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I’d heard for years that sport anglers here always had a tough time getting their catch to the back of the boat intact. These ultra-efficient blue-water predators made catch-and-release rather impossible. Anglers have had to revise their traditional ploys, utilizing lighter tackle and bringing sailfish to the boat more quickly and with more energy remaining so their chance for survival is greater once released. It was into this high-voltage soup I dived.

With mahi mahi zooming about and as many as five oceanic whitetips buzzing us simultaneously, there was just the right blend of adrenaline and respect for these sleek and beautiful predators. After more than 30 years doing this scuba photog-raphy gig, the heightened awareness and joy of nature remains as potent a motivator as ever. This is the ultimate buzz — the one that keeps me diving.

As you read this issue of Alert Diver other passions will be revealed. Our contributors have been obviously inspired by diving the Philippines, Catalina Island, Bermuda and the ceno-tes of the Riviera Maya. Ernie Brooks eloquently portrays his vision of the underwater world in blacks, whites and shades of gray. You will learn many tips and tricks to make you a safer and more fulfilled scuba diver. We hope you find this issue to be at least a little bit psychologically therapeutic — maybe not as much fun as going diving, but still an inspirational interlude to tide you over until your next giant stride. AD

What’s New on AlertDiver.com

Hand Signals Quiz

Are you getting mixed signals? Check out “Safety 101” (Page 40) to learn how confusion can arise and what to do to avoid it. Then we’ll challenge your hand-signal interpreta-tion skills with an online photo quiz.

Sustainable Seafood Widget

Your choices matter! In this issue, Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Seafood Watch shares tips for enjoying seafood responsibly (Page 12). Use the Seafood Watch widget on www.AlertDiver.com to help you make decisions that support sustainable fishing and harvesting practices.

Philippines Photo Gallery

If you can’t get enough of the images of Philippines paradise (Page 66), explore the exclusive online photo gallery brought to you by photographer Stephen Frink.

Thermal Vents Mining Supervision

In this issue’s “Water Planet” (Page 96), read about the important role of underwater volcanoes in biological research, medicine, oceanography and mineral resources. Visit www.AlertDiver.com to find out “Who’s Minding the Mining?”

There’s no need to wait for the columns, news, tips and stories you love to hear; visit www.AlertDiver.com between issues, and discover all that awaits you.

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Stephen Frink photographing oceanic whitetip sharks off Cat Island, Bahamas