info@phantomdivers.com
52 (984) 879 3988
Wednesday, December 26, 2012
Wednesday, December 5, 2012
Meeting of Bull shark diving service providers
The Bull
shark diving services providers meeting was to approach and solve various problems in
relation to the bull sharks in the area of Playa del Carmen and its
surroundings. This meeting convened by APSA (Association of Providers of Aquatic Services) was informative; in order to make all stakeholders
aware of the existing problems and possible solutions.
At the meeting, the talk was about the following key points:
1 Stop illegal fishing of sharks from the coast of Playa del Carmen.
2. Organize the services providers into creative working groups for the elaboration of a management program, for the sustainable exploitation of bull sharks.
Jaime González director of the CONANP (National Commission of Protected Natural Areas), was commissioned to lead the meeting. The November 27 meeting mentioned different initiatives that could be carried out in order to conserve and sustainably exploit bull sharks, better known as the Chato shark (cacharhinus leucas) in Playa del Carmen.
The bull shark is seen as a natural resource of common property.
Years ago the use given to sharks was purely fishing, diving and tourism are now new approaches that can generate profits higher than fishing and at the same time preserve the resource.
Another variable that enters into relationship, is the increasing awareness and environmental education that people start to have towards the health of our marine ecosystems. A conflict has emerged between service providers and fishermen because the coexistence of these two activities without having clear rules is not possible.
Dr. González stressed that regulations on both sides are needed in order to regulate fishing and tourist operations. Dr. Gonzalez also mentioned that the topic of shark toro is a complex problem with too much noise around it, which is formed by different variables:
• Fishing.
• Observation diving
• Conservation
• Incidents to tourists
Some conclusions were:
1. It is necessary to properly monitor the adherence to responsible fisheries laws; as well as laws of good use of resources. For example; the point that establishes that you can not fish to a minor distance of 10 nautical miles outside from the nautical stripe.
2. The sector dedicated to tourist services should define its own laws, regulations, areas of use, and comply with the minimum security requirements for the provision of the service in a safe manner minimising any risk.
3. It is necessary to define an operation system with standardized rules (creation of a management plan).
4. It is very important to establish the participation of tourist servers with CONANP and other organizations, in order to achieve a better management plan. Also, the plan needs support from all the authorities as possible, SECTUR (Secretary of Tourism), SAGARPA (Secretary of Agriculture, Livestock Development, Rural fishing and Feeding) SEMARNAT (Secretariat of Environment and Natural Resources), and CONAPESCA (National Committee on fisheries).
Finally, some keys to achieve this goal are the organization, management, designation of restricted areas and the creation of a general regulation for all those who use the resource of bull sharks. Because both the resource as well as whoever uses it are already the most affected, therefore urgent and collective action for the sake of sharks and all are needed.
It is time to stop entering into controversies and stagnate on issues that can be resolved later, if there is union between the different parties involved and consistent decisions.
Be part of the change and improvement!
At the meeting, the talk was about the following key points:
1 Stop illegal fishing of sharks from the coast of Playa del Carmen.
2. Organize the services providers into creative working groups for the elaboration of a management program, for the sustainable exploitation of bull sharks.
Jaime González director of the CONANP (National Commission of Protected Natural Areas), was commissioned to lead the meeting. The November 27 meeting mentioned different initiatives that could be carried out in order to conserve and sustainably exploit bull sharks, better known as the Chato shark (cacharhinus leucas) in Playa del Carmen.
The bull shark is seen as a natural resource of common property.
Years ago the use given to sharks was purely fishing, diving and tourism are now new approaches that can generate profits higher than fishing and at the same time preserve the resource.
Another variable that enters into relationship, is the increasing awareness and environmental education that people start to have towards the health of our marine ecosystems. A conflict has emerged between service providers and fishermen because the coexistence of these two activities without having clear rules is not possible.
Dr. González stressed that regulations on both sides are needed in order to regulate fishing and tourist operations. Dr. Gonzalez also mentioned that the topic of shark toro is a complex problem with too much noise around it, which is formed by different variables:
• Fishing.
• Observation diving
• Conservation
• Incidents to tourists
Some conclusions were:
1. It is necessary to properly monitor the adherence to responsible fisheries laws; as well as laws of good use of resources. For example; the point that establishes that you can not fish to a minor distance of 10 nautical miles outside from the nautical stripe.
2. The sector dedicated to tourist services should define its own laws, regulations, areas of use, and comply with the minimum security requirements for the provision of the service in a safe manner minimising any risk.
3. It is necessary to define an operation system with standardized rules (creation of a management plan).
4. It is very important to establish the participation of tourist servers with CONANP and other organizations, in order to achieve a better management plan. Also, the plan needs support from all the authorities as possible, SECTUR (Secretary of Tourism), SAGARPA (Secretary of Agriculture, Livestock Development, Rural fishing and Feeding) SEMARNAT (Secretariat of Environment and Natural Resources), and CONAPESCA (National Committee on fisheries).
Finally, some keys to achieve this goal are the organization, management, designation of restricted areas and the creation of a general regulation for all those who use the resource of bull sharks. Because both the resource as well as whoever uses it are already the most affected, therefore urgent and collective action for the sake of sharks and all are needed.
It is time to stop entering into controversies and stagnate on issues that can be resolved later, if there is union between the different parties involved and consistent decisions.
Be part of the change and improvement!
Tuesday, December 4, 2012
Octopi Facts
5 Facts you didn´t knew about octopi
· It is a common mistake to refer to an octopus' arms as tentacles. Tentacles are longer than arms. Tentacles usually have suckers only at their tips.
· Most species of octopi can release a thick cloud of black ink that helps to confuse predators and provide the octopus an edge when attempting to escape. One of the pigments in the octopus' ink is melanin (the same pigment that gives our skin and hair color).
· Chromatophores enable an octopus to camouflage itself with its surroundings by changing the appearance of its epidermis.
· An octopus has three hearts.
Two hearts are used to pump blood to each of the octopus' lungs and the third pumps blood throughout the body.
· Octopi move through the water either by crawling or by jet propulsion.
Octopuses are among the few animals that move by means of jet propulsion. Because jet propulsion requires much energy, many octopuses also crawl when moving more slowly.
Night dives at Phantom Divers are your best opportunity to watch them hunt for food or in constant movement!!!!
Source: http://animals.about.com/od/molluscs/a/octopus-facts.htm
52 (984) 879 3988
· It is a common mistake to refer to an octopus' arms as tentacles. Tentacles are longer than arms. Tentacles usually have suckers only at their tips.
· Most species of octopi can release a thick cloud of black ink that helps to confuse predators and provide the octopus an edge when attempting to escape. One of the pigments in the octopus' ink is melanin (the same pigment that gives our skin and hair color).
· Chromatophores enable an octopus to camouflage itself with its surroundings by changing the appearance of its epidermis.
· An octopus has three hearts.
Two hearts are used to pump blood to each of the octopus' lungs and the third pumps blood throughout the body.
· Octopi move through the water either by crawling or by jet propulsion.
Octopuses are among the few animals that move by means of jet propulsion. Because jet propulsion requires much energy, many octopuses also crawl when moving more slowly.
Night dives at Phantom Divers are your best opportunity to watch them hunt for food or in constant movement!!!!
Source: http://animals.about.com/od/molluscs/a/octopus-facts.htm
Wednesday, November 28, 2012
Shark Fining visual aid!
What is shark finning?
www.phantomdivers.com
info@phantomdivers.com
52 (984) 879 3988
Tuesday, November 27, 2012
Thank you!
Thank you very much to all of you who visited the PHANTOM DIVERS stand at Mexico's Dive Congress, We hope to see you next year!
www.phantomdivers.com
info@phantomdivers.com
52 984 879 3988
Sunday, November 25, 2012
Moray Eel
There
are over 200 different types of Moray Eels around the world, living in a
number of different environments. The smallest moray is about
12cm (5 inches) and the longest is about 4m (13 feet) long. The largest
variety of the species being found in warm tropical waters and reefs
such as the ones you can find in Playa del Carmen, Mexico.
The Moray Eel relies on camouflage and smell to catch its food as it has relatively poor eyesight. It lies in crevaces and waits for its next meal to swim past. To assist with hiding even the inside of the mouth is coloured to fit in with its surroundings. This also allows the moray to lie in waiting with its mouth open to get little warning to the unsuspecting prey. The moray eel also has a second set of jaws that move forward when attacking and give the eel some extra grip on the prey. This second set of jaws also help pass the food down to the stomach of the ray.
There are only a few predators of the moray eel, they include the barracuda, groupers, Sea Snakes and other Moray Eels. The Moray itself is carnivorous and eats just about anything.
The Morays have sometimes been described as bad tempered, however morays are shy and secretive, and attack humans only in self-defense. During our Playa del Cramen dives as well as in Cozumel it is very likely you will encounter several morays! One of the favorite dives offered at Phantom divers are the night dives, were you can actually see how morays hunt for dinner!
www.phantomdivers.com
info@phantomdivers.com
52 (984) 8793988
Sunday, November 18, 2012
This Thanksgiving dive at Phantom divers!
Phantom Divers invites you to escape the cold and dive at Playa del Carmen during this holiday!
Reservations:
www.phantomdivers.com
info@phantomdivers.com
52 (984) 879 3988
Wednesday, November 14, 2012
Rays in Playa del Carmen
Stingrays are part of the same family that sharks, they live in warm
tropical waters, so it is very common to see them during your dives in Playa del Carmen, Riviera Maya, Mexico.
There are many species of rays, which could measure up to 1.8 m in diameter and weigth 1,400 kilograms! The most common types of rays seen by divers at Phantom are: the eagle ray, the yellow stingray, and the southern stingray.
There are many species of rays, which could measure up to 1.8 m in diameter and weigth 1,400 kilograms! The most common types of rays seen by divers at Phantom are: the eagle ray, the yellow stingray, and the southern stingray.
Some features are:
• They swim by moving their pectoral fins, so it seems that they are flying.
• Rays use their smell to find food because they have their eyes on the top of the head.
• Rays feed on molluscs, small crustaceans or plankton.
• Generally, rays have remoras attached to the bottom, looking for leftovers from their feeding.
• They have a particular method of defence, which consists of a poisonous sting ocated in the tail. This serves to attack their predators when the stingrays are buried in the sand.
• They swim by moving their pectoral fins, so it seems that they are flying.
• Rays use their smell to find food because they have their eyes on the top of the head.
• Rays feed on molluscs, small crustaceans or plankton.
• Generally, rays have remoras attached to the bottom, looking for leftovers from their feeding.
• They have a particular method of defence, which consists of a poisonous sting ocated in the tail. This serves to attack their predators when the stingrays are buried in the sand.
Phantom Divers invites you to experience our Playa del Carmen dives, while looking for this amazing and interesting species, known as the most mysterious fish of the marine life!
www.phantomdivers.com
info@phantomdivers.com
52 (984) 8793988
Sunday, November 11, 2012
Sailfish snorkel
The sailfish is the fastest fish which exist, it reaches a speed of 30
meters per second, reaching a distance of 110 km per hour. Just to have a
parameter imagine that this fish can travel an Olympic pool in less
than a second! This is amazing!
This species: Istiophorus platypterus is a migratory species.
Sailfish usually travels alone or in very small groups. It is carnivorous and eats small fish like Blue runners. The season starts in January and ends in March.
Bluewater snorkeling is a new and exciting tour at Phantom Divers. Depending on the season, we leave 12millas away from the coast of Cancun in search of large migratory species.
Approximately in an hour will be arriving at the zone, and then started to look for.
Sometimes we find them quickly at other times takes more time to find them.
Normally we are looking for birds, which feed on the surface and indicate activity beneath the surface.
In addition to the fish candle, we have a good chance of seeing dolphins, false kiwhales, silky sharks. As well as pelagic fish. Phantom divers recommends this snorkeling tour since it gives you the opportunity to experience pelagic life without diving.
This species: Istiophorus platypterus is a migratory species.
Sailfish usually travels alone or in very small groups. It is carnivorous and eats small fish like Blue runners. The season starts in January and ends in March.
Bluewater snorkeling is a new and exciting tour at Phantom Divers. Depending on the season, we leave 12millas away from the coast of Cancun in search of large migratory species.
Approximately in an hour will be arriving at the zone, and then started to look for.
Sometimes we find them quickly at other times takes more time to find them.
Normally we are looking for birds, which feed on the surface and indicate activity beneath the surface.
In addition to the fish candle, we have a good chance of seeing dolphins, false kiwhales, silky sharks. As well as pelagic fish. Phantom divers recommends this snorkeling tour since it gives you the opportunity to experience pelagic life without diving.
For reservations and info:
www.phantomdivers.com
info@phantomdivers.com
52 (984) 879 3988
Thursday, November 8, 2012
How to keep neutral buoyancy!
Maintaing neutral buoyancy is the key to an excellent diving. Buoyancy control
is also very good for the marine environment because it prevents you from
crashing into the coral reef and hurting the underwater habitat.
Phantom Divers got you the best tips:
• Use the proper amount of weights. If the weight are placed properly and you have normal breathing, you should be able to float at eye level. Then you can slowly sink yourself by relaxing and exhaling completely, and making sure all the air is out of your BCD, and lungs. If you sink too fast it means you are carrying too much weight!
• Always adjust your weights for what you are wearing and the place where you are diving, because remember that the water temperature plays a big roll on it
• It is important to place yourself horizontally as soon as you can. Add small amounts of air to your BCD to descend more slowly and reach the end with neutral buoyancy.
• Remember that the dive tanks will be lighter during the dive so you will need to have greater control.
• Relax and breathe normally, inhaling or exhaling a little air can make a big difference.
• For a subtle adjustment, try to use a breath control first before using your BCD inflator. You can adjust your buoyancy, simply by taking a deep breath or exhaling.
• Always remember not to hold your breath.
Phantom Divers got you the best tips:
• Use the proper amount of weights. If the weight are placed properly and you have normal breathing, you should be able to float at eye level. Then you can slowly sink yourself by relaxing and exhaling completely, and making sure all the air is out of your BCD, and lungs. If you sink too fast it means you are carrying too much weight!
• Always adjust your weights for what you are wearing and the place where you are diving, because remember that the water temperature plays a big roll on it
• It is important to place yourself horizontally as soon as you can. Add small amounts of air to your BCD to descend more slowly and reach the end with neutral buoyancy.
• Remember that the dive tanks will be lighter during the dive so you will need to have greater control.
• Relax and breathe normally, inhaling or exhaling a little air can make a big difference.
• For a subtle adjustment, try to use a breath control first before using your BCD inflator. You can adjust your buoyancy, simply by taking a deep breath or exhaling.
• Always remember not to hold your breath.
At Phantom Divers we want to make sure you have the best experience!
www.phantomdivers.com
info@phantomdivers.com
52 (984) 879 3988
Wednesday, November 7, 2012
Tuesday, November 6, 2012
Little seahorse at Playa del Carmen
Seahorse seen today at Playa del Carmen Reefs with Phantom Divers
www.phantomdivers.com
info@phantomdivers.com
(984) 8793988
Sunday, November 4, 2012
Bull Shark
The sharks have inhabited the planet since 400
million years ago, these unpredictable animals have always generated fear
because of the little and scattered information available.
Bull sharks are recognized by the following characteristics: in the middle part of the body are wider than other sharks, they are grey on top and white on the bottom, have 2 dorsal fins, the front one larger. The nose is wide and round, not pointed like other sharks, they reach up to 2.5 meters and weigh up to 250 kg, females are larger than males.
Recently shark populations has decreased, sharks are caught only to cut off their fins and then thrown into the sea in order to use this part of their body as exotic food.
Beyond our fears, each time we become more aware that the human being is not part of the shark´s diet. A bad reputation of killers has been created around sharks, however we have witnesed in our recent experiences, a behavior in which the shark interacts with us, being an interesting and surprisingly harmless species.
Bull sharks are recognized by the following characteristics: in the middle part of the body are wider than other sharks, they are grey on top and white on the bottom, have 2 dorsal fins, the front one larger. The nose is wide and round, not pointed like other sharks, they reach up to 2.5 meters and weigh up to 250 kg, females are larger than males.
They are viviparous (embryos develop in the placenta),
in the Playa del Carmen area sharks aree born at the end of the spring and
early summer. Gestation time is 11 or 12 months, and sharks come to have from 1 to 13 babies.
The size at birth varies between 60 and 80 cm in length. Sharks become sexually
mature between 10 and 15 years. They manage to live an average of 32 years.
Sharks have incredible sensory systems that
makes them great predators:
• Vision: they have a poor sense of sight,
but they can feel movements of shadow and light. Even in the night.
• Hearing: Hearing is acute, they can perceive low frequency sounds and determine the direction where it comes from.
• Olfaction: They can perceive the presence of small quantities of certain substances such as blood of other fish and determine its origin.
• Touch: Sharks impact objects with the nose to determine whether they are edible or not.
• Taste: Sharks have taste cells in the mouth and throat that allows them to discern between the edible and inedible.
• Electroreceptors: (Lorenzini ampoules) They come along from the brain tthough all the body in a lateral line, which serves to capture waves and vibrations over great distances. Like a fish that do not swim well or are injured.
• Hearing: Hearing is acute, they can perceive low frequency sounds and determine the direction where it comes from.
• Olfaction: They can perceive the presence of small quantities of certain substances such as blood of other fish and determine its origin.
• Touch: Sharks impact objects with the nose to determine whether they are edible or not.
• Taste: Sharks have taste cells in the mouth and throat that allows them to discern between the edible and inedible.
• Electroreceptors: (Lorenzini ampoules) They come along from the brain tthough all the body in a lateral line, which serves to capture waves and vibrations over great distances. Like a fish that do not swim well or are injured.
The more knowledge we have of these animals
the more we can be in harmony with them and stop destroing them.
Recently shark populations has decreased, sharks are caught only to cut off their fins and then thrown into the sea in order to use this part of their body as exotic food.
Beyond our fears, each time we become more aware that the human being is not part of the shark´s diet. A bad reputation of killers has been created around sharks, however we have witnesed in our recent experiences, a behavior in which the shark interacts with us, being an interesting and surprisingly harmless species.
Bull Sharks have been classified among the
three most dangerous shark species (white, Tiger and Bull. However it is
important to understand that most of the attacks that have been attributed to
the bull shark, apparently, have occurred in shallow waters with poor
visibility. For example: the mouths of rivers, lagoons and estuaries. These
attacks have been partial and are considered more a confusion that a purpose of
power.
The statistics allow us to deduce that more people are killed by the impact of a lightning strike than by interaction with sharks (Rio de Janeiro-a total of 75 Brazilians died victims of lightning in 2008). According to the international shark attack files, there are recorded about 70 attacks per year of which 15 to 20 are fatal. In what it refers to divers; There have been a total of 243 attacks since 1580 of which only 36 were fatal.
The statistics allow us to deduce that more people are killed by the impact of a lightning strike than by interaction with sharks (Rio de Janeiro-a total of 75 Brazilians died victims of lightning in 2008). According to the international shark attack files, there are recorded about 70 attacks per year of which 15 to 20 are fatal. In what it refers to divers; There have been a total of 243 attacks since 1580 of which only 36 were fatal.
It is estimated that an average of 100
million sharks are killed each year: therefore human being becomes the main and
biggest threat to this species.
We are fortunate to have them here in Playa del Carmen year after year; to be able to observe them, learn from them and keep a record of their behavior in order to help in their preservation for future generations.
HELP US TO CARE FOR THEM!
We are fortunate to have them here in Playa del Carmen year after year; to be able to observe them, learn from them and keep a record of their behavior in order to help in their preservation for future generations.
HELP US TO CARE FOR THEM!
Sunday, October 28, 2012
Halloween
This Halloween join us at Phantom divers for some night dives!!!
For more information contact us at:
www.phantomdivers.com
info@phantomdivers.com
52 (984) 879 3988
Advantages of diving in the Mexican Caribbean
The Caribbean is normally warm, clear and calm.
In the Summer, the surface can seem like a sheet of glass.
Very little tidal action is observed.
Water temperatures average is 28C/82F in the Summer and
25C/77F in the Winter..Sometimes it gets as high as 29C/85F in the summer!
The excellent visibility often exceeds 30m/100ft.
If you have never dive before, DO NOT WORRY! Here in phantom divers we offer the discovery scuba dive tour which includes a brief introduction to diving, and gives you the chance to discover the marvelous life of the Caribbean.
www.phantomdivers.com
info@phantomdivers.com
52 (984) 879 3988
Thursday, October 18, 2012
Shipwreck at Playa del Carmen dives!!!
While diving with Phantom Divers in Playa del Carmen you can go to the wreck of Mama Viña, which sits upright in about 96ft of
water.
This steel hulled ship was intentionally sunk in 1996 after having suffered
extensive damage during a hurricane. Mama Viña is located just south
of Xcaret, here you can ind barracuda, jacks, and much more.
The currents here can be strong at times, however the Mama
Viña makes an excellent introduction to wreck diving, especially if you are interested in doing your advanced open water course where it is a requirement.
Although the wreck has recently been sunk, corals have quickly covered most of the surfaces.
Gloves and a long wetsuit are highly recommended.
This is not a difficult dive, but given the depth, and currents, it should
be considered an advanced site.
For more information contact us
www.phantomdivers.com
or
info@phantomdivers.com
Monday, October 15, 2012
Diving in Cozumel
Cozumel
is the Mexican island in the caribbean sea just 45 minutes off Playa delCarmen. Cozumel in Mayan means “land of the swallow” because of its many native
bird species. Its ocean is filled with corals, fish, sea turtles, and much
more. The reefs vary from shallow to extremely deep. However, the water is
extremely clear so the visibility is perfect, it is really easy to see all the
corals and sea life even as a snorkeler.Remember that at Phantom divers we have daily trips to Cozumel Island where you can explore the wonders of their reefs and marine life.
Jacques
Cousteau, first introduced the world to Cozumel’s reef ; which is the second
largest coral reef in the world: the great Mesoamerican Barrier Reef or the
Palancar Reef, the system extends all the way from northern Yucatan to Honduras
Cozumel
also offers several Mayan archaeological sites. The biggest ones are those at
San Gervasio.
Join us to discover this and much more the Mexican Caribbean offers us.
Send us an email for your reservation:
info@phantomdivers.com
or
check our website for more information
www.phantomdivers.com
Join us to discover this and much more the Mexican Caribbean offers us.
Send us an email for your reservation:
info@phantomdivers.com
or
check our website for more information
www.phantomdivers.com
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