Fish 'n News is moving
 As regular readers will know, this newsletter isn’t very, erm, regular. In order to keep you more up to date with what we’re seeing and doing here at Fish 'n Fins we’re going to be changing things slightly. So this will be the final newsletter (*sniff*) before we move all our news over to this page. The intention is to post little and often, rather than lots and occasionally, to give you all the current info your heart desires. So take a look, bookmark away and keep your eyes peeled for more news than ever before!
Shark Week 2008 & 2009
As the years roll by so do Shark Weeks, so with Shark Week 2008 in the bag and planning already underway for Shark Week 2009 it’s time to look both backwards and forwards.
Shark Week 08 finished in early April after another fun-filled event. While the turnout was slightly smaller than  past events there was no less enjoyment involved. Guests and speakers from 5 continents enjoyed a full evening programme and, of course, some top class diving. Dr Mark Meekan from AIMS (Australian Institute of Maritime Science) flew in again to present some fascinating information on land, and to lure sharks underwater by using his trusty plastic water bottle. USCG Capt. Bill Marhoffer visited us from Guam, bringing the latest information about the war on illegal shark fishing in the waters of Micronesia. Underwater things were equally entertaining, with the early morning dives at Blue Corner a particular highlight as always.
Shark Week is specially planned to take place during reef shark mating season, where large numbers of these magnificent creatures congregate near the reefs. Next years event has been scheduled to take advantage of the lunar cycle so the fun runs from March 8th until March 15th, 2009. If you feel like enjoying some of the finest shark diving around, along with a full evening programme of education and entertainment then we’d love to share your company. Email us for more details, or check our Shark Week page here.
Technical Diving at Fish 'n Fins
Fish 'n Fins are pleased to announce that we are the first and only dive center in Palau able to offer DSAT and TDI courses up to and including Trimix level. A full range of technical diving courses, equipment rental and boat hire options are now available for you to enjoy the waters of Palau deeper and for longer than ever before. We can blend all gases and also offer CCR rebreather support. Whether you want to learn how to be a gas blender, explore deep wrecks on Trimix or swim amongst the sharks bubble free on your rebreather, we’ve got all the bases covered. For more details take a look at our technical diving pages, or please email us.
 
Ocean Hunter III enters service
Ocean Hunter III is now in service! Outfitted to the very highest of standards, Ocean Hunter III brings a new level of quality to liveaboard diving in Palau. She set sail on her first diving trip in April, and each week takes divers to our fabulous divesites in the utmost comfort. With all modern conveniences and comforts, Ocean Hunter III provides plenty of space both for diving and relaxing between immersions. She is also fully equipped for open ocean trips, as we explore all over the Western Pacific. Go to our Ocean Hunter III site for a closer look.
  
Staff Changes
 There have been quite a few changes since our last newsletter. Shane “The Insane” has heard the calling and left us to serve in the US army. Our best wishes go out to him and our commiserations to anyone who gets in his way! We have a few new staff to welcome – Elise and Andrea are splitting their time between the office, shop and diving. Richard is our new videographer, and Adam joins us as our Tec instructor. A big Alii to them all and if you want to know more about them just pop over to our staff page for more details.
Guestbook
This issue we'd like you to meet Helga Reh, from Schriesheim, Germany. Helga has recently spent many weeks in Palau, diving from both our day boats and Ocean Hunter I. "Palau is wonderful" she says "with really top dive sites. I've made more than 120 dives on the trip and all the dives were beautiful and different." From large sharks and manta down to tiny nudibranchs and mandarinfish, Helga has seen and photographed them all! "I have taken many many pictures in this unforgettable paradise", she continues "and diving with Fish 'n Fins is great - excellent staff and guides with great eyes!!".
Helga has kindly written a lengthy article about her time on Ocean Hunter, which we'll put up for you once we finish the translation! Until then the final word goes to Helga - "you will be for ever in my mind, when I close my eyes I can just jump in the water and follow you..."
Fish 'n Video
We’ve been having very good manta diving lately, both at Devilfish City and German Channel, with sightings of 4 or 5 on a dive not uncommon. We’ve also had occasional sightings at Turtle Wall and Ulong Channel. And how close are they coming? Take a look at this clip, from our Fish ‘n Films videographer Richard.
Manta Fly-by (Quicktime movie, 1.29MB, 17 secs)
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