Newsletter August 2009

Blue Waves Swiss Party and the Dugong…

Finally the invitation to the Blue Waves Swiss Party is here. Also in this Newsletter we include some environmental tips and a short note about some of our latest tours.

+++ Blue Waves Party in Switzerland - Friday, September 4th, 2009 from 6 p.m. on
The reason for the party is our 1 anniversary of Blue Waves and meeting all guests, friends and prospects. With our ever expanding Blue Waves family and friends is our need for bigger and bigger party locals growing and so the location will be at the Schützerhaus in Oberengstringen forest; reachable by car or streetcar No. 13.
Directions and flyer can be found here...
- It will not just be the typical get-together but we will combine it with two presentations; one from our marine biologist Brian about marine biology in the Red Sea. A second presentation will follow by Roger (Heimi) about the Blue Waves technical diving adventures to the Maiden wreck at 120 meters.
- There will be a raffle for some lucky guests to win Blue Waves gifts.
- Drinks, snacks and salads will be provided by Ocean Window Ltd along with two grills for those wishing to bring something to grill.
You and your friends are cordially welcome but please inform us of your attendance.
(email: dive@oceanwindow.ch or mobile: +41 79 218 04 43)

+++ Plastic Bags and the environment - please consider this…
As useful and practical as they may seem the ever occurring loss of plastic bags into the ocean waters has rather a devastating fate. The Degradation of a plastic bag can take up to 1,000 years. Due to this long degradation period many plastic bags can accumulate and litter up the ocean over their lifespan: Adding to, not without exception, a not so pretty sight underwater but also a dangerous obstruction for many ocean animals. Turtles are sadly one those creatures that often fall victim to such items. They easily mistake them for jellyfish (a common prey item) and swallow them down which can and often does lead to blockages in their intestinal tract and eventually leading to death. Small fish can often fall victim by swimming inside and then becoming trapped by not seeing the exit out of the clear plastic.
On the toxic side, chemically speaking, plastics in general contain plasticizers used for the making the plastics flexible. These are made of compounds high in phosphate. Phosphates can accumulate and become a direct chemical threat to corals. For further info ask Brian (brian@oceanwindow.ch).

+++ The Dugong dropped by to say "Hello"
It's been awhile since we've seen her smiling face but she showed up for a few dives and snorkels to watch. These lovely vulnerable marine mammals, of up to 3 meters long, are truly a sight to watch. Despite their 1,000 kg weight they are harmless and vegetarians. They live entirely off sea grass. If you're ever diving over a field of sea grass and see what seems like a dust cloud be assured a dugong is not far away.

This encounter with the lovely Dugong is just one of many highlights we had the last few tours. Every week we are on tour and experience so many breath taking moments… there is just not enough time to keep track of it and write it all in our Newsletter and Diary. But we will try to keep up on our memories and experiences more soon here… www.bluewaves.ch/blue-waves-diary/

Just come and check our awesome times onboard Blue Waves on the Red Sea.

We are always here for any questions you may have so please feel free to contact us.

Wishing you lots of sunshine,
Chris and the Crew!

Ocean Window
M/Y Blue Waves
www.oceanwindow.ch (official site)
www.bluewaves.ch (fun site)