SHARK PROJECT MEETINGS WITH THE DIVE OPERATORS IN PLAYA DEL CARMEN

Written by Laura Torres

Staff member of Phantom Divers.

PHOTO CREDIT: PAUL SPIELVOGEL (SHARK DIVER MAGAZINE)

"There are two worlds...the one we know and the other below."

Eli Martinez. Director for "Shark Diver Magazine"

In the world we live in we see with concern a solid future for the sharks species, in the world below sharks live in constant threat of the destruction of their species. What we must do now is take lead and guide those who care to achieve our common goal. We must GET TOGETHER, by joining forces, the conservation of these marine species. This involves a lot of effort: to get up everyday and wanting to be a better human being in this world and in the one down below. Who has been immersed underwater could understand why it is vital to take action, determination will be needed and to say "I want to contribute and make a difference" will be necessary. Maintain consistency in our discussions with our actions. We must say and do things in the best way possible. It requires being open to new information because you must remember that we love what we know.

Thank you to all of the dive centers of Playa del Carmen who attended the first meeting that was held on Tuesday, November 23rd of this year, the few who responded to the call and showed interest in this matter that concerns us all: SCUBA PLAYA, ABYSS, GEOFISH, CARLOS QUINTANAR, SCUBA 10, REEF QUEST, CLUB NAUTICO TARRAYA, TANK-HA, JORGE SUAREZ SERRADOR, PLAYA DIVE CENTER Y PHANTOM DIVERS.

** These are just some of the images taken by Carlos Estrabeau were we can see the few people who assisted the first meeting held on the 23rd of November.

SECOND MEETING

The rating went up just a little.

Little inflow led to a second convocation and so a second meeting of dive shops came about, in which we saw the sum of more participants.

I should point out several topics, the purpose is the conservation of the species that we are finishing: it is to make awareness, culture and education of both worlds, try to understand that the world isn´t alien to us, that EVERYTHING HAS IT´S CAUSE AND EFFECT", Isaac Newton said "for every action a reaction".

Take a moment to consider that it would be very sad if there was nothing left to do, the time is now. The underwater world is another completely different habitat and yet our earth is composed of 3/4 parts of water. How is it possible not to know about this other world?

Those who are not interested in respecting the world we live in are attempting against their own kind condemning it to a dark ending.

This PICTURE was taken by Paul Spielvogel during the 2008-2009 shark season.

SPECIAL THANKS TO...

Once again we thank those who not only come over and ask how the situation is going, but are looking towards the horizon and walking to get there. But most of all we give special thanks to all those who did not attend, do not show their interest, and they are always the first to create problems, because of them we get stronger, they don´t believe but we are going to show them that we can make a difference. Come on divers, dive into your ocean of consciousness.

The dive centers that assisted the meeting with us are:

SCUBA S.COOL – Héctor Solórzano

DIVE MEXICO – Manuel Acuña

YUCATEK DIVERS – Jean Yves Moret

SCUBA 10 – Irene y Gerardo Rodríguez

DIVE BALAM – Aurora Forteza

DIVExplorers – Candy López

REEF QUEST DIVERS – Steve Flanigan

PHOCEA RIVIERA MAYA – Didier Manenq

ABYSS DIVE CENTER – David Tomlinson

TANK-HÁ DIVE CENTER – Marce Brand y Pancho Chan

DIVE MIKE – Jorge Suárez

BUCEO CYAN-HÁ – Carlos Quintanar

PHANTOM DIVERS Jorge Loria and Ramón

Alfonso Torres, general director of APSA (Association of providers of aquatic Services) of the Maya Riviera

We leave you with a summary of the major points that were discussed during the last meeting that was held on Wednesday, December 1st, 2010; and we also like to thank Alfonso Torres who runs APSA (Association of Providers of Aquatic Services) for all of his support and his hard work put into this project.

TOPICS:

1. Recent events.

2. Importance for the dive shops.

3. Shark feeding.

4. Accidents.

5. Regulations.

6. Charges and prices.

7. Studies and protection.

IN THIS VIDEO: Jorge Loria, General Director of Phantom Divers.

Footage by Ramón Magaña and edition by Carlos Estrabeau (Phantom Divers´Staff).

Any comments? write us an email : info@phantomdivers.com

SHARK TERRITORY: THE WAY THE WORLD IS.

SHARK TERRITORY: THE WAY THE WORLD IS.

Written by Laura Torres.
Staff member of Phantom Divers, Mayan Riviera, Mexico.

*This photograph was taken in the 2009-2010 shark season by Doug Perrine. Doug is a professional photagrapher who has worked on several ocasions with National Geographic.

Recently, many paths have been opened in the support of the protection of sharks. Growing non-governmental associations, international organizations and civil groups concerned about the rapid changes that the world presents today and they have raised their voices and promoted: Create a better future together with a common goal in which we all participate with the best attitude to resolve the problem and create social agreements.

This story began many years ago when the first sightings of bull sharks have appeared in the Mexican Caribbean, specifically in Playa del Camen.

We must talk about the one person who had the iniciative and the vision of a great future with the background that came about through a passion for the sea and to the species that belong to it.

Jorge "El Chino" Loria, as an ocean lover and to all the species within, he implemented a new form of interaction with the Bull Sharks of Playa del Carmen.

The recent boom of this dive moved many interests and made many eyes focus in only one direction. Many shark lovers have gathered this season to see them with their own eyes. The first ones of the season were seen at the end of October, a group made up of 4 to 8 bulls, the same ones that have been interacted with from years back.

**This image shows the first article published on November 12th, 2010, in the local news paper "Por esto!", to read more about this article on line go to: poresto.net

DAY OF MOURNING FOR SHARK LOVERS

News came out that a group of sharks were caught by local fishermen from a close by town called Puerto Morelos. An amount that has not been fully clarified do to the fact that it has been altered by the media shows that the sharks in question were pregnant females. In this case two very important facts are stated: every year from November to March the sharks come to the shores to an area on to the side to give birth to their pups, and the other one we know is that sharks take an average of 10 to 15 years to reach sexual maturity, which implies that for future generations there will be more than a decade of risk for the preservation of their species, taking into account the natural dangers of the ocean, scarce food and the overexploitation of the resources.

Those who are most involved in this issue know the vital importance of maintaining the existence of sharks in our seas.

At first sight a shark might seem agressive and dangerous, but the truth is that experts who have had the opportunity to study them observe that they are one of the predators with the highest level of intelligence and strength, and that is why they are placed on the top of the food chain which makes them a key part of evolution.

In these photos: 1. -A bull shark in Playa del Carmen, this photo was taken in the 2009-2010 season. 2.- Jorge "El Chino" Loria practicing the feeding dive. 3.- Group of divers observing and interacting with bull sharks in Playa del Carmen.

PROJECT SOS: SAVING OUR SHARKS

Months before, a group created by Jorge Loria, Alberto Friscione, Rodrigo Friscione, Jose Maria Lopez, Russ Hennessey, Carlos Estrabeau among others proposed the creation of an organization that is in favor of life and protection of sharks.

This year the plan is to put tracking devices to discover the paths that this magnificent species take, for instance, where do these animals give birth?

These satellite devices have a very high cost, so through this Civil Association A.C. we aim to bring together resources for research to primarily understand this creature that has been feared because of our lack of knowledge.

Fear makes everything confusing, but true knowledge builds an awareness at a personal level that surpasses the rest, because in this world we are not alone.

**To learn more about this asociation go to: SAVING OUR SHARKS.

WHAT'S NEXT? WHAT CAN WE DO? HOW CAN I GET INVOLVED?

We must act now and work hard, we must take action at a personal level. The world is changing faster and faster, and just like the cities, new ones grow but keep the same bad habits. What we must do today is face the facts and start working on a personal change because this way, one will start to care for others and feel comfortable with everything around us and hence the daily interpersonal dynamics become more effective.

Currently there are TWO petition letters in which signatures were collected, the first one will be directed to the CONANP (La Secretaria de Pesca), led by our friends from the "BLUE HEART SOCIETY" and the purpose is to show the economic losses considering that scuba diving with sharks has become very popular in a short period of time thanks to the initiator.

PARTICIPATE WITH YOUR SIGNATURE BY CLICKING HERE.

On the other hand we are seeking a reunion with the other dive shops within the next few days to collect more signatures to present a bill to SAGARPA (Secretary of Agriculture, Livestock, Rural Development, Fishing and Alimentation).

This letter is VERY important because of all of the work that has been put into it up until this day and everything involved.

Be a part of this group: SIGNATURE PETITION FOR A NO CATCH ZONE FOR SAGARPA.

Union will be key to adress this issue and carrie it to a very unique and simple objective: The conservation of one of the most important marine species for evolution.

"Who does not evolve, simply stays where it is"

Let's take care of this world we live in, remember that we will pass away leaving the world the way it is for the enjoyment or not of our future generations.

Contact us at: info@phantomdivers.com

"For the sharks"

THANKS FOR COMING TO OUR PHANTOM DIVERS RE-OPENING PARTY!

Hola Folks! a quick note just to let you know that The re opening party was a succes!

A big thank you to all those who have contributed with PHANTOM DIVERS, Riviera Maya, Mexico.

thank you very much for returning to Phantom. We will be really happy to take you out on amazing dives!

if you want to find more about us please feel free to email us to: info@phantomdivers.com

Thank you for making a difference!

Dive with us!

There are so many reasons to celebrate this Halloween with the Phantom Divers Family!

Welcome to the happiest place in the world: Phantom Divers, Riviera Maya, Mexico.

Just think how fun would be this October 31st when all the monsters are hanging out with you during a night dive or a wreck dive or a cavern dive. Awesome!

also Bull shark season is coming, so stay tunned!!

How to get to this funniest party of the year? Just make doble click!

Enjor yourself and have fun this halloween with The Phantom Family!

Life is too short!

From our mailing box.. Come back soon to PHANTOM DIVERS!

Phantom,

Our family (5 boys and I) had a fantastic time the last time we were there this past june. The divemaster had stepped on a coconut so could only take us out once but he was awesome. You guys took the time to make my boys first dive very special. They will remember it forever. Thanks again and let me know when a super deal on a condo is availabe. Playa is definitely on tp of our list for a place to retire.

Ken Carter

USA

Check our customer's comments.

write us your own comment info@phantomdivers.com

UNDERWATER CHRONICLES By Alberto Friscione

ENJOY THIS AWESOME DIVE! MORE INFO: INFO@PHANTOMDIVERS.COM

WATCH AND ENJOY THIS DOCUMENTAL FILMED BY ALBERTO FRISCIONE ONE OF THE MOST FAMOUS AND PROFESSIONAL DIVERS IN MEXICO .

VERY INTERESTING STORY ABOUT THE BULL SHARKS IN PLAYA DEL CARMEN WITH PHANTOM DIVERS.

Dive sites you must visit in Mexico.

Without a doubt the most experienced divers have found and chosen the Mayan Riviera in the Mexican Caribbean as one of the best diving spots in the world. Visiters from around the globe will agree that the Mexican Caribbean area meets the various factors that allow it being openley placed on the pedestal of the greats.

Much of the attention that this area recieves is due to the location of the second largest barrier reef in the world, and those who have had the chance to visit and dive this area know that the marine species sighted here in the colorful reefs are extraordinary.

The difference between tourists and travelers is that the first only pass by, on the other hand the travelers like to get themselves integrated in the depths of culture and the sea, they adapt themselves so much that they can give a full opinion closer to reality, based on true and conscious experience.

Be apart of the travelers who visit us and enjoy the Mexican Caribbean.

Ask about our diving tours in the caribbean at info@phantomdivers.com

INTERVIEW WITH HOMAR LEUCI AND JORGE LORIA "PHANTOM DIVERS, Riviera Maya, México"

Meeting again with Homar Leuci : An example of strength and endurance.
By Jorge "Chino" Loria, diving instructor and owner of Phantom Divers, Mayan Riviera, Mexico.
Editing by Laura Torres.


Last August I had the opportunity to reunite with a former student, Homar Leuci, of italian origin, and who took his first Padi diving course back in 1998 in the Mexican Caribbean with PHANTOM DIVERS. I´m very proud to know that one of my students who shares the same passion for life at sea, its depths and mysteries, has made of his profession his own lifestyle. Now a days Homar Leuci based on training, dedication, effort and persistence has won the title of World Champion of Freediving in the constant weight module with a mono fin, from the agency CMAS.

THE CONVERSATION

Together again, now in Italy,nostalgia made us remember and talk about the old days when we shared many moments together. Now the years have passed since we have last seen each other and I get the idea that we can work on future projects together. The main idea of the proposal is that Homar shares his knowledge with those who like to practice this sport in the beautiful Mexican Caribbean which offers the possibility to encounter with different kinds of marine life. Homar is currently a freediving instructor and his teachings can be of high quality motivating future global competitors. I would resume the frase the student who exceeds the teacher leads us to believe that if we talk about this globally recognized athlete could create phenomena of a kind that would exceed current world records.

PASSION AND VIRTUES

Someone who accidentally discovered his passion and adding the best virtues of a great achiever has made his mark in the world and transcends history when future generations will take his example to pursue this path that has been opened through his great vision and skill.
Thank you my friend Homar for your great example of strength and persistence.

Don´t lose track and contact us to stay in tune: http://www.blogger.com/info@phantomdivers.com
.

Diving in Playa del Carmen, Mexico. It is FANTASTIC!

Playa del Carmen is known for long white coral sand beaches, crystal blue waters, warm tropical nights and cooling breezes coming off the Caribbean Sea. Home to the best diving and snorkeling in Mexico!

Playa del Carmen and Cozumel are home to a huge variety of marine life and incredible opportunities to see rare and endangered species. Often referred to as one of the best dive spots in the world - you will probably agree after visiting. While the underwater world may attract some people - there are also many varieties of birds and animals on the Caribbean. And of course - the long beaches! means.
Many years ago this area was declared a marine national park, and in recent years this area has become one of the leading attractions for visitors to Southern Mexico.

Check it out our diving packages and get the best price in the area!!!

For booking and inquiries please send us an email to: INFO@PHANTOMDIVERS.COM

Grand Re opening PHANTOM DIVERS, Riviera Maya, MEXICO.

Let´s celebrate phantom friends because we just finished our new shop where you can enjoy confortable facilities and have a good time and lots of fun the way it should be! In mid September we are going to have a huge blow out so don´t lose track and keep in touch with the best dive shop in the mexican caribbean: PHANTOM DIVERS; Mayan Riviera, Mexico!

How to find us? Just send an email at:

info@phantomdivers.com

Good comments from our customers!

Hola Laura, This is just a quick e-mail to thank you all at Phantom Divers for looking after us while we were on holiday in your wonderful country. Please thank Ruben, Charlie, Mark and Lucio for being so patient and kind. The whole experience gave us memories to treasure, always feeling safe and well cared for. We would certainly recommend you to our friends and if we are lucky enough to be able to return, we will come back to you! Once again, thank you so much

Take care Roy, Deborah, Callum and Marcus Morris

From Canada

Read more : dive center customer comments

Visit our new dive shop in Playa del Carmen

Write us an email for more details to: info@phantomdivers.com

Let´s go diving!

Morey eels in Playa del Carmen!

Many marine species can differ in the caribbean from other recognized dive spots around the world.

One species you will be sure to find are the morrey eels or in spanish las morenas. They have inhabited the area from a long time back. Usually you can find the morrey eels refuged inside small caves carefully watching who pases through their waters. On ocasions you can also find them looking for prey in night dives very carefully.

There are many different kinds of morrey eels but the best way to know them all is to come down to the mexican carribbean to see them for yourself. Just do not confuse them with the tan girls known here as morenas sipping piña coladas on the beach!

Join us and discover the great scuba diving places of Playa del Carmen!

More info and details write us an email at: info@phantomdivers.com

Blog powered by Phantom Divers - PADI dive center Playa del Carmen

MAKE YOUR OWN PHOTO ALBUM WITH US!

More details about our diving tours: http://www.phantomdivers.com/dive-packages-riviera-maya.php

Feel free to contact us: info@phantomdivers.com

We will be happy to give You the best time in The Mexican Caribbean!

SWIM WITH WHALESHARKS!

WHALE SHARK.

The largest of all sharks and the biggest fish, the whale shark is one of the most dramatic views of the ocean.

Its large size, distinctive patterns and his big mouth front make it instantly recognizable and can be commonly seen wandering near the surface in tropical and subtropical waters around the Mexican Caribbean.

Their diet is based mainly on plankton, but also regularly feed on small fish.

Unlike basking sharks, which simply filter big amounts of water as they swim, whale sharks actively suck their prey before the filter efficiently and are sometimes seen in groups, feeding on large concentrations of food.

Appear regularly in the same locations at specific times of the year, can now be found in our beautiful Caribbean until October.

These sharks have become the focus of the ecotourism industry where divers take the opportunity to swim with these gentle giants.
Maximum size: Unknown, but probably up to 20meters / 12,000 kg

Diet: Plankton, small fish.

Reproduction: Viviparous.

The number of offspring varies: a Taiwanese specimen was about 300, the highest number ever found in a single shark.

Come experience the wonderful adventure that is to swim with these beautiful creatures!

email us at: info@phantomdivers.com

CHECK OUT OUR TOURS!

http://www.phantomdivers.com/scuba-diving-tours-trips-playa-del-carmen-mexico.php

FISHING TRIPS IN THE MEXICAN CARIBBEAN!

Sport fishing has been popular in Playa del Carmen for many years because of the big diversity that can be fished.
This season you can fishing wahoo, barracuda, marlin, grouper, dorado, lobster and more.
We arrange your fishing trip in the Caribbean on a 26-ft boat equipped with bath and music to brighten up the tour in the Caribbean landscape.
Ask for more information:: info@phantomdivers.com
o visit our web page: http://www.phantomdivers.com/scuba-diving-tours-trips-playa-del-carmen-mexico.php

Visit OUR NEW DIVE SHOP IN THE MEXICAN CARIBBEAN!

Always thinking ahead and giving impetus to the positive changes We are just a few steps to complete the construction project PHANTOM DIVERS, RIVIERA MAYA, MEXICO. We invite you to visit our new store!
We still located at the same address:

1st Avenue North # 238 x 14th Street North. Downtown. Playa del Carmen,
Diving courses, scuba diving in coral reefs of Playa del Carmen and Cozumel, and also unforgettable dives in the Cenotes.
Write us an email and we'll give you more information : info@phantomdivers.com
Visit our website for more information: http://www.phantomdivers.com/index.php

Dive with us on Independence Day!

Independence Day is around the corner!
To celebrate in a special way get ready for some fun dives in the Mexican Caribbean!
Create your own diving package according to your needs and requirements!
For booking and inquiries please contact: info@phantomdivers.com
Please also visit our web site for more info: http://www.phantomdivers.com/index.php

WHALE SHARK ACTION 2010!

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info@phantomdivers.com

What is Right and What is Wrong? Concerning the Lion Fish in PDC's Reefs......

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Phantom Diver’s point of view concerning the Lion Fish is really different from what people might think. We do not want to kill him, but we want to show to the other fish species that they can eat it, because right now, they don’t know this new organism in that arrive in their natural environment.

We do perfectly know that the Man is never going to be able to eradicate this fish from the Caribbean Ocean it invaded, but we can help to its integration in this and make him part of the food chain in order to lessen the problem we have here with him killing other fish species. We believe that the possible way to control this plague.

This is why we need to act now before it’s too late. During the last weeks we have been trying out a few experiments with different techniques in order to eradicate this specie.
Our instructors are still working on the Lion Fish Capture Project, but now, instead of taking them out of the water we do 2 things; first one, we leave the dead body of the Lion Fish at the bottom of the Ocean, so that when other Lion Fishes see the dead body they get scared and feel the need to migrate to another place.

Second one, which has shown very positive results, is “alimentation”, we kill the Lion Fish and give it as food to moray eels.
Of course, we are aware that this might not be the best thing to do but we are showing than it can also have natural predators in this area.

So probably, and we hope in a near future, the same moray eels are going to hunt the Lion Fishes and help us to control the invasion of this specie in our beloved Caribbean Ocean.

For any further information, please contact us at: mailto:info@phantomdivers.com

Visit our web page: http://www.phantomdivers.com

Experience: Snorkel with Whale Sharks!

The arrival of the Whale Sharks, each year, is bringing us a lot of joy and excitement. These long and gorgeous looking species measure up to 16m and can weight 12 tons. The whale shark is the biggest fish that lives in our Ocean; we can find it in quality tropical-waters.

The first sighting is approximately in May when we see a whale shark swimming on its own, and from this moment on other animals arrive and form into a large group. This frenetic and thrilling event lasts until September.

During this special day, you’ll have the opportunity to swim in the Caribbean Ocean water, approximately 27 degrees Celsius warm and snorkel with whale sharks. This is going to result as long lasting memories! The tour takes place on a comfortable boat that can transport up to 10 clients. Throughout your trip, we offer water, refreshments, fruits and granola bars; at the end of the snorkeling tour you can enjoy a nice typical Mexican meal (we have also offer options for vegetarians!).

In order to make the most out to this trip we meet at 6.45 am in Cancun, for a small welcoming breakfast with the staff, where we get to know each other. Then, we leave at 7a.m and head to the Island of Contoy, located in the North of Cancun.

The journey is approximately 1h30min. During this time, the instructors explain to us what we are about to see, the precautions we need to take when entering the water and the whole history concerning the migration of whale sharks to Mexico.

Not only will you see whale sharks, but also dolphins, turtles or manta rays. This journey really is an incredible moment to connect with marine life and see how these aquatic species behave in their natural habitat.

Once we arrive on the spot where the whale sharks are, we start to get ready to snorkel with them! The guide then enters the water with 2 people at a time and the rest of the clients wait their turn on the boat.

To ensure the safety of the animal’s Mexican law prohibits more than 5 boats on any animal at any time. As well to protect the environment in this marine park all sunscreen must be biodegradable.

We come back in Cancun at around 2.30pm after a unique and amazing adventure. We are sure that you will be inspired by this truly unique experience swimming with one of the least understood and beautiful creatures in the Ocean. In no other place do Whale Sharks congregate in large groups and in no other place can you snorkel with them. Rest assured, our guides are extremely well prepared and you can be ensured that this journey is going to be very safe and filled up with tons of memories.

A journey you’re never going to forget…

For any further information, please contact us at: info@phantomdivers.com
Come and visit us on: http://www.phantomdivers.com