New Deep-Sea Species Revealed, thanks to James Cameron

When James Cameron took a submersible to the bottom of the Pacific Ocean last year, we were all astonished (in part because we didn't know he did more awesome things and that directing movies was his "side thing"). In a real, completely serious sense, he found a new way to inspire our imaginations. The bottom of the ocean is an almost complete mystery. We barely understand its topography; we know there are mountains, for example, but what lives on their slopes? The underwater space on our planet remains overwhelmingly unexplored and, until recently, inaccessible.

Until James Cameron took his dive. He was the high-profile explorer we needed to propel the ocean into a media spotlight. Of the many hours of footage he took on his dive, most of it has only been seen by researchers, but the results of these limited viewings are already very exciting. They appear to show a new species of sea cucumber living at what seems an impossible depth: 36,000 feet. While we often have imagined only microbes living at the bottom of the ocean, there is now proof of unknown species making their home in the depths.

An example of a sea cucumber that lives at a normal depth

Hopefully he'll compile some footage into a documentary soon!

Are SCUBA Shows Important?

This is a question being tossed around a lot today. So I felt an urge to put in my views. Dive shows are very important, because each show helps the local market in many different ways. Let’s take a look at some.

DIVERS: They all benefit from a show by being able to see new product, and having their questions answered by the manufacturer. They also can look at great dive destinations to pick their next vacation. Many shows have seminars that are fun and educational. The workshops will help them learn more about specialty diving, photography, equipment and more. Most shows have an evening film festival that can be both enjoyable and educational. Each presentation and booth’s target audience is the diver, and they can find a wealth of information at dive shows.

DIVE STORES: Local stores benefit from a show in many ways. They can sell a lot of unique items there that divers may not see in the store, and they can highlight product that may get swept aside in day-to-day sales. They can also promote their trips and classes and meet new customers. For the dive center, it is a great way to get your name out there or to keep it in the public view and increase sales.

DESTINATIONS: A nice travel destination will do well as people walk around looking for a place to go. Many stores offer trips but they may not have one going when the diver is available; a show can help them book a trip at a time that is convenient for them. Don’t forget that local charters can benefit as well, since they can present their schedule for the upcoming season and remind local divers of the interesting dive sites they can visit in their own backyards.

TRAINING AGENCIES: Most training agencies find a strong benefit to be at each show so they can promote their training style and course options. Customers can visit with the different agencies and make educated decisions on their next course, whether recreational or professional. Where else can you hear the benefits of a particular course from the person who knows it best: the agency representative? Also, agencies can do updates and display their training material.

Manufacturers: They do very well at shows. Most dive centers cannot stock all the items a company sells. However, a consumer can visit them at a dive show and discuss their product and its benefits and features. The manufacturers can also explain technical information to the diver when needed. The local show gives a manufacturer a great opportunity to show off their brand.

So, a dive show is a win-win for everyone. I know that, here in the Midwest, the Our World-Underwater Dive and Travel Expo is one of the ways we kickoff the season and think about warm places, especially after a brutally cold winter. It is our weekend escape. So don’t forget to check out your own local dive show!

Patrick