News
Misool Ranger Patrol
Li Lé Blue would like to thank all our customers for their support of the Misool Ranger Patrol through their purchases. Ranger Patrol is managing the 1220 sq. km of the Misool Marine Reserve, and it is funded by donations and grants. You are making the difference. Acording to scientific studies, on average, between 2007 and 2021 in the patroled area fish biomass increased by 248% and the sub-population of reef mantas at Misool has doubled over 10 years.The area boasts spectacular range of species which remain protected thanks to hard work of the Misool Resort and Misool Foundation staff and volunteers.
Photo courtesy of Missool Foundation.
Ocean Art Contest Announces the World’s
Best Underwater Photography
The prestigious Ocean Art Underwater Photo Competition, organized by the Underwater Photography Guide, has announced the results of the world’s largest underwater photo contest. Although the AI revolution has quickly changed the global photographic landscape, this year’s winners are a testament to humanity’s creative perseverance over machine. With new rules against the use of generative AI imagery in our primary categories, these photos are 100% real. This year’s best in show image features a rare and fascinating portrait of a Crab-Eating Macaque resolutely swimming through the ocean, captured by Suliman Alatiqi. The photo is a result of weeks of planning and documentation, and it represents the zeal and commitment needed to capture the world’s best underwater image. Ocean Art could not have been possible without the help of our generous sponsors who were responsible for the largest selection of prizes ever in an underwater photo contest – with over $120,000 in prizes awarded! Li Lé Blue donated Watersports Hair Care as prizes for Honorable Mention in each of the categories.
Winning photos can be seen at the Underwater Photography Guide at https://www.uwphotographyguide.com/ocean-art-contest-winners-2023
Photo by Suliman Alatiqi
Although all the photographs are stunning, one of our most favourites of the Ocean Art Contest is the "Spinner Stampede" captured by Ines Goovaerts in Marsa Alam, Egypt. Reed below her story behind the shot.
"While on assignment in Marsa Alam, Egypt I was fortunate to capture this family portrait of a local pod of nearly hundred majestic spinner dolphins. Known for their acrobatic displays, they exhibit intricate social behaviors that strengthen group cohesion and communication, indicating a high level of social intelligence. While respecting their boundaries, I observed and photographed the pod coming in for a closer look at that strange human object hovering in front of them, resulting in this photograph. Ever so thrilled I was seeing the capture afterwards. A mind-blowing, emotional and humble encounter never to forget. One of those precious and ever so intriguing ocean moments where you forget who is actually investigating who."
Photo by Ines Goovaerts
International Scuba Day Celebrated with Scuba Day Live
On August 6th 2023, the scuba diving industry came together to mark the first-ever International Scuba Day, a significant event for the global diving community. The team behind this momentous occasion is thrilled to share the immense support and enthusiasm received from scuba brands, dive shops, and individual divers worldwide. Li Lé Blue is proud to be one of the sponsors of the first International Scuba Day.
Highlighting the festivities of this day was the "Scuba Day Live”. This live event was more than just a celebration; it was a gathering of ideas, experiences, and a shared love for what lies beneath the surface. Thousands of listeners tuned in, eager to be part of this historic day.
We had the privilege of being joined by distinguished representatives from DAN Europe, The Reef-World Foundation, and World Adventure Divers during the Scuba Day Live. Their invaluable insights, coupled with the tales and experiences they shared, made for an enthralling conversation.
"We are profoundly moved by the support from the global diving community," said Christos Nicolaou, Divemaster and editor at DIVEIN and a key member of the International Scuba Day team. "Scuba Day Live shows how the global diving community rallies to celebrate, educate, and inspire.”
We are excited about the prospect of making International Scuba Day an annual tradition that continues to unite and engage divers from all backgrounds. With the success of Scuba Day Live and the first International Scuba Day, the future of this celebration looks bright. The team behind the event is already preparing for next year with aspirations to elevate it to even greater heights.
For more details about International Scuba Day and Scuba Day Live or to participate in next year's festivities, please contact christos@divein.com.
About International Scuba Day: International Scuba Day is an annual celebration dedicated to the global diving community. Its mission is to unite divers from all corners of the globe, share experiences, champion underwater conservation, and cultivate a sense of camaraderie among enthusiasts. The 6th of August was chosen as the date Yves Le Prieur made his first public demonstration of the very first autonomous self-contained breathing apparatus in a swimming pool in Paris, France, in 1926.
