The Wreck of MS Zenobia and Sports Activities on Land. Cyprus has developed into an important diving destination – not least because of the spectacular Zenobia wreck. This truly impressive site is ranked among the top 10 diveable wrecks worldwide. The ferry sank in June 1980 on her maiden voyage and lies only a few minutes by boat from the coast in Larnaca Bay.
Underwater photography is much more than a creative hobby: it plays a central role in citizen science projects. With photos of animals, plants, and aquatic habitats, amateur divers and snorkelers provide valuable data for research. At the same time, the images raise public awareness of the need to protect the underwater world and reveal its often hidden beauty. Underwater photography thus combines passion with active species and nature conservation.
Necessary regulation of international trade in wild animals and plants: Since Monday, November 24, 2025, nearly 200 signatory states to the CITES Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species have been meeting in the Uzbek city of Samarkand. The aim of the convention is to regulate international trade in wild animals and plants in such a way as to ensure the long-term survival of endangered species. Now it is clear that the intensive and sometimes difficult negotiations have been worthwhile!
Former passenger steamer to become giant artificial wreck: The SS United States, once a symbol of speed and luxury, is to be converted into an artificial reef in the Gulf of Mexico. After almost 30 years moored in Philadelphia, the ocean liner embarked on its final voyage in spring 2024. The ship was towed to Mobile, Alabama, where it was decontaminated and prepared for sinking.
ReefExplorer Online Lecture Series 2025! On November 20, from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., PD Dr. Ekin Tilic from the Senckenberg Research Institute and Natural History Museum in Frankfurt will take you on a fascinating underwater journey in his online lecture.
Stefan's scuba collection is growing: There are only about 8 to 9 vaquitas left – making them the most endangered marine mammals in the world and critically threatened with extinction. Stefan's volunteer work (since 1995) for the species conservation organisation YAQU PACHA gave rise to the idea of modelling a vaquita and adding it to his scuba collection.
Underwater with your smartphone: As a professional underwater photographer, I find it difficult to accept a smartphone as a camera, but since cell phones are getting better and better and now deliver solid results, I'm giving them a try and looking into this topic in depth.
Hey Ocean Souls & Fin Friends! Have you ever met someone underwater wearing a cool Mermaid Protector suit and just thought, ‘Damn, how do I say “Hi, I'm one of you too!”?’
Well-known safari boat runs aground on reef off Abu Dabbab: The Royal Evolution, a well-known safari boat, ran aground on a reef off Abu Dabbab on the first day (Friday, October 24) of a new tour from Port Ghalib. The steel ship is currently stuck on Block 4 off Abu Dabbab.
Global decision at CITES in November: This November, world leaders will meet at the CITES conference in Uzbekistan to make a landmark decision on the protection of internationally endangered marine species. At stake is the preservation of whale sharks, oceanic whitetip sharks, manta rays, and devil rays—animals that play a central role in our oceans' ecosystems.