Use of iPhones as Dive Computers Could Become New Norm.

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By: Jonathan Luman

iGills

Here is another purpose for your favorite handheld device. An app that functions with a waterproof case can now turn your smartphone into a full fledged dive computer.

Vivian Wagner, of TechNewsWorld describes the advent of Amphibian Labs product, iGills in her March 3, 2014 piece entitled “A Deep Dive Into New Scuba Tech”

Apparently there is still some hesitation. However its obvious that an iPhone today has the computing power that can match a dedicated dive computer.  iGills seems to be a great idea and we can’t wait to try it out

There is something so cool about the idea of bringing an iPhone 50 feet down with you. Some of the features available is the ability to take HD video underwater, use your flash light underwater, take photos and it will record the exact depth and location of the photos.

 My only question would be how easy would it be to press the buttons underwater and is it clunky at all with gloves on?
I believe there’s always going to be a place for watch-style dive computers but this is a great addition to the dive computer lineup and I am very excited to see what the future holds as smart phones evolve. Android lovers will be happy to hear that a version of their case will be available soon.

 

Lionfish Now Being Seen as Far North as Rhode Island.

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Lionfish are being spotted as far north as New England

By: Jonathan Luman

Originally found in the warm waters of the South Pacific reefs. Lionfish have now been found as far away as Rhode Island USA. Causing alarm among ecologists, businessmen and fisherman alike. Where these exotic fish have taken hold they have caused extensive damage to coral reefs and local fish populations

Scientists theorize that Lionfish first became introduced in the Atlantic ocean by accident. Reproducing rapidly in the waters off Florida and the Caribbean islands. Their numbers have grown dramatically because they have no natural predators in these waters.

Lionfish have been spotted as far north as Rhode Island. Although they do not survive long here in the colder waters. If these Lionfish got a foot hold it could be devastating to the New England fishing industry.

A large amount of resources is currently being spent to educate people about Lionfish and to provide incentives for scuba divers to hunt and capture them in non native waters.
Some see a solution in the fact that the fish are edible and in fact quite delicious.
Groups are urging that the best way to combat Lionfish is to create a market for their meat.
Lionfish don’t have a roar but they do have poisonous fins making them harder to capture by anyone untrained. Although rarely fatal they can make you sick. Divers are encouraged to learn how to handle them before you attempt to capture any.

What can you do? Take action!

  1. Eat Lionfish! Their white flakey meat is high in protein and is said to be delicious. They are becoming popular in high end restaurants. Check out some recipes
  2. Download the Seafood Watch app for your Smartphone to make better decisions on what seafood to eat.
  3. If you spot any of these Lionfish report it to REEF’S Lionfish program

Creative Commons License
Image: “Caribbean Lionfish” by LASZLO ILYES is licensed under a
Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License.