Dive Show (EUDI)
FEBRUARY 21-23: Diving Resort Travel (DRT) Show, Malaysia
MARCH 1-2: GO Diving Show (The UK Dive Show)
MARCH 15-16: ADEX Ocean Festival / OZTek Australia
MARCH 28-30: Mediterranean Diving Show 
APRIL 4-6: Asia Dive Expo (ADEX) 
MAY 22-25: Thailand Dive Expo (TDEX)
MAY 31 – JUNE 1: Scuba Show
JUNE 13-15: Malaysia International Dive Expo (MIDE)
SEPTEMBER 6-7: GO Diving ANZ Show
OCTOBER 17-19: Diving Talks 
NOVEMBER 11-14: DEMA Show 

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The information in this video is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional SCUBA Training or recommendations for every manufacturer. All content, including text, graphics, images, and information, contained in this video is for general information purposes only and does not replace training from a qualified Dive Instructor or specific requirements from equipment manufacturers.
00:00 Introduction
01:35 Scuba.com Ad
02:35 Duikvaker
03:15 EUDI
04:23 DRT
05:04 GO Diving Show UK
06:24 ADEX OZTek
07:06 Mediterranean
07:34 ADEX
08:21 TDEX
08:51 Scuba Show
09:36 MIDE
10:06 GO Diving ANZ
11:09 Diving Talks
11:58 DEMA

Full List of Dive Shows with Links:
https://divernet.com/scuba-diving/your-worldwide-dive-show-guide-for-2025/

JANUARY 18-26: Boot Düsseldorf (International Boat Show)
FEBRUARY 1-2: Duikvaker
FEBRUARY 21-23: European Dive Show (EUDI)
FEBRUARY 21-23: Diving Resort Travel (DRT) Show, Malaysia
MARCH 1-2: GO Diving Show (The UK Dive Show)
MARCH 15-16: ADEX Ocean Festival / OZTek Australia
MARCH 28-30: Mediterranean Diving Show
APRIL 4-6: Asia Dive Expo (ADEX)
MAY 22-25: Thailand Dive Expo (TDEX)
MAY 31 – JUNE 1: Scuba Show
JUNE 13-15: Malaysia International Dive Expo (MIDE)
SEPTEMBER 6-7: GO Diving ANZ Show
OCTOBER 17-19: Diving Talks
NOVEMBER 11-14: DEMA Show

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Website: https://www.scubadivermag.com ➡️ Scuba Diving, Underwater Photography, Hints & Advice, Scuba Gear Reviews
Website: https://www.divernet.com ➡️ Scuba News, Underwater Photography, Hints & Advice, Travel Reports
Website: https://www.godivingshow.com ➡️ The Only Dive Show in the United Kingdom
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We partner with https://www.scuba.com and https://www.mikesdivestore.com for all your gear essentials. Consider using the affiliate link above to support the channel.

The information in this video is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional SCUBA Training or recommendations for every manufacturer. All content, including text, graphics, images, and information, contained in this video is for general information purposes only and does not replace training from a qualified Dive Instructor or specific requirements from equipment manufacturers.
00:00 Introduction
01:35 Scuba.com Ad
02:35 Duikvaker
03:15 EUDI
04:23 DRT
05:04 GO Diving Show UK
06:24 ADEX OZTek
07:06 Mediterranean
07:34 ADEX
08:21 TDEX
08:51 Scuba Show
09:36 MIDE
10:06 GO Diving ANZ
11:09 Diving Talks
11:58 DEMA

YouTube Video UEw2X2VCMS1KYWdWbXFQSGV1YW84WVRHb2pFNkl3WlRSZS43OTNDNTk0OUNGMDA1MUNG

Upcoming Dive Shows in 2025 #scubadiving #diveshow

US diver Barrington Scott has set a verified Guinness World Record for the fastest time to scuba dive across all seven continents.Cartagena City Council says it is preparing to tighten access to the Cueva del Agua (Water Cave) system in southern Spain, following the death of a 37-year-old female diver there on 18 January. And an underwater habitat builder has just extended the record for longest time spent submerged. 

https://divernet.com/scuba-news/scuba-dash-across-7-continents-brings-world-record/
https://divernet.com/scuba-news/health-safety/spanish-cave-divers-death-prompts-calls-for-controls/ 
https://www.kentucky.com/news/nation-world/national/article299289964.html
https://divernet.com/scuba-news/pod-builder-completes-120-days-under-sea/

#scuba #scubadiving #scubadiver

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Website: https://www.scubadivermag.com ➡️ Scuba Diving, Underwater Photography, Hints & Advice, Scuba Gear Reviews
Website: https://www.divernet.com ➡️ Scuba News, Underwater Photography, Hints & Advice, Travel Reports
Website: https://www.godivingshow.com ➡️ The Only Dive Show in the United Kingdom
Website: https://www.rorkmedia.com ➡️ For advertising within our brands
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We partner with https://www.scuba.com and https://www.mikesdivestore.com for all your gear essentials. Consider using the affiliate link above to support the channel.

The information in this video is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional SCUBA Training or recommendations for every manufacturer. All content, including text, graphics, images, and information, contained in this video is for general information purposes only and does not replace training from a qualified Dive Instructor or specific requirements from equipment manufacturers.

US diver Barrington Scott has set a verified Guinness World Record for the fastest time to scuba dive across all seven continents.Cartagena City Council says it is preparing to tighten access to the Cueva del Agua (Water Cave) system in southern Spain, following the death of a 37-year-old female diver there on 18 January. And an underwater habitat builder has just extended the record for longest time spent submerged.

https://divernet.com/scuba-news/scuba-dash-across-7-continents-brings-world-record/
https://divernet.com/scuba-news/health-safety/spanish-cave-divers-death-prompts-calls-for-controls/
https://www.kentucky.com/news/nation-world/national/article299289964.html
https://divernet.com/scuba-news/pod-builder-completes-120-days-under-sea/

#scuba #scubadiving #scubadiver

Become a fan: https://www.scubadivermag.com/join

GEAR PURCHASES: https://www.scubadivermag.com/affiliate/dive-gear

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OUR WEBSITES

Website: https://www.scubadivermag.com ➡️ Scuba Diving, Underwater Photography, Hints & Advice, Scuba Gear Reviews
Website: https://www.divernet.com ➡️ Scuba News, Underwater Photography, Hints & Advice, Travel Reports
Website: https://www.godivingshow.com ➡️ The Only Dive Show in the United Kingdom
Website: https://www.rorkmedia.com ➡️ For advertising within our brands
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA

FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/scubadivermag
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We partner with https://www.scuba.com and https://www.mikesdivestore.com for all your gear essentials. Consider using the affiliate link above to support the channel.

The information in this video is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional SCUBA Training or recommendations for every manufacturer. All content, including text, graphics, images, and information, contained in this video is for general information purposes only and does not replace training from a qualified Dive Instructor or specific requirements from equipment manufacturers.

YouTube Video UEw2X2VCMS1KYWdWbXFQSGV1YW84WVRHb2pFNkl3WlRSZS4yNkZBOTQyMkYxQkQyMzc2

Spanish Cave Closed After Fatality #scuba #podcast #news

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