Dear Members and Friends
Help us choose the cover for OG 63 – details here below
In our first edition of 2023, we will reveal the discovery and protection of ‘forests’ in the ocean. In this edition, you will be amazed by the child care/parenting undertaken by marine animals. I will also be sharing my magical moments with the Minke whales of the Great Barrier Reef. Here is the preview of the selection of covers for OG63; we appreciate your VOTE.
This February a team of climate avengers comprising 110 extraordinary, global citizens of diverse ages (12 - 88), represented in terms of cultures, nationalities, talents, expertise, experience, and influence, are on a mission to preserve a habitable planet for your future loved ones.
They will be travelling to the Antarctic – the front line of climate change, the wild card of calamitous sea level rise. The Antarctic Climate Expedition (ACE), will be a gathering of great minds with passion, resolve and commitment; united on a mission to find ways to change the current trajectory and avert catastrophic climate consequences to preserve a healthy, habitable planet for humanity.
They need your assistance and support – you can contribute to the success of this mission – this can also be your legacy. Find out more here.
For the intrepid adventurer, we have a special expedition into the heartland of the Coral Triangle in August of 2023. Starting with two days of interacting with the whale sharks at Cenderawasih Bay, using the Damai 1, we will head north to a special location – the seldom visited Mapia Atoll. Documented recently by Dr Mark Erhmann, the atoll harbours a huge biomass of fishes and an extraordinary number of undiscovered new species. From Mapia, we will head west to dive into some of the signature sites of Raja Ampat. Two spots remaining – email to book.
And our expedition to experience the amazing mantas phenomenon at Baa Atoll in Sep of 2023 is also filling up fast. When the stars, sun, and moon are aligned, a vortex of up to 200 mantas…whale sharks hang on the surface to feast on the broth of living wriggling planktons. And we have selected the optimum period of the season – the 2023 summer equinox. Find out more.
For the blackwater and macro aficionados, we are collaborating with Philippine’s champion photographer Dennis Corpuz to conduct a special Blackwater and Macro Masterclass workshop at the best resort in Anilao - Aiyanar Beach Dive Resort from 22 to 28 April 2023. This last week of April is the optimum time for sighting of the amazing Blanket octopus and all the wonderful critters in the sand and in the deep water of Janao Bay. Limited spot email to reserve your spot now.
I look forward to sharing the same ocean with you in 2023.
Meanwhile, Have a Happy Christmas and a Merriest New Year
Michael AW
Expeditions 2022 / 2023
Feb 2023 – Antarctic Climate Expedition (ACE)
April 2023 – Blackwater & Macro Photography Masterclass – Philippines
Aug 2023 - Cenderawasih Bay, Mapia Atoll and Raja Ampat on the Damai 1
Sep 2023 – Mantas, Whale Sharks – Northern Maldives 2023
Nov 2023 – Running with Marlins, Mexico – Marlins, sea lions, and whales
Dec 2023 – Socorro
If interested email aw@ogsociety.org for more info
Reminder to Expedition Members: We recommend that you ensure your DAN Coverage is up-to-date before dive travel. Also, check out DAN’s Return to Diving Safely guide: If you’ve been out of the water for a while, take time to assess your health, and fitness, refresh your diving skills, and equipment check.