| 2005 Daytime Speakers |
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The Boston Sea Rovers are the proud sponsors of the “Longest Continuously Running Dive Show in the World,” a distinction made possible primarily due to the excellent quality of speakers that have continued to grace our stages. We take great pleasure in hosting the best educators, explorers, scientists, divers and speakers in the world. The purpose of these lectures help us to achieve our club our mission, “To educate the general public about the underwater world.” Our daytime presentations form the backbone of our show. In two days we will host over 40 speakers covering a myriad of diving and marine related topics. Each hour there are three simultaneous lectures being held on Saturday and Sunday from 9am to 5 pm. You get to choose which speaker or topic you would like to see based on your interests.
2005 Daytime SpeakersSaturday, March 5, 2005
Sunday, March 6, 2005
Presentation AbstractsClick on a presenter's name to learn more.
50 Years of New England DivingAbstract: A lecture, accompanied by a slide presentation, which depicts the beginning of the sport of scuba diving in New England. Pictures of “homemade” gear will be included as well as the risks they presented. Presenter: Gerald F. Comeau
A Taste of European Wreck DivingAbstract: A quick tour of some of the amazing wreck diving taking place in Europe, including wrecks from the World War I “Battle of Jutland”, the world’s greatest maritime tragedy the sinking of the “Wilhelm Gustloff”, shipwrecks off the Mediterranean island of Malta, and the wrecks of Narvick Harbor. Presenter: Brad Sheard
Antarctica: The Frozen ContinentAbstract: The frozen wilderness of the last continent, Antarctica, has long held a spellbinding fascination for scientists and explorers alike. Recently, this remote place has become accessible to scuba divers. Join Eco-Photo Explorers as they journey across the turbulent Drake Passage to explore the pristine underwater wilderness along the Antarctic Peninsula. Along the way, dramatic landscapes, fascinating wildlife and heart stopping adventure make for a truly inspiring program. This program will discuss expedition logistics, diving equipment, Antarctic wildlife, the Southern Ocean and the geology of Antarctica. Presenter: Michael Salvareza & Christopher Weaver
Beneath the Irish IslesAbstract: This presentation will take the audience into the rarely explored waters off the coast of Ireland. Highlights include amazing color and wide ranging biodiversity from dolphins and seals to blue lobsters, colorful fish, and tiny mating cuttlefish. The subject of a feature story in the March 2005 issue of National Geographic Magazine, Brian Skerry will present images from his 10-week assignment and Nigel Motyer will present images from a lifetime of diving in Ireland. Presenter: Brian Skerry & Nigel Motyer
Beneath the Waves & Great White Sharks in MotionAbstract: Take a journey with photographer Mauricio Handler into some of the best destinations close to home on the Western hemisphere. This tightly edited slide and digital media show will present some of fine images acquired during his years as a National Geographic Assistant to David Doubilet, and other personal assignments. Part two of this presentation highlights images created with the new Kodak DCS Pro 14n 14 mp full frame digital camera in a prototype housing by Aquatica. The bulk of the images emphasize the use of motion and Great White Sharks of Guadalupe. Presenter: Mauricio Handler
Beyond GravityAbstract: SCUBA diving by its very nature is an adaptive sport. Without the basic “adaptive” equipments we all rely on to explore the underwater world, the deep would still be the once mysterious and uncharted frontier formerly feared by our ancestors. Minimally our needs include a SCUBA cylinder with backpack/BC, regulator, mask, fins, and a weight belt to overcome buoyancy. So how or why would one think these requirements differ for the disabled? SCUBA diving for people with disabilities and adaptive needs is possible through proper education and training, public awareness, instructors trained in the techniques for working with the disabled, and facilities with transportation available that comply with wheelchair accessibility, and provisions for the hearing and visually impaired. This presentation will show how divers with disabilities and adaptive needs are able to dive from boats with minimal help, the barriers they overcome will be discussed along with where the diving industry is today. Presenter: N/A
Block Ships of Burra SoundAbstract: Scapa Flow is famous for the “Grand Seattle” the largest act of navel suicide in history. But it is its history as a Royal Navy base during the world wars which led to some of its approaches being blocked by intentionally sinking ships to serve as obsticals. One such approach, the Burra Sound, now hosts great wrecks, covered with life, nestled in tidal waters which make for superb diving. Presenter: Tom Easop
Bring a War Ship to a Dive Site Near You!Abstract: The US Government will fund the conversion of 400 obsolete war ships into artificial reefs. This presentation will show you what the Ships to Reefs program is and how you can bring a retired War Ship to your area to create an amazing and historical dive site. Presenter: Michael LaVecchio
Coral Reef Update & Barracuda AttacksAbstract: The critical need for large-scale coral reef restoration has become increasingly obvious and critical after the Indian Ocean Tsunami and massive coral mortality form global warming, new diseases, and land based sources of pollution. Coral reefs restored by the Biorock electrical method survived the Tsunami undamaged, and have been shown to increase coral growth rates 3-5 times, coral healing from breaking by more than 20 times, and survival from extreme temperatures 16-50 times. Although these unique features make the Biorock method the superior choice for saving corals damaged by Tsunamis and Hurricanes, there has tragically been no funding to do so. Nevertheless the lowest lying atoll countries of the Indian Ocean and the Pacific now recognize the urgent need to immediately apply the best technologies for large scale reef restoration, using previously untapped renewable energy resources. Barracuda attacks on humans will also be briefly discussed. Presenter: Tom Goreau
Deep Dea Detectives - Diving for the History ChannelAbstract: Show co-host Richie Kohler and executive produce/underwater cinematograpgher DJ Doller, will discuss how the Deep Sea Detectives series is produced and describe what it is like behind the scenes. They will also highlight their latest expedition to the Dominican Republic. This project involved helicopters, deep jungle, repelling down 100 feet to a cave system and then diving to 200 feet to film artifacts over a thousand years. Presenter: Richie Kohler & D.J. Roller
Dive Cayman!Abstract: Showcase Cayman Islands as one of the top 10 dive destinations in the world. Provide hurricane impact updates. What the three islands have to effect service above and below the water. We have non-stop service to get them there. Fortune favors the bold! Come to the Cayman Islands. Presenter: Kathleen Mahoney McGuiness
Dive Guantanamo!Abstract: It’s not exactly the place you’d go for vacation. In fact, you can only get permission to visit if you have a relative serving on the base… or you’re a photojournalist who’s given permission to document the underwater world, just yards from where Al Queda detainees are being held. Asked to do a story on the “lighter side” of Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, Ethan Gordon presents his fascinating account of what it’s like to visit and dive this controversial, combat status base. Presenter: Ethan Gordon
Diving Accident Management & Hyperbaric ChambersAbstract: This presentation will educate and entertain on the physics, physiology of DCI and how Hyperbaric chambers, treatment profiles and gases that are used to treat DCI. Glenn Butler is the Clinical Director of Hyperbaric Medicine at Westchester Medical Center, Nassau University Medical Center and The Mount Vernon Hospital. These facilities treat many of the DCI patient referrals and Carbon Monoxide poisoning cases in the New York tri-state area. Glenn is a nationally known expert with over 32 years of personal and professional experience in the treatment of DCI. Presenter: Glenn Butler
Dunderburg: A High Seas MurderAbstract: Not only was the Dunderberg involved in a precedence setting murder case, it is also one of the most pristine examples of an early wooden sailing vessel. The Dunderberg’s most prominent feature is an intricately carved figurehead of an alligator. She is a time capsule with rigging, deadeyes, and blaying pins and pulleys scattered upon her deck. Join the Out of the Blue Dive Team as they explore this awe inspiring three masted sailing vessel. Presenter: Jim & Pat Stayer
Eastern Remote Region of IndonesiaAbstract: A narrated slide presentation detailing exploration of the remotest areas of Indonesia’s eastern archipelago. Beginning in January of 2004, Gilliam was part of three expeditions that embarked on some of the first modern voyages to survey the diving potential of the country’s scattered islands from Irian Jaya (the west end of New Guinea) through the Raja Empat island group and on the historically significant Banda Sea. The area of the world is largely uninhabited and life proceeds in a virtual time warp in the few village settlements that do exist. Whaling is still practiced on one island. In remote Bandaneira, once the center of the trading universe during the Dutch Spice Trade era, the island seems frozen back in the 1600’s. Located along the renowned Ring of Fire, the region also features more active volcanoes than anywhere else. This is home to some of the most biodiverse marine communities found in the world. A wild color palette is presented with the endless macro subjects including pygmy seahorses, harlequin shrimp, as well as endless varieties of tropical reef fish. Drop-offs with sheer walls and 200 feed of visibility share space with some of the most pristine hard and soft coral formations to be found. One highlight was the discovery of a massive aggregation of deadly poisonous sea snakes attracted to a tiny spire of rock that is the top of any active volcano. Gilliam’s voyages totaled over 5000 nautical miles and he is presenting this material for the first time at the Boston Sea Rovers Presenter: Bret Gilliam
Exotic CozumelAbstract: As one of the most popular dive destinations in the Carribean, Cozumel’s choices for dive related services and accommodations are constantly expanding. I will show how to get the most out of a dive trip to Cozumel and I’ll have video of the most spectacular dive sites Cozumel has to offer. Presenter: Al Evans
Exploring Shipwrecks in StellwagenAbstract: The sanctuary represents a rich repository of historic shipwrecks. Sanctuary archaeologists have to-date documented 18 shipwrecks using side scan sonar, remote and autonomous underwater vehicles, and SCUBA diving. Ben will describe some of these investigations with imagery. In addition, Ben will explain the sanctuary’s proposed approach to comprehensively managing shipwrecks. Presenter: Ben Cowie-Haskell
Freediving Research: An UpdateAbstract: Provide an update for 2004-2005 on the scientific and applied research on freediving and apnea. A study of competition and recreational freediving. Presenter: Glennon Gingo
Getting Wet & Wild - 1st Scalli InternAbstract: Last year the Boston Sea Rovers proudly unveiled the Frank Scalli Annual Summer Internship, a summer-long program that provides a graduating high school senior with the opportunity to learn about, interact with, and explore the dive industry and underwater world. Come and see the amazing adventures that the first intern embarked upon this past summer! Presenter: Kate Douglas
Goddesses, Sirens, MermaidsAbstract: Todd Essick will discuss his underwater fine art photography project “Goddesses Sirens and Mermaids” and what inspired him to undertake this photographic adventure and how people along the way have helped and inspired him to achieve his collection so far. He also will show a short video documenting his images from Key Largo, culminating with images from his new book Beginnings Goddesses, Sirens and Mermaids. Presenter: Todd Essick
Great Lakes! Great Wrecks!Abstract: Indulge in some exciting explorations of the best and fantastically preserved shipwrecks in the Great Lakes, from the schooner Annie Falconer in Lake Ontario to the deep schooner Dunderberg in Lake Huron, and on to the steamer America at Isle Royale in Lake Superior, with stops at several dive sites in between. This presentation is based in part on Chris Kohl’s book, The 100 Best Great Lake Shipwrecks, Volumes I and II. Presenter: Cris Kohl & Joan Forsberg
Hitler's Lost Sub - Filming the U-869Abstract: Diver John Chatterton and award winning executive producer Kirk Wolfinger will discuss how they worked together to make the NOVA program Hitler’s Lost Sub, for PBS. They will explore the risks of producing programs with very real danger of physical harm while dealing with the pressures to somehow complete the program. Ultimately, this program would lead to the writing of NY Time bestseller, Shadow Divers. Presenter: John Chatterton & Kirk Wolfinger
I Was Diving in Indonesia When the Tsunami HitAbstract: Sumatra, where the terrible tsunami hit on December 26, is in the Western extremes of Indonesia. The Raja Ampat Islands of Irian Jaya are in the Easterly part of Indonesia, more than 3000 miles to the East. Steve Drogin and his wife were finishing their 62nd dive and were underwater when the wave hit, fortunately with no ill effects. The Raja Ampats are loaded with small creatures and fun diving. Come and take a tour with the Drogins in a very remote part of the world. Presenter: Steve Drogin
Locating Deep ShipwrecksAbstract: Locating a shipwreck can be a matter of science or plain luck. For most sport divers, finding shipwrecks without sophisticated technology and equipment requires a little gumption, planning, and the willingness to take a risk to “ see what’s down there”. In some cases, this leads to interesting or historically significant discoveries where a mystery is ultimately unraveled. But for every interesting wreck discovered, there are many dives that amount to little value. Join us as we cover the process and challenges of shipwreck hunting from searching, to exploring, and ultimately documenting a discovery. Presenter: David Caldwell & Heather Knowles
LST 467 An Undersea ReunionAbstract: Their crewmen called them, “Large, Slow Targets” during WWII, but the LST, of Landing Ship, Tank, was a key asset in the Allied victory. In the spring of 2004, two US Navy veterans were reunited with the LST on which they served 60 years ago, but they had to take a submarine ride under the Caribbean Sea to do it. Bill Schutz and Clarence Anderson, now in their 80s, served on LST-467. After the war, they lost track of the vessel, which had been decommissioned in 1946. Meanwhile, in the Virgin Islands, dive shop owner H. Liddle began researching one of the islands’ favorite wreck dives. The trails met in the Caribbean Sea, off St. Thomas, when Atlantis Submarine took the two grateful vets for a visit with their old ship. Noted underwater filmmaker Paul Carter Deaton and his team were there to document the reunion. The film combines interviews and archive footage from WWII with breathtaking images from the dive site now known as “WIT Shoal”. Presenter: Paul Cater Deaton
Marine Life of KomodoAbstract: Komodo Island in Indonesia is known for the giant Komodo Dragons, but the real beauty lies under its waters. This presentation will show some of the varied and colorful marine life in this tropical paradise. Presenter: Andrew Martinez
Mass Marine Fisheries, More Than a LicenseAbstract: Most people know the Division of Marine Fisheries as the agency that gives them a lobster license or imposes a bag limit for lobsters. However, DMF is also the Commonwealth’s lead agency for the protection of fisheries habitats and resources. This presentation will discuss the Division’s role in evaluating these projects, minimizing impacts, and guiding efforts to restore, enhance, and mitigate for habitat loss using a variety of techniques. Presenter: Vin Malkoski
NE Aquarium Collecting TripsAbstract: This DVD presentation will renew the New England Aquarium’s member sponsored collecting trips. Join staff as we travel to the Exhumes Bahamas to collect fish and invertebrates for the aquarium’s giant ocean tank and other exhibits. This trip also included a visit to the Atlantis Aquarium in the Bahamas. Presenter: Holly Bourbon & Richard Morris
Nemo & FriendsAbstract: Bizarre critters with zany shapes, eye-popping colors, and amazing camouflage abound in our oceans but capturing them photographically is challenging. Many of the most amazing of these are less than a few inches in size. Learn how macro-photography is done underwater whether shooting digitally or with film. Let your eyes delight with the likes of clown frogfish, flamboyant cuttlefish, ornate ghost pipefish, porcelain crabs, and crocodile fish from places like the Red Sea, Borneo, Indonesia, and the Caribbean. Presenter: Michael Goodman
New England's Best Shore DivesAbstract: One of the best things about New England diving is how many great dives can be made right from the beach. This presentation profiles 12 of the best, with information on the entries and exits, bottom topographies, and prevalent marine life. The presentation will end with a “best-of” list: best invertebrate life in New England, best fish life, best site to bring non-divers, easiest entry and exit, most difficult entry and exit, etc. Presenter: N/A
Planes, Trains, ShipwrecksAbstract: A WWII Corsair fighter found in 300 ffw in Maine’s Sebego Lake. Two matching 1850s steam locomotives discovered in 90 fsw off New Jersey and a pristine 1700s schooner located in 170ffw off New York in Lake Griel. Each of these discoveries have brough not wealth and fame but controversy. Maritime attorney and wreck diver Peter Hess takes us to visit these remarkable sites and their journey from underwater to the courtroom to the halls of congress and beyond. Presenter: Peter Hess
Quarry Diving: AlbertsonAbstract: Albertson, a long-abandoned marble quarry in West Rutland Vermont, is perhaps the only inland location in New England where both open water and technical divers can dive. Spectacular aerial and sublime underwater photographs will accompany a comprehensive narrative of Albertson’s history and diving possibilities. Presenter: John Fiske
Rapid Change ArtistsAbstract: Changeable coloration is nowhere better developed in ocean creatures than in the cephalopod mollusks. Two research studies were conducted recently in Lembeh Strait, North Sulawesi. With the help of 9 volunteers, the mimic octopus was filmed for 6 days, during which time we recorded over 500 episodes of flounder mimicry. A mantis shrimp attacked a mimic octopus and this amazing video sequence shows complex, aggressive behavior between the adversaries. The Flamboyant cuttlefish was studied for 8 days with another volunteer group a year later. Foraging females were continually followed by very small but amorous males, who courted the females by using their flamboyant coloration patterns. We filmed the rare behaviors of mating and egg laying, and also acquired some extraordinary shots of feeding and camouflage. Presenter: Roger Hanlon
Riviera Maya CavesAbstract: This program is a whirlwind tour of some ornately decorated caves in Mexico. This area is called the Riviera Maya and is riddled with long shallow caves. The Mayan Indians inhabited this area many centuries ago. The Mayan civilization considered cenotes a sacred wealth for the water they hold is home for many of the gods they worshipped. The caves are filled with stalagmites, helecites, columns, draperies, and flow stone. Presenter: Leander Nichols & Mike Griffin
Sea Scallop ResearchAbstract: From 1999 to 2004 we have completed 48 video surveys of sea scallop populations and benthic habitat in Georges Bank and Mid-Atlantic waters examining over 60,000 square kilometers of sea floor annually. This presentation provides an overview of our revolutionary underwater sampling technique including a review of the use of SCUBA to develop and calibrate the sampling equipment. Presenter: N/A
Shadow Divers' Panel DiscussionAbstract: Robert Kurson will talk about the two stories he discovered while writing Shadow Divers - the first, about the mystery of a lost World War II U-boat discovered in 1991 off the coast of New Jersey; the second - and more important story - about the two men who became obsessed with solving that mystery. Presenter: N/A
Surveying the Wreck of the USS09Abstract: In September 2004, an ROV took video of the wrecked submarine USS O-9 in 400 feet of water east of Portsmouth, NH, the first time the ship was seen since 1941. Her loss, 400 foot US Navy dives and the ROV mission will be described. Presenter: Glen Reem
The Banda SeaAbstract: Three weeks in the Banda Sea starting in Bali and finishing at the far western end of Irian Jaya. All with the legendary dive guide, Larry Smith. Sea snakes by the thousands, exotic and horrible macro life, all plus spice islands in the sun. This was a rare adventure for Stan Waterman. Presenter: Stan Waterman
The Empress of IrelandAbstract: Presentation of a historic film made in 1965 depicting the tragedy of the second largest disaster at sea in the peace time and diving expedition to salvage numerous artifacts. The film was made originally in 16mm at a cost of $250,000 and is still the best classic on the subject. Presenter: N/A
The Great White Shark in my BackyardAbstract: On September 21, 2004, a 14 foot, 1700 pound great white shark entered a small estuary on the private island of Naushon, Massachusetts. The shark remained in the embayment for 14 days, frustrating state officials until efforts had to be taken to move the animal out. This presentation highlights the highs and lows of this rare event while providing a glimpse into the natural history of the great white shark in the western North Atlantic. Presenter: Gregory Skomal
The Huge World of MacroAbstract: All too often when we go diving we tend to look for the big picture, be it a wreck, a school of fish, or just beautiful corals. We overlook the tiny, beautiful, and strange animals that live in the sea. Macro photography is really a huge world. Presenter: Al Kulhawik
U/W Research in AlaskaAbstract: This talk explores some of the aspects of working on different underwater research projects in Glacier Bay National Park, Alaska. These projects focused on studying the effects of sea otter foraging in the bay proper as well as developing an understanding of rock fish habitat on the parks outer coast. If you are interested in marine ecology, Alaskan diving or science, this talk is a great learning opportunity. Presenter: Julie Barber
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