Browsing Tag

sharks

Sea Shepherd Launches in the U.A.E.

Posted on January 2, 2018

Talking to Natalie Banks, head of the newly regionalised branch of infamous global activist’s Sea Shepherd, it’s hard not to get as passionate as her when you discuss the plight of the ocean and the issues these eco-warriors face on a daily basis when it comes to marine conservation, but they have officially launched in the U.A.E., as an awareness group, aiming to unite with governmental organisations here to help drive forward the changes needed.

What does Sea Shepherd do exactly

Sea Shepherd is a marine conservation organisation. Established in 1977, Sea Shepherd aims to end the destruction of habitat and slaughter of marine life in the world’s ocean in order to conserve and protect ecosystems and marine species. Sea Shepherd has 12 vessels which it uses to get mainly volunteer crew on the high seas to investigate, document and take action when necessary to expose and confront illegal activities and to stop these operations. By safeguarding the biodiversity of delicately balanced ocean ecosystems, Sea Shepherd works to ensure their survival for future generations.

What are your plans for the U.A.E.

Sea Shepherd in the United Arab Emirates is currently running two campaigns;

Marine Debris focused on the removal of plastics and litter from beaches as well as growing awareness of the sustainable products available that can replace single-use plastics. Sea Shepherd has a strong relationship with suppliers like Keep-Cup that people can use instead of the traditional take-away coffee cup for example.

Apex Harmony, focused on the awareness of shark conservation and the important role sharks play in keeping oceans healthy.

Sea Shepherd UAE is also working on a dolphin conservation awareness campaign with plans to roll these out to both adults and children in 2018.

What are the current issues facing the region?

One of the biggest issues facing marine conservation globally is the issue of plastic debris. Micro-Plastics are even being found in sea salts and in fish which humans then go on to eat. It is toxic and harmful to both marine life and human beings, with the consumption of plastics being attributed to breathing problems, infertility, cancer and even death.

There is also a disconnect regarding the awareness of the benefits marine animals provide humans. Sharks ensure coral reefs aren’t constantly riddled with algae, whale poop actually has been shown to offset carbon in the atmosphere, making the air humans breathe cleaner and healthier.

How can we get involved if we want to?

Sea Shepherd UAE aims to build connections between residents and the local marine life. The organisation is purely volunteer based and anyone with a passion for marine conservation can join. Those interested can send an expression of interest to uaeadmin@seashepherdglobal.org and they can keep up to date with our activities by following us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram at Sea Shepherd UAE.

I’m living in the gorgeous merchandise I picked up at RIPE market, like the Gypsea one piece and hoodie with their famous skull and harpoon logo on it, and I love it when others recognise the effort and high five you mid walk. Get involved people.

travel

Kurumba: An Underwater Haven

Posted on March 31, 2017

If it’s the fish you fancy most about the Maldives and its abundant blue ocean, then the underwater world at Kurumba is for you. Named Vihamanaafushi after the word for coconut, this diver’s paradise opened back in 1972 and is one of the longest running resorts in all the atolls. Kurumba began with just 30 rooms that were all constructed using local materials with walls made from coral stone and roofs composed of palm thatch. It’s close to Male airport in the North, which makes it even more appealing for the weekend warrior.

There’s a much more relaxed and casual atmosphere here, as apposed to the other often-intimidating 5* resorts in the area, it’s perfect for families or for the solo traveller looking for a bit of winter sunshine.

Currents and reef at this time of year bring with it an abundance of fish feeding on plankton – the current moves around the island with a strong pull and limits your efforts snorkeling so you wont get exhausted quickly, you can just enjoy the ride and take in the array of aquatic action.

The reef here is less damaged than the rest of the Maldives, with less bleaching affecting the corals as apposed to the more southern atolls. Sky blue lagoons and darker reef drops are visibly different in vibrancy to the deeper turquoise shallows elsewhere.

Expect to get up close and personal with the local black tip sharks, barracuda, eels and a few house reef turtles too. There’s an app in the Maldives that’s used by the marine biologists across the islands to help identify turtles, whale sharks, manta’s and stingrays, with just a couple of close up shots, you can determine if you’ve stumbled across a newbie (which you get to name) or if they’re locals and have been named before!

For those looking to keep their head above water for a bit longer to enjoy the beautiful weather… the spa on Kurumba is a breathe of fresh air. Take in a signature massage for an hour to truly enjoy your time off. If like me you’re looking to stay a little more active in between your snorkeling sessions, sign up for a sunrise yoga with their dedicated island instructor and wake up with a little extra good energy.

Retreat To These 3 Worlds of Wellness

Posted on September 28, 2016

Chenot Palace Health & Wellness Hotel, Gabala Azerbaijan
Opening on the 1st November, the Chenot Palace is introducing a completely new wellness landscape to us in the heart of Azerbaijan. Not immediately recognised as a luscious and bountiful green wonderland, this new retreat bring us the Chenot Method. For those of you that aren’t familiar with this concept – “the Chenot Method is a unique combination of treatments and diet that in synergy aim to protect effectively the body from damage and toxins accumulation and premature aging.” …interest peaked.“The protocols of these treatments are collectively known as the Chenot Method and combine the principles of Chinese medicine with the latest scientific advances in medicine and state of the art diagnostic technology.”

They are boasting a highly professional team of doctors, dieticians and therapists who will be able to reveal the lifelines and energy flows through our bodies, aiding in the elimination of blockages and restrictions within them. The Chenot’s treatments are said to help balance our emotions too! (I can think of at least four people who need this right now including me)… Sign me up.

Anantara Kihavah, Maldives Villas

So I’ve ticked diving with sharks off my list but swimming with up to 100 manta rays in the Indian Ocean sounds like a fairy tale! And what’s even better, I don’t need to get my license in order to do so. Free diving with these gorgeous creatures is truly an amazing opportunity and as this year’s manta ray season ends in November, I suggest you book Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas quick. It all happens at the protected site of Hanifaru Bay, only 45 minutes away from the resort and is the world’s largest natural manta feeding destination. Don’t worry though, it’s not island style free diving – they have a PADI – accredited, newly launched free diving centre to help guide you.

The resort itself is located in Baa Atoll, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. So expect more than just these magical sightings when you’re there! I’ll be booking before the water gets too cold…

Banyan Tree, Phuket

Thailand has it’s own unique vibes and anyone whose ever visited this part of Asia will understand the pull to return time and time again. Most of my excursions here have either been up north or to one of the beautiful surrounding islands so this Phuket retreat sounds downright heavenly! Not one to sit still, there’s plenty of adventure to be had here too. Picture an awe-inspiring resort encased by swaying palm trees and turquoise waters. Sensational villas each with private pools, a world-renowned spa and dinners that will take your breath away!

If you’re a bit more of a culture vulture, head to Old town and spot the Portuguese influences amongst the villas, boutiques and streets. The Buddhist temples too are exquisite, Wat Chalong is one not to be missed, but try to avoid buying any Buddha relics or souvenirs as it’s not looked at favourably with the locals.

Adventure Animals Hotspot travel Winter

Life in the Bay for Christmas

Posted on December 29, 2015

I love South Africa. I’m particularly in love with the southern coastline, from Cape Town to Plettenberg, it’s nothing but blue skies, blue seas and beautiful people!

It feels like Christmas every day here, waking up to the most gorgeous bay views and sea air. It’s amazing how tired salty air can make you, but you definitely feel like you’ve had a long, fruitful (if not too eventful) day. The African sun is relentless too, warm yes, but strong, even when it’s overcast. We welcome the odd splashes of rain.

This sleepy bayside town wakes up for 2 weeks a year to a plethora of surfers, VIP’s and people like us, who are just looking for some winter sunshine, all mingling in beautiful café’s with quaint views, and the same long waiting lists.

The days are spent surfing, shopping, eating and napping, whilst the evenings gather everyone around the BBQ’s. The smell I tell you is fantastic. I’m a vegetarian but oh my…

I’ve been so glad for two particular necessities here, one is Neutrogena’s sun cream and the other, is their chap stick… with the winter winds out on the water raging, my normally semi-coiffed hair hasn’t had a look in this holiday, and it’s been great to let go. Apart from getting the odd eyeball whipping from the baby strands around my face, it’s actually been nice to not care.

We had a fantastic day out on the water yesterday, venturing out with the ocean safari team with our sights set on finding some whales, (it’s technically out of season but I was optimistic none the less). What we did see straight away was a large seal feasting on a stingray, happily enjoying his well deserved breakfast with the ever-growing fear of the dreaded ‘Robberg Express’ hanging over him. The Robberg express is not the channel between which all the sharks roam as I later found out; it’s the name of a singularly enormous creature that haunts the bay. (May be why I haven’t gotten into the water to surf yet…)

As he rolled on his back, waved at us and promptly sank beneath the waves, we moved on in search of more aquatic wonders. We headed straight for the coastline where we saw a collective of at least 30 bottlenose dolphins hugging the waves in fear of the Express, and followed their movements in the swells for a good half an hour. Soaking up the sun from the top deck, with these small, beautiful mammals playing next to us was a moment of absolute perfection. Then we spotted (I spotted and alerted the boat rather loudly) a baby hammerhead shark off to the right, swimming with a small family of indo-pacific humpback dolphins! (These are incredibly incredibly rare – hence my exclamation mark).

After what was the perfect way to start the day, we felt it was only right to end it just as memorably. Dinner last night was at a little romantic hotspot called Emily Moon River Lodge… it boasts spectacular views across polo fields and wet lands by day, the ideal place for a sunset aperitif or two!

Anyway, I’m off to enjoy the rest of it now… ☺