Check out this recent video of the wreck of the Hydro Atlantic prepared by Lisa Edwards. The Hydro Atlantic sank off the coast of Boca Raton, Florida during a storm in the 1980s and today sits in 172 feet (52 metres) of water, covered with life. Many regard the vessel to be one of the top wreck dives in the world.Join the crew of Dive Rite Express on this brief video tour of the wreck during a 60-minute, open-circuit decompression dive.

One of the many challenges facing tropical reefs is the live reef fish trade. In case there’s any doubt in your mind, the live fish you see in fish tanks in restaurants in Singapore, Hong Kong, Taipei and other Asian cities more than likely come direct-to-you from the same reefs you dive.

And unfortunately, if the fish are in the tank, they’re not on the reef. Even worse, for every fish in the tank, there are dozens if not hundreds more that died in transit.

The ever-growing demand for live reef fish is taking an enormous toll on tropical reefs, with fleets going ever farther in search of more supply as reefs in Asia run out of viable fish supplies.

Don’t believe it? Read this account of what’s happening in Palau right now.

The final issue of FiNS for 2007 is out now! Look for it in your postbox, or if you don’t have sufficient patience and self-control to wait, download the issue here or via iTunes.

We’ve got stories on Raja Ampat, Micronesia and Phuket, a stunning portfolio of whale shark images from Shell Wildlife Photographer of the Year prize winner Felipe Barrio, sex talk from Alex Mustard, a special holiday message from Gadget Guru…and yes, Plub of our Dive Diary column finally finished her Divemaster training! Grab this feature-packed issue now for these stories and much more.

Have you seen the latest from Dive Rite? The LED 300 Lumen Dive Light is now available in two configurations, both with a level of illumination previously available only in primary canister lights.

The hand-held configuration delivers a flashlight-sized form-factor, while the corded configuration (featuring a corded light head and separate battery canister) offers a smaller form-factor in your hand and the option of traditional hands-free mounting.

A nice feature of the corded configuration is that simply by adding or removing the cord assembly, the light may be quickly and easy converted between the corded and hand-held configurations. The cord is also available separately for divers who already have an LED 300 Lumen light.

See more at www.DiveRiteExpress.com

Once upon a time, there were two little boys who visited a lovely beach in Phuket. After playing nicely in the beautiful white sand together in the morning while debating feverishly over who looked better in a wetsuit, they sat down for a chat and came to the sudden and horrifying realisation that despite being the Publisher and Associate Publisher respectively of a major diving magazine, neither had been in the water for a very, very long time. Saddened by this unfortunate and ironic twist of fate, the determined pair decided to remedy the situation. Quicker than a sinking weight, the fearless leader and junior leader donned their (rented) dive gear and headed off into the blue, though one of them obviously forgot how to put on his fins.

Leandro Blanco’s latest short film “One For All” is now available for free at iTunes as episode 48 of DiveFilm Podcast Video. Blanco’s stunning creation was recently awarded the prestigious F.F.C.V. (French Federation of Cinema and Video) Prize at the World Festival of Underwater Images in Antibes, France. “This new work is a masterpiece of underwater film, and an inspiration to all of us who love the ocean,” said Mary Lynn Price, DiveFilm’s producer. Two versions of “One for All” are actually available, one narrated by the beloved Stan Waterman, and an earlier version narrated by filmmaker Blanco, himself.

Also, a new DiveFilm High Definition Podcast was just released featuring the work of California filmmaker, Mike Boom from the San Francisco Bay Area. Boom’s film “Green Water, White Mirth” is a playful look at the antics of juvenile Harbor Seals as they tease divers, including the filmmaker. “White Mirth” was an audience favorite at the recent San Diego UnderSea Film Exhibition.

Both podcasts are available for free at iTunes. For more information on how to access the podcasts, and links to get to them, visit DiveFilm.com

Sam’s Tours in Palau has just completed a major renovation project, with new guest lockers, rental center and compressor room facilities. They’ve expanded the guest area, paved the car park, extended the roof, expanded the bar (really important)…plus they’ve done lots of other stuff to give the whole place makeover. Isn’t it about time you visited to check it out for yourself?

Read more about the latest happenings at Sam’s Tour on their blog.