NEADC Blog

BSC Treasure hunt

2008-05-13T07:55:00.002-04:00

The Bay State Council Treasure Hunt is this Sunday, May 18 at Stage Fort Park in Gloucester. Dive for treasure and win prizes - to benefit the Bay State Council of Divers.

Contact Al Bozza to join the NEADC team and dive for prizes!

More info at the Bay State Council's website

NEADC Whalewatch

2008-04-23T10:37:00.002-04:00

The Annual NEADC Whale Watch is May 4th at 9:30AM, and so far we've got a great turnout. Last year we had a pod of dolphins swimming with us the whole time!

The Walk for Hunger is also the same day, so plan extra time for traffic and parking. The boat leaves at 10am.

download the signup form or email Uma to sign up

20% off at EMS Club Day

2008-04-15T12:43:00.005-04:00

Eastern Mountain Sports's Club day is this weekend (4/18-4/19, plus 4/17 for the Newton, MA store) EMS.com

Everything in the stores is 20% off if you're a member of an outdoor club - which we are. Just show your membership card.

Although they're mostly a hiking/camping store, they do have Kayaks, wetsuit cleaners, dryboxes, water bottles, waterproof flashlights, etc.

Shoredive planning meeting

2008-04-08T09:13:00.002-04:00

The Shoredive planning meeting will be held Wednesday, April 9th from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM

Free Chinese food and door prizes!

Come help plan the upcoming dives this season!

The meeting will be held at: 186 South St., 6th floor in Boston (across from South Station and the Bus Terminal) The Red Line is within easy walking distance and there are parking garages all around.

Email shoredive@neadc.org for more info

Eat-and-greet

2008-03-31T08:24:00.002-04:00

The eat and Greet this wednesday April, 2 will be at Jose McIntyre's Bar,
160 Milk Street, in Boston. The eat and greets are a smaller crowd and is the perfect place to meet other members or introduce yourself. We usually hang around and eat dinner for about an hour followed by the officer's business meeting.
For more info, visit our meetings page

Don't forget about the Shoredive Planning meeting next week, April 9th in Boston. For more info, visit our Events Calendar

Sharkwater returning to Theaters

2008-03-21T16:24:00.004-04:00

Sharkwater, a documentary about shark conservation will be coming back to theaters in the area on Sunday, March 30th at 10:30am.

It will be airing at the following theaters:
SHOWCASE CINEMAS RANDOLPH Randolph MA
SHOWCASE CINEMAS REVERE Revere MA
SHOWCASE CINEMAS LOWELL Lowell MA
SHOWCASE CINEMAS WOBURN Woburn MA
PROVIDENCE PLACE CINEMAS 16 Providence RI
SHOWCASE CINEMAS WARWICK MALL Warwick RI
BLACKSTONE VALLEY 14: CINEMA DE LUX Millbury MA
SHOWCASE CINEMAS W. SPRINGFIELD 1-15 West Springfield MA

For more info about the movie, go to http://www.sharkwater.com

Filmed in visually stunning, high definition video, Sharkwater takes you into the most shark rich waters of the world, exposing the exploitation and corruption surrounding the world's shark populations in the marine reserves of Cocos Island, Costa Rica and the Galapagos Islands, Ecuador.

In an effort to protect sharks, Stewart teams up with renegade conservationist Paul Watson of the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society. Their unbelievable adventure together starts with a battle between the Sea Shepherd and shark poachers in Guatemala, resulting in pirate boat rammings, gunboat chases, mafia espionage, corrupt court systems and attempted murder charges, forcing them to flee for their lives.

Whale Watch

2008-03-11T08:05:00.002-04:00

The Annual NEADC Whale Watch has been scheduled for May 4th. Last year we had a great turnout, and although we only saw a few whales we had a pod of dolphins swimming with us the whole time!

download the signup form

Great Annual Fish Count

2008-03-10T23:09:00.003-04:00

This year's great annual fish count will be on July 19th, 2008 at Stage Fort Park and it's looking to be the best so far! Bob Michelson was running all over Sea Rovers getting prize donations, and he left with his arms full! Also this year Olympus Imaging America will be supplying cameras to demo and a raffle prize!

Last year we had a record setting 103 divers conduct 126 surveys at 7 dive sites around Cape Ann, MA and at Nubble Light, York, ME. There were 46 species of fish observed, along with 4 species of invasive invertebrates.

We awarded a record breaking $9,500.00 in volunteer fish counters raffle prizes.

Environmental Officer

2008-03-03T23:27:00.002-05:00

At the February general meeting, Maryhelen announced that she has will be moving to Florida in a few months and cannot continue as the Environmental officer. If you would are interested in taking the position (or you want to give Maryhelen a huge THANK YOU for her 10 years of work with the club) email environmental@neadc.org

General meeting Tonight

2008-02-19T22:36:00.004-05:00

The February General meeting will be held on February 20th, not Feb 17, as stated in the email. Sorry about the misprint.

The speaker will be Greg Skomal, who is talking about shark research. Come by at 6:30 sharp for a demonstration by club members about setting up and diving with a pony bottle.

A few members will be meeting around 5:30 for something to eat at Coogan's Bar, up the street from the aquarium. Feel free to join us!

Coogan's Bar
171 Milk Street
Boston, MA
(Corner of Milk Street and India Street)

View a map of the area

Boat Dives

2008-02-18T22:52:00.001-05:00

There are several boat dives scheduled for the upcoming season. View them all on the Boat diving page

BSC Meeting

2008-02-13T08:17:00.001-05:00

There will be a meeting of the Bay State Council of Divers Wednesday, February 13, at the South Shore Neptunes Dive Club’s clubhouse in Quincy. Start time is 7:30PM. It is at the corner of Quarry Street and Joyce Road, in Quincy, MA

Sea Rovers

2008-02-03T20:52:00.001-05:00

We will again be having a booth at Boston Sea Rovers Annual Clinic (March 8-9). We are taking signups for members who would like to sit at the booth and introduce the diving community to the club. Contact Rick Rosa if you would like to help.

Even if you can't help out at the booth, please stop by and visit! We will have raffle prizes, discount memberships, and the 2008 events schedule. Also we will be out for dinner Saturday night, we will let you know where when we have more info!

Northeastern Lecture

2008-02-03T20:51:00.000-05:00

The Northeastern Lecture Series has a new talk scheduled: Consequences of Biodiversity Loss for Marine Ecosystems with Dr. Matthew Bracken on Feb 12

The earth is currently experiencing what are arguably the most rapid and pervasive species extinctions in its history. How do these biodiversity changes affect marine ecosystems? A growing body of evidence suggests that because of the unique roles that species play, changes in diversity can dramatically influence key processes in ecosystems. In order to maintain viable marine ecosystems, we therefore need to pay particular attention to the causes and consequences of changes in biodiversity.More info

NEAq Events

2008-02-03T20:48:00.000-05:00

There are several special Members only events going on at the aquarium.

Aquarium Adult Members Night: A Love of Life (2/9)
Couples will enjoy the awe-inspiring IMAX film Cirque du Soleil’s Journey of Man, a romantic dinner and the chance to absorb the sights and sounds of the Aquarium when it’s peacefully closed to the public. Dinner, refreshments and a movie snack are all included in the ticket price of $50. A cash bar will also be available during dinner. The Gift Shop will be open and members will receive 20% off all purchases. More info: Aquarium Website

***UPDATE***
The IMAX Sneak Preview w/ Sylvia Earle on Febuary 12 is not open to the general membership, or to the public. Sorry about the error.

NEAq Take the Bait night (2/21)
The Aquarium will be open extended hours for all members and the Gift Shop will be open and all members will receive a 20% discount.

UDCM Dinner with Stan Waterman

2008-01-09T09:52:00.000-05:00

The United Divers of Central Massachusetts presents:
Dinner in January with Stan Waterman – Free Admission!

This event is open to the public!

You are cordially invited to join the United Divers of Central Massachusetts for a dinner presentation with Stan Waterman. Admission is free!

Date: Friday, January 18, 2008
Time: 6:30 PM

The Bull Run Restaurant
215 Great Road (Route 2A)
Shirley, MA

Highlights:
· Admission is free!
· Presentation by Stan Waterman
· 50/50 Raffle - cash only!
· Dinner and drinks available for purchase
· Stan's book for sale onsite - cash only!

Everyone, please RSVP by sending e-mail to:
dinnerwithstan@yahoo.com by January 15, 2008

Oceanic Regulator First Stage Recall/Retrofit

2008-01-05T02:29:00.000-05:00

Oceanic has been notified by its supplier (ROMI, Ent.) that they have received isolated reports of DX type Regulator First Stages exhibiting uncontrolled flow of air to the Second Stage.

Evaluation has shown that a specific batch of HP (High Pressure) Seats contained material that can deteriorate and fail to properly perform its mechanical sealing (shut off) function, causing an uncontrollable free flow that could result in serious injury to or death of the user.

In cooperation with the U.S. CPSC (Consumer Product Safety Commission), ROMI is initiating a voluntary recall of all affected CDX5 and FDX10 (diaphragm) type First Stages.

The affected First Stages include those that were shipped to Oceanic retailers from the factory between May 1, 2006, and Nov. 15, 2006. Other model DX type First Stages, such as the CDX, DXi, DX3, DX4 and TDX5, that received annual service between May 1, 2006, and Oct. 22, 2007, may also be affected.

Determine whether your fist stage is affected.

If you have an affected unit, you must discontinue further use of it and take it to the Oceanic dealer where you purchased it or a local authorized Oceanic service center for a component retrofit at no charge.

For the full release, visit our Recall page or from the Divers Alert Network

New Years diving

2007-12-28T00:08:00.000-05:00

Ring in the new year... Underwater! Here's a list of New Years events around New England (Email me if there are more!)

NEADC's own New Years Day Dive at Ft Whetherill. Al will have a heated van and food to warm up after the dive. Email Al to sign up. Directions to Ft Whetherill

Divers Market will be diving New Years Day at 11:00 a.m. at Morton's Park in Plymouth.

United Divers of NH will dive Nubble light

The Aquacenter will dive Dec 31st at midnight, to be underwater at the stroke of 12! Email aqcenter@aol.com or call 508-888-3444 for more information.

Old Colony Amphibians, host a New Years dive at Ft Wetherill in Jamestown. The dive is at 12:00, and Prizes afterwards.

SE CONN divers will have their annual frozen fin Dive in New London, CT. Hundreds of dollars worth of great prizes, great food, door prizes and more!

Attn New Hampshire Divers

2007-12-04T22:55:00.000-05:00

The United Divers of New Hampshire will be hosting Hon. Maureen C. Mooney, State Representative from Merrimack, NH at Their monthly meeting Dec 17th, 2007. At the clubs request, Maureen will be discussing legislative matters with respect to resurrecting a bill that would allow the taking of lobsters by divers within state waters. A similar bill has been in the legislature before but never made it to the floor for a vote (that I'm aware of) and has faced stiff opposition from the commercial lobstermen within the state.

This meeting is open to all divers and we would particularly like to have a good turnout from the NH diving community to show support for such a bill.

UDNH meets at the downtown YMCA in Manchester, NH. Meeting time is 7:00 and usually runs till 8:30.

For more info, visit the United Divers of NH website at: http://www.udnh.org/

Election results

2007-12-04T22:49:00.000-05:00

The 2008 NEADC board elections occurred at the November meeting. The board is unchanged with the exception of Jim Carozza taking over for Anna Krowczynska as Shoredive Coordinator. Congratulations to Jim, and thanks to Anna for a great year of shore dives!

President - Rick Rosa
Vice President - Uma Mirani
Business Manager - Julia Cichowski
Boat Dive Coordinator - John Feehan
Shore Dive Coordinator - Jim Carozza
Newsletter Editor - Joy Marzolf
Program Director - Al Bozza
Membership Director - Charles Benoit
Secretary - Val Feehan
Environmental Affairs - Maryhelen Shuman-Groh
Webmaster - Steve Whitford

Stellwagen Shipwrecks

2007-11-30T00:46:00.000-05:00

Gloucester Maritime Heritage Center is presenting:
A View into the Past: Historic Shipwrecks of Stellwagen Bank Sanctuary
Saturday, December 1, 2PM - 4PM

Join maritime archaeologists Deborah Marx and Matthew Lawrence at the Gloucester Maritime Heritage Center for a tour of the Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary's historic shipwrecks to uncover the mysteries and secrets hidden beneath the waves. The two hour event will include a showing of the 45-minute Science Channel's Viewers Choice Award documentary "The Wreck of the Portland," followed by a presentation on Sanctuary maritime heritage projects and a tour of the Sanctuary's exhibit in the Gloucester Maritime Heritage Center

Gloucester Maritime Heritage Center
23 Harbor Loop
Gloucester, MA

Frozen Turkey dive & Treasure Hunt

2007-11-14T23:01:00.000-05:00

The Aqua Center's Annual Frozen Turkeys Treasure Hunt Dive is THIS Saturday, November 17, 11:00 AM
This is the original Aqua Center event, a hybrid treasure / hunt holiday party. Prizes will be drawn based on the amount of "treasure" (markers) recovered. The more booty you find, the better your chances are to win!

The prizes are:
-A $20.00 cash prize will be awarded to the diver finding the most markers.
-A $50.00 cash prize will be awarded to the diver who finds the Gold Coin!
-The top prize is a $100.00 Aqua Center Gift card

Treasure Hunt Prizes Are:

* $100.00 Aqua Center Gift Certificate
* $50.00 Aqua Center Gift Certificate
* $50.00 Cash Prize
* $20.00 Cash Prize
* Assorted Bottles of "Holiday Cheer"
* $50.00 Gift Certificate to "Carrie's Candles" for hand-made holiday candles
* Food Goodies
* Assorted Booty
* ....and one Frozen Turkey!

The entry fee for this event is $10.00. All Monies collected from entry fees will be donated to the Sandwich Food Pantry.

E-Mail AQcenter@aol.com, or call 508-888-3444 for more details!

Seafood Watch - on your cell phone

2007-11-13T22:56:00.000-05:00

When ordering seafood, The Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Seafood Watch site is a fantastic reference to check out a particular fish's abundance, fishing practices and impact. You can look up the fish in question, and support only those fish and fisheries that practice sustainable fishing.

Now, you don't even have to be near a computer! Going to www.seafoodwatch.org on a web-enabled mobile phones and PDAs will bring up a site specially formatted for the device. Fishphone.org from the Blue Ocean Institute offers a similar service.

If you don’t have a web-enabled phone, you can send a text message to 30644 with the text, "FISH" and the fish type (for example: text "FISH swordfish" to see the info on swordfish). You will receive a text message back with all the fish's info! (normal text messaging rates apply)

Aqualung Surface Signal Recall

2007-10-24T22:36:00.000-04:00

Aqualung Surface Signal (S.O.S.) RECALL

Aqualung is recalling certain Surface Observation Signal (S.O.S.) sold since Sept 2002 that may have a faulty component. The component is known as an "elbow," and is used to transfer air from the BC to the safety tube.

Aqua Lung would like all owners of S.O.S. units to carefully inspect them. Elbows that have the potential to degrade are easily identified by a molding gate mark located on the outer bend.

If you have a unit with such a gate mark, we ask that you stop using the product. Detach it from the BC and return it to your nearest Aqua Lung Dealer. You may find your nearest Aqua Lung Dealer by using the dealer locator at www.aqualung.com. Your dealer will return it to Aqua Lung who will replace the unit at no charge.

More info at NEADC's Recall page

Tropical fish in the news

2007-10-22T17:21:00.000-04:00

The 2007 Tropical fish hunt was featured in the October 4, 2007 issue of the Jamestown Press. You can find the story on their website or a local copy on ours

Local waters teeming with juvenile tropical fish species

Divers from the New England Aquarium Dive Club performed a tropical fish rescue mission at Ft. Wetherill on Sunday afternoon.

"I just wish someone would tell the fish that is what we are doing," past president, Jean Stefanik, said. "They can be difficult to catch."

The fish eggs are laid in the Florida and Caribbean areas, carried by the gulf stream on seaweed and deposited along the Rhode Island coastline. After hatching, the fish seek shelter in the warmer waters of Narragansett Bay, and particularly among the rocks and cliffs at Ft. Wetherill.