Demand for shark fin in Asia is so voracious that shark populations all around the world are being attacked. Read this release from AFP news wire about a recent example in Colombia. Read more…

FiNS Contributor Tony Wu was recently in Bangkok. Watch as he helps(?) Khun Ladawan of Waterworld BKK open a durian. We realise this isn’t directly related to diving, but it’s funny anyway.

The Pew Institute for Ocean Science reports that DNA tests reveal that fins from basking sharks, which are protected under Appendix II of CITES and listed as “Endangered” by the IUCN, are still available in many places, citing Hong Kong, Japan and the United States as examples. Read more...

Looking for an adventure of a lifetime? Consider joining Wetpixel moderators and FiNS Magazine contributors Eric Cheng and Dr. Alexander Mustard on an expedition aboard the M/V Solmar V to the Revillagigedos Islands (also known as the Socorro Islands), 250 miles south of the southern tip of Baja California, Mexico, from February 2-10, 2008. Manta rays, jacks, tuna, whale sharks, reef sharks, groupers…you get the idea. Click here for all the details.

Subscribe to FiNS Magazine or renew your existing subscription during the Thailand Travel and Dive Expo (TDEX) from 24 to 27 May at the Queen Sirikit Convention Center in Bangkok, and you’ll have a chance to win one of three spectacular diving trips to some of the most sought-after resorts and boats in Asia.

Don’t miss out! Visit us at booths P115-116 during the show.

Prizes up for grabs include: Read more…

Check out this amusing video clip on Tony Wu’s blog about an encounter he recently had with a hungry frogfish.

We received this image from Mulwardi Tjitra in Manado, who’s pictured here enjoying the most recent issue of FiNS Magazine with his morning coffee. Mul is the manager of Euro-Divers Indonesia, which is the dive operation located at the new 5-star Hotel Sedona Manado in the world-famous dive destination of North Sulawesi.

If you’re considering a trip to Manado soon, contact Mul to check out his new dive centre. And remember � next time you�re on your travels, take a photo of yourself reading FiNS and email us!

Looks like feedback to this request for help was taken constructively by North Lakes State College in Queensland, Australia and a planned mass balloon release was called off. Following is the text of an email sent out by the educational institute: Read more…

UWATEC AG’s General Manager, Sergio Angelini, will be conducting a seminar this 30 April 2007 in celebration of the launch of the new Galileo SOL dive computer, which is touted to be the world’s most sophisticated diving computer. Held at UWATEC AG’s Ka Yip Street showroom in Hong Kong, the seminar will include a hands-on experience with the Galileo SOL. Seating is limited and will be on a first-come, first-served basis.

For bookings and additional information, contact abao@scubaproasiapacific.com�

The event of the year is coming! The Thailand Travel & Dive Expo 2007, organized by N.C.C. Exhibition Organizer Co. Ltd., will be held 24 - 27 May 2007 at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center, Bangkok, Thailand.

Meet dive operators and dive resorts at the Expo, or book interesting package tours and dive courses at various levels, offered at special prices that you won’t find at any other events this year! The Expo will also play host to the third TDEX Underwater Photo Contest, and the second Thailand Travel Photo Contest.