Monday February 11, 2008 2008 Bahamas Conservation Expedition By Andy DeHart 02/11/08 After a week back in the damp cold weather and sunless environment of our aquarium under ground I am really missing the Bahamas. I just wanted to drop you all a note and thank you for your participation in the 2008 National Aquarium Institute Bahamas Conservation Expedition. We had such a great team and you were all such a big help to our project. And hopefully some of you who have been on one of my collecting trips enjoyed the much more relaxed atmosphere. We were also lucky to have the Fellows family who really helped out with our project and embraced our odd group of lionfish hunters. During our trip we were able to collect 59 lionfish for dissection and scientific study and were able to tag 23 specimens to watch future growth and movement. The entire team made that possible, so thank you. We were also lucky enough to have a rare fish sighting. Lad did some preliminary research when we returned and it looks like we may have seen the lemon goby. This fish has never been recorded in REEF data before and the area where we found it is a slight range extension for them. I am attaching a link to the species information. We are still submitting our samples to confirm as the original species description was taken from only 11 specimens. http://www.gobiidae.com/species_pages/vomerogobius_flavus.htm One of the things that truly makes this project so special is the partnerships involved with the 2 National Aquariums, REEF, the Bermuda Aquarium, NOAA, volunteers from all walks of life and dive operators like Aqua Cat and Blackbeard Cruises which take such an interest in preserving our marine environment. A special thanks to Bruce Purdy owner of the Aqua Cat and his excellent team for another fantastic Aqua Cat cruise. Lastly as you all start adjusting back to the cold weather be sure to get out and get the March issue of Scuba Diving Magazine that features an article by Ned that highlights the work our terrific group has done to date with the lionfish. A sneak peak can be found at: http://www.scubadiving.com/news/newsstand/march_preview Again thank you so much for your many contributions to the trip. It was great getting to spend yet another week at sea with many of you and better yet to spend the first week at sea with more of you. It was truly a pleasure getting to know you all and to enjoy the beautiful Bahamian reefs with you as well. I have included all participants on this email so feel free to use it as a way to communicate with new and old friends. The only email I did not have is Bill’s, so Pete if you would kindly forward this on and let us know his email. Andy (Zissou Master Frogman)

Friday February 01, 2008 Quarterly winners from 2007 Sweepstakes Visitors to our website are invited to enter to win one of our quarterly drawings for a FREE cruise aboard the Aqua Cat! Each quarter, we announce the winner in our newsletter via email. Here are the winners of 2007- 1st- Cassie Levu 2nd- Wendy Crown 3rd- Michael Weiss 4th- Ed Glott First quarter 2008 is almost up- have you registered yet? Click on the link below to try your luck!

http://www.aquacatcruises.com/scuba-diving-cruise-contest.html

Tuesday April 17, 2007 1st Quarter Sweepstakes Winner Congratulations to Cassie Levu of Chandler, AZ on winning our 1st quarter trip giveaway. Each quarter Aqua Cat Cruises gives away a free trip from those that register on our website.

Wednesday January 17, 2007 4th Quarter Sweepstakes Winner Congratulations to Ken Templin of Midvale, UT on having his name drawn from the 4th quarter Aqua Cat Sweepstakes entries for a free cruise. Ken wins a free Aqua Cat Cruise. You may enter the Sweepstakes for the current quarter by clicking on the "Register for a Free Cruise" link at the top of the page.

Wednesday January 17, 2007 2006 Photo Winners Every trip we have a photo contest where the passengers choose the best photo in the following catagories macro, wide-angle, topside and video. An overall winner is then choosen from the catagory winners. At the end of each year we have a drawing of the weekly winners. These are the lucky winners. Overall - Julie Johnson from Holland, OH. Julie wins a free trip aboard the Aqua Cat. The picture to the right is Julie's picture. Macro - Eric Wolf from Pennington, NJ. Eric wins a 50% discount on a future cruise. Wideangle - Larry Chan from Foster City, CA. Larry wins a 50% discount on a future cruise. Topside - Steve Kelly from Gastonia, NC. Steve wins a 50% discount on a future cruise. Video - Chris Russell from Hummelstown, PA. Chris wins a 50% discount on a future cruises.

Saturday October 28, 2006 3rd Quater Sweepstakes Winner The 3rd quarter winner is April Price of Palestine, TEXAS! We draw a winner for a free Aqua Cat Cruise each quarter.

Tuesday June 13, 2006 Tiger shark trying to eat a turtle. Passengers on our 2005 New Yearks trip saw a tiger shark trying to eat a turtle. To defend itself, the turtle would roll onto it's side with the top of the shell facing the shark. It appeared to work, as the shark swam off.

Tuesday June 13, 2006 Passengers with whale shark The passengers on our 2005 New Years trip were luck to not only swim with a whale shark, but also see a tiger shark trying to eat a turtle.

Wednesday March 09, 2005 Whales, Dolphins & Sharks The passengers were treated to several great sites today. First while cruising in the sound they saw a pod of dolphins on one side on the boat. While they were enjoying this sight, a sperm whale surfaced on the other side. Then a pod of pilot whales appeared. The passengers were able to snorkel with the pilot whales until 3 oceanic whitetip sharks showed up.

Wednesday February 09, 2005 Photo drawing winners Each year we have a drawing from the winners of the weekly photo contest. The winner of the drawing from the best slide shot during the week wins a free cruise. The other winners each get a 50% discount off a future trip. Overall - Ben Sheppard (May 15 trip) Wide angle - Rich Tregeagle (Feb 21 trip) Macro - Jon Williams (May 8 trip) Digital - Walter Gonzalez Plata Escalante (Aug 21 trip) Video - Grey Sly (Apr 3 trip)

Wednesday February 09, 2005 Recent sigthings - Manta and whale shark A manta ray was sighted on during a dive on the Jan 2 trip. During the Jan 22 trip a whale shark was spotted briefly before diving deep.

Wednesday February 09, 2005 4th Quater Winner Congratulations to Eric Boehmer of Cincinnati, OH for winning the 4th quarter drawing for a free cruise.

Tuesday November 30, 2004 Lionfish in the Bahamas One of our passengers discovered a lionfish at the Blue Hole east of Nassau. There have been a number of lionfish sightings in Florida, but this was the first from the Bahamas or Caribbean according to REEF. At the request of Bahamas Fisheries the lionfish was caught and turned over to fisheries to try and determine it's origin.

Tuesday April 20, 2004 Caribbean Torpedo On April 12, several passengers were lucky enough to spot a Caribbean Torpedo, a rare type of ray. Only 4 out the 50,000 REEF Caribbean surveys turned have recorded one.

Monday January 12, 2004 Whale shark On Sunday Jan 4 a whale shark was seen near Pilar wall, but disappeard before anyone could get in the water to snorkel with it.

Saturday December 27, 2003 Hammerhead shark sighted. Jim Flagg shot this great picture of a hammerhead shark on our Dec 20-27 trip. Large sharks come onto the reefs in the winter when the grouper spawn.

Wednesday December 17, 2003 Mantas sighted on Slate's Industry Cruise Captain Spencer Slate, of Atlantis Dive Shop in Key Largo FL, hosted a dive industry cruise December 6-13th. Some of the biggest names in diving were on board to enjoy a week of camaraderie, diving, and lots of funny stories! Neal Watson, a pioneer in the SCUBA world, flew in for the Saturday welcome party but had to attend other business for the rest of the week. Mark Evans of Sport Diver UK; George Muszynski an Our World Underwater Scuba Show volunteer; Hall Watts, the world depth record holder; Wes Skiles, reknowned videographer; Leigh and Boomer of DEEP SIX; Mike Hanna, industry rep; and Doug Counts of Florida Scuba News all enjoyed a great week together. Justin, the shop manager of Atlantis Dive shop kept everyone in line while Slate kept them out of line! One of the many sites enjoyed by these divers was the sighting of manta rays! Boomer, aka John Appelboom, caught this one as it flew by the wall of the Exuma Sound. Check back soon for more great pics on this trip!

Tuesday December 16, 2003 Mantas, dolphin, tiger & hammerhead sharks, goliath grouper Passengers on our Nov 29 trip had a number of special sightings. Manta rays were seen on two dives. Also seen during the week were tiger and hammerhead sharks, goliath grouper and dolphin.

Wednesday October 01, 2003 3rd Quarter Sweepstakes Winner Congratulations to Mitch Cohen from Hartford, CT on being the winner of our 3rd quarter drawing. You can sign up for a chance to win by clicking the flashing button on the first page of our website. We do a drawing every 3 months.

Wednesday July 02, 2003 2nd Quarter Sweepstakes Winner Congratulations to Jessica Reno from Goose Creek, SC on winning our 2nd quater drawing for a free Aqua Cat Cruise. You may register for this quarters drawing by clicking on the "Register for a free cruise" button on the first page.

Monday May 05, 2003 Pilot Whales On Sunday afternoon April 27, 2003, the Aqua Cat passengers had the opportunity to snorkel with a pod of at least 9 pilot whales. They were swimming about 7 knts when originally seen. Passengers were able to get some nice views as they swam along next to the Aqua Cat. They gradually slowed down and eventually stopped and passengers were able to jump in the water with them.

Wednesday April 09, 2003 1st Quarter Sweepstakes Winner Congratulations to Coby Salmon from Edmonton, AB for winning the first quarter Aqua Cat sweepstakes. Coby wins a free cruise on the Aqua Cat.

Thursday March 06, 2003 Humpback Whale A humpback whale surfaced 50' in front of the Aqua Cat while it was conducting a dive on Pilar wall on Mar 3, 2003. Passengers enjoyed a visit with this great creature.

Thursday March 06, 2003 Bull Shark The Aqua Cat had a bull shark cruise through the area during a shark feeding dive on Feb 25, 2003.

Thursday March 06, 2003 Sperm Whale The Aqua Cat came upon a sperm whale relaxing at the surface on Feb 27, 2003.

Monday January 13, 2003 Fourth Quarter Sweepstakes Winner Congratulations to FarrellJohnson from Sefner, FL for being our 4th quarter sweepstakes winner.

Thursday November 14, 2002 Reef Monitoring The week of Nov 1-8 Aqua Cat Employees Kat Edwards and Bruce Purdy attended a course to learn how to monitor coral reefs. The Marine Conservancy and NOAA sponsor the program called RECON. The course took place at the NOAA research facility on Lee Stocking Island, Exumas. During the course students learned to identify corals, coral diseases, coral predators and algaes. The students are now trained to conduct surveys on reefs to monitor coral condition and the percentage of coral and algae cover. Kat & Bruce both took additional training to become RECON instructors and will be teaching other members of the Aqua Cat crew the monitoring procedures. The training is also available to Aqua Cat passengers. Early next year the Aqua Cat will be installing temperature monitors on a number of our reefs. These monitors record the temperature every hour for up to a year. The Aqua Cat crew has also been doing REEF fish surveys on all of our reefs.

Wednesday October 02, 2002 Third Quarter Sweepstakes Winner Congratulations to Linda Freeman from Lebanon, OH on winning a free cruises on the Aqua Cat.

Tuesday August 13, 2002 Aqua Cat Wedding Guests Tim Barrett and Nancy Pope from Batavia, OH were married on the July 18 during their Aqua Cat Cruise. Capt Mark Bailey performed the service on the beach at Highbourne Cay. The bride arrived at the beach by dinghy and walked down a aisle made of conch shells. All male guests were required to be shirtless.

Tuesday August 13, 2002 Shark Week One of our divesites, the blue hole, was featured on the Discovery Channel's Shark Week. The segment showed celebrity guest Gabby Reese diving in the blue hole with the large school of Atlantic sharpnose sharks that gather there every summer. Another segment shot on Allan's Cay showed lead singer Mark McGrath of the rock group Sugar Ray feeding the iguanas.

Monday July 08, 2002 Second Quarter Sweepstakes Winner Congratulations to Roland Saulnier of Ottawa, ON on being our second quarter sweepstakes winner.

Monday April 22, 2002 First Quarter Sweepstakes Winner Congratulations to Kelly Kanoff of Toledo, OH on being the first quarter sweepstakes winner of a free trip. To register for the drawing click on the sweepstakes button at the top of the page.

Friday February 15, 2002 2001 Photo Winners Each week the Aqua Cat has a photo contest with the passengers voting for the best macro, best wide-angle, the best topside, the best overall picture and the best video. We drew a winner in each category. Christine Gluch of Glenside, Pa was the winner of the best overall picture. She wins a free Aqua Cat trip. The winners of each of the other categories wins a 50% discount on an Aqua Cat trip. The winners were Richard Schewe of Loves Park, IL - macro, Sharon Wong of San Diego, CA - wide-angle, Joe Shepard of Tolland, Ct - topside and Bill Baker of Oxford, OH - video. You can see their pictures by going to the photo page below.

http://www.aquacatcruises.com/list_photos.php

Friday February 15, 2002 Sperm Whale & Dolphins The Aqua Cat passengers saw a sperm whale and a pod of dolphins dolphins during the trip. The passengers were able to snorkel with the bottlenose dolphins. The sperm whale was resting on the surface prior to making a deep dive.

Thursday January 10, 2002 December Sweepstakes Winner Congratulations to Ester Kuznetz from Sarasota, FL on being our December Sweepstakes winner of a free cruise.

Tuesday December 04, 2001 Aqua Cat crew voted world's best Rodales Scuba Diving magazine just released the results of their Top 10 Awards that rate the world's best dive operations. The crew of the Aqua Cat was rated the best in the world! Aqua Cat was also rated the third best liveaboard in the world.

Tuesday December 04, 2001 November Sweepatakes Winner Congratulations to Robert Gibson on being our November Sweepstakes winner.

Friday November 09, 2001 October Sweepstakes Winner Congratulations to Susan Danner from South St Paul, MN on being our October Sweepstakes winner.

Friday October 05, 2001 September Sweepstakes Winner Congratulations to David Domanski from Boonsboro, MD on being the winner of our September drawing for a free trip.

Thursday September 27, 2001 August Sweepstakes Winner Congratualations to John Desteffano of Springfield, PA on winning the August drawing for a free cruise.

Monday August 06, 2001 July Sweepstakes Winner Congratulations to Michael Cox from Brecksville, OH on winning our July free cruises.

Tuesday July 17, 2001 Shark Dive Our shark dive at Danger Reef. We tether a chumsicle to the bottom for sharks to feed on. The chumsicle is behing the head of the nearest Caribbean Reef shark.

Tuesday July 17, 2001 Divers in the Blue Hole Two divers in the Blue Hole between Nassau and the Exumas.

Tuesday July 17, 2001 Photo Table Looking at slides on the photo table.

Tuesday July 17, 2001 Aqua Cat main salon The main salon and dining area on the Aqua Cat.

Tuesday July 17, 2001 Enjoying the afternoon at Pirate's Lair. Everyone enjoying a break from diving at Pirate's Lair.

Tuesday July 17, 2001 Aqua Cat & kayakers in Pirate's Lair. Pirate's Lair is a beautiful spot to stop. There are nature trails on the island, beutiful beaches and you can kayak to the islands offshore.

Tuesday July 17, 2001 Aqua Cat in Pirate's Lair Pirate's Lair is an anchorage off the south end of Warderick Wells. Pirates used to anchor here because of a fresh water well.

Tuesday July 17, 2001 Shroud Cay Shroud Cay has several creeks that meander through the island. These are great for kayaking and snorkeling.

Tuesday July 17, 2001 Audrey preparing for record. Audrey Mestre preparing to break the womens world record for the deepest free dive. The Aqua Cat and it's tender the Sea Dog are above her. She broke the record by descending to 130 m or 426'.

Tuesday July 17, 2001 Audrey & Pipin after the dive. Audrey & Pipin after their world record tandem dive.

Tuesday July 17, 2001 Pipin & Audrey world record Pipin & Audrey on their way down on the world record dive.

Tuesday July 17, 2001 Pipin & Audrey Pipin & Audrey on sled preparing for world record tandem dive.

Wednesday July 11, 2001 June Sweepstakes Winner James Hauseman from London, England is our June sweepstakes winner.

Friday June 22, 2001 May Sweepstakes Winner Congratualations to Todd Balmer of Avon, Ct on been our May Sweepstakes winner.

	Friday June 22, 2001 Aqua Cat Crew with Audrey & Pipin The Aqua Cat Crew with Audrey and Pipin after they broke two world freediving records off the Aqua Cat.
http://www.freediving.net

Friday June 22, 2001 Audrey Mestre Breaks World Record Audrey Mestre after breaking the womens no limits world free diving record. She descended to 130m or 426.51' on a sled tethered to the Aqua Cat. She said afterwards that she felt she could go much deeper.
http://www.freediving.net

Friday June 22, 2001 Pipin & Audrey break tandem freeding record. Pipin Ferreras and his wife Audrey Mestre on the Aqua Cat after breaking the world no limits tandem free diving record. They rode a sled down to 100m or 328.08'.

Friday June 22, 2001 Aqua Cat in Water The Aqua Cat motoring from the freighter Edamgracht to the dock after being off loaded in Ft Lauderdale on May 13.

Friday June 22, 2001 Aqua Cat Arrives A picture of the Aqua Cat being unloaded from the freighter after arrival in Miami on May 13, 2001

Friday May 04, 2001 April Sweepstakes Winner Congratulations to Mike Bristow from Lakewood, OH on being our April Sweepstakes winner. Mike wins a free cruise on the Aqua Cat.

Wednesday April 11, 2001 Aqua Cat during Sea Trials A picture of the Aqua Cat during Sea Trials.

Wednesday April 11, 2001 Aqua Cat on freighter Edamgracht Aqua Cat after it was loaded on the Dutch freighter Edamgracht. It is now underway to the US. It should pass through the Panama Canal around May 1.

Wednesday April 11, 2001 Aqua Cat on Freighter, bow shot. Aqua Cat on freighter.

Wednesday April 11, 2001 Side view during loading Side view

Wednesday April 11, 2001 Stern view during loading. Stern view during loading.

Wednesday April 11, 2001 Aqua Cat being loaded March 31 The Aqua Cat being loaded on the freighter March 31.

Wednesday April 04, 2001 Aqua Cat Shipped from Australia. On Mar. 31 the Aqua Cat was loaded upon a freighter for shipment to Miami. The freighter will stop in Adelaide to pick up some steel, then Melbourne to pick up paper. It will then head for the Panama canal before arriving in Miami in mid May.

Wednesday April 04, 2001 March Sweepstakes Winner Michael Waller of Stafford, VA was our March, 2001 sweepstakes winner.

Monday March 26, 2001 Beneath the Sea Winner Congratulations to John Crof from Mt Holly, NJ for winning a free cruise on the Aqua Cat.

Thursday March 08, 2001 February Sweepstakes Winner Congratulations to Susan Benton from Evansville, IN on being our February Sweepstakes winner.

Thursday March 08, 2001 London Dive Show Winner Deborah Small was the winner of a cruise for 2 on the Aqua Cat in a drawing at the London Dive show this last weekend.

Thursday March 08, 2001 Aqua Cat completes sea trials. The Aqua Cat completed sea trials February 28. Everything went very well. She was able to cruise smoothly at 14 knts despite the 25 knt winds and choppy seas. This picture is of the dining area and the salon.

Thursday March 08, 2001 Aqua Cat Salon The forward part of the salon. There is a large video area forward and a slide viewing table aft. We have a computer in this area you can use to send & receive e-mails and to edit video.

Thursday March 08, 2001 Aqua Cat Alfresco Deck The alfresco deck is covered area just aft of the salon. There is a large BBQ and 3 tables on this deck.

Monday February 05, 2001 Aqua Cat Launched - Side picture. The Aqua Cat was launched Feb. 5.

Monday February 05, 2001 Feb 5 Aqua Cat Bow The Aqua Cat will undergo 6 weeks of sea trials before being loaded on a freighter for shipment to Miami. She should arrive in Miami in early May with trips to start June 23.

Monday February 05, 2001 Feb 5 Aqua Cat Stern The stern of the Aqua Cat.

Monday February 05, 2001 Feb 5 Stern shot of Aqua Cat A stern shot of the Aqua Cat at the dock. The crane for launching the dinghies still needs to be installed.

Friday February 02, 2001 January Sweeptstakes Winner Congratulations to Carol Clayton of Southport, NC on being our January sweepstakes winner.

Thursday January 04, 2001 December Sweepstakes Winner Congratulations to Suzanne Somerville of Boulde, CO for winning our December drawing for a free cruise. We will be giving away away a free trip each month.

Thursday December 07, 2000 12/1/00 Stern Construction is moving along rapidly. They are presently about a month ahead of schedule. They are hoping to have it finished in late January. It will then spend 3 weeks in sea trials before shipment to Miami.

Thursday December 07, 2000 12/1/00 Dining area The Aqua Cat will have a large dining area. The tables are complete and ready to mount on the pedicels.

Thursday December 07, 2000 12/1/00 Helm The dashboard is being built outside the boat and will be installed next week.

Thursday December 07, 2000 November Winner Congratulations to Denise Easley of Leominster, MA for winning our November drawing for a free trip. We will be giving away a free trip each month. You may register on our website.

Wednesday November 08, 2000 October Winner of Free Cruise Fred Darland of Huntington Beach, CA was ourOctober winner of a free cruise on the Aqua Cat. We will be giving away one free cruise each month. You may enter by clicking on the "Register for a free cruises" on our main page.

Wednesday October 25, 2000 10/18/00 Underdeck from bow. The underdeck looking aft.

Wednesday October 25, 2000 10/18/00 Underdeck The underdeck of the Aqua Cat looking forward.

Wednesday October 25, 2000 10/18/00 Starboard hull A shot of the starboard hull.

Wednesday October 25, 2000 10/18/00 Port Stern A shot looking forward of the port stern. The steps of the dive ladder still need to be added.

Wednesday October 25, 2000 10/18/00 Port Bow A shot looking aft of the port side of the Aqua Cat.

Thursday September 21, 2000 9/13/00 alfresco deck The alfresco deck. This is just aft of the salon and dining area on the middle deck. Image Marine is constructing it in Perth, Australia.

Thursday September 21, 2000 9/13/00 hulls A view of the underdeck and hulls. They hull plating will be attached soon.

Thursday September 21, 2000 9/13/00 overall view A view from above of the vessel. The hulls are being built serparatey from the upper deck. The hulls are at the far end of the building, with the dive ladders facing us. The upper decks are nearest the camera. The bow is at the far end, with the stern behind the cameraman.

Thursday September 21, 2000 9/13/00 bow The framing for the bow. The salon is at top and the forward deck is at the bottom. The hulls are being built separately and will be attached later. The helm will be built above the salon at the top of the photo.

Thursday September 21, 2000 9/13/00 alfresco deck from the starboard side. A picture of the alfresco deck. The salon and dining area are to the right. The dive deck is below this.