3rd Thurs W/CHUM: JANUARY 16th: Antarctica & the Southern Seas with Jeff Bozanic (7:30pm CT)

[DeepGeek]

This month we welcome renowned diver and explorer Jeff Bozanic.

He will be bringing a wealth of experience:
over 50 years of diving
a member of the Explorers Club
TDI Professional of the Year Award
DAN/Rolex Diver of the Year Award
NAUI Lifetime Achievement Award

Jeff literally wrote the book: Mastering Rebreathers was a key text when I trained on closed circuit and continues to be relevant. I'll be bringing my copy for signing, that's for sure!

Come join us at 7:30 pm CT on Thursday Jan 16th at Jake's as we welcome Jeff who is flying in to be with us in Houston that night. This is not one to miss!

 

[DeepGeek]

Not long until Thursday! Looking forward to seeing everyone since the Holidays.

 

[McLOT]

Looking forward to it.

I'll be bringing the calendars that were not posted.

 

[DeepGeek]

We will also be recognising our DAM CHUMmers from 2024.

 

[Lakediver]

Jesse and I will be there!

 

[Cajun Diver]

I'll plan on driving in since the weather looks ok for Thursday.

 

[DeepGeek]

Just a reminder that parking at the dentist next door is available in the evening, another option if the parking lot at Jake's fills up later on.

 

[ReefHound]

Anyone have a full tank of air we could borrow that they could bring to meeting? Planning on Spring Lake this weekend.

 

[Sushi Boy]

Is there a Zoom option?

 

[Heidi Ho]

Thanks @DeepGeek for bringing Jeff to us, he was a really interesting speaker and a great storyteller. How fun would it be if @birddog and @LegoBloxs joined his trip?

 

[McLOT]

Good to see so many Chummers on Thursday for Jeff's presentation.

I have posted a few photos here including some of the DAM winners.

 

[LegoBloxs]

Thank you @DeepGeek that was a wonderful presentation, well worth coming down to the big smoke for.
I’ve been interested Shackleton expeditions for many years now so great that bit too. Nice to have reference to the McMurdo party as well, they seem to get overlooked a lot.
Cheers.

 

[birddog]

Are we so predictable @Heidi Ho

 

[ReefHound]

I don't know if Roger's question was answered privately but I noticed there didn't seem to be a zoom audience at the meeting. Maybe I missed an announcement, but is this a permanent change or was this at the request of the speaker. I did hear it mention that he doesn't do zoom presentations, only in-person.

 

[McLOT]

It was answered privately. There was a LOT going on at the meeting with multiple announcements etc.
The speaker does not do Zoom meetings and that was respected.

 

[Lakediver]

He was a really fantastic speaker. Good job, @DeepGeek

 

[DeepGeek]

Just catching up after going away for the weekend - just got back in the nick of time!

To answer publicly - yes Jeff is not a fan of Zoom or remote video unless absolutely necessary. As you saw with the interactivity of his talk, that just doesn't seem to suit his style. I didn't draw enough attention to the change in the lead-up - my fault. I was hoping we might get a last minute change of heart but once his talk got underway with his 'roaming' style I could see that was never going to happen.

However, it's not a new policy or anything. Next month's speaker will be remote and we will have Zoom like normal.

So good to see so many folks in person and it was a great atmosphere. Thanks for taking photos @McLOT and setting up the album, I've added a few more.

 

[Atlantean]

Very interesting and engaging speaker. Thanks @DeepGeek!!

 

[Tumblin' Dice]

The recent Explorers Club twist to the Antarctica expedition is pretty cool, with participation in the scientific aspects making one eligible for membership.

Exciting News!

This expedition has been officially approved as an Explorers Club Flag Expedition, a rare and prestigious honor that places it among the most important scientific missions in the world. Carrying the Explorers Club Flag symbolizes its significance in advancing human knowledge and preserving the natural world.

Scientific Objectives

Our expedition aims to expand understanding of the unique ecosystems in the Southern Ocean, focusing on Shag Rocks, one of the most remote and ecologically intriguing locations on Earth. Key scientific objectives include:

1. Marine Biology Research
   • Collecting marine invertebrates and algal samples from shallow waters around Shag Rocks using scuba diving.
   • Studying species distribution, potential range extensions, and discovering new or endemic species.
   • Documenting and preserving specimens for research institutions, including the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County.
2. Bird Surveys
   • Conducting a detailed survey of the seabirds inhabiting Shag Rocks, known for its guano-covered islets and high bird activity.
3. Conservation Insights
   • Enhancing knowledge of biodiversity and ecological interactions in one of the world’s least-studied marine environments.
   • Examining how these species thrive in extreme environments and their potential adaptability to climate change.
4. Photography and Documentation
   • Capturing photographic records of the ecosystem for scientific analysis and public dissemination.