There is nothing so pure as donning a simple pair of fins, snapping on a mask, and chomping down on a snorkel bit before a beach entry into a silvery turquoise lagoon. Freediving is like a first love, the one that taught us how to move through this three-dimensional world. Together we felt the wonder at the profound beauty of life but also learned that without respect, all is lost. In this issue, Asian Diver looks at the evolution of freediving through the centuries, from its beginnings more than 7, 000 years ago in ancient cultures such as the Chinchorro to its current status as one of the most popular underwater sports in the world.

The 2019 edition of The Big Blue Book focuses on the perils of plastic pollution on the very source of life – the ocean. We look into the creation of plastic, its long life span, durability and opinions from prominent scientists on how plastics affect marine species – for example how microplastics affect coral reefs. We also investigate the solutions that can prevent further plastic pollution of our oceans so that marine species can be protected.

In order to witness the beauty of Nature’s tiniest marine creatures in their hidden habitats, we’ve combed through the different layers that are found in the muck in this issue of Asian Diver. Whether it’s the plastic trash that has made its way into the oceans from polluted rivers that now provides shelter for critters like octopuses, the artificial tyre reefs humans have created to attract marine wildlife that may be doing more harm than good, or the diminutive marine organisms like the algae shrimp and the “Shaun the Sheep” nudibranch that live on the algae found on the seabed – we’ve pored over the minutiae of the muck and its inhabitants to understand what makes this type of diving so thrilling.

Take the plunge with Asian Diver as we bring you the ultimate dive course guidebook for any scuba divers, aspiring divers, and professionals. Jump in and know about the must-have dive certificates offered by different dive agencies.

Wrecks are enigmatic, revered, and sometimes dangerous. Yet they can be found in abundance: It is estimated that there are around three million wrecks underwater. But for the majority of the population, these treasure troves remain hidden beneath the waves. With Asia being a hotspot in the theatre of World War II, its waters host a plethora of historical wrecks waiting to be explored. While some are the result of a rich history, others are purposefully-sunk as artificial reefs. Either way, these wrecks have now become home to the ocean’s creatures, sustaining new life when all was dead.  

Asian Diver's ADEX Collector's Edition is back with an inspiring and fact-packed bumper issue to celebrate the International Year of the Reef, alongside an in-depth look at the ocean's apex predator. Get the low-down on what's happening in the shark fin trade, brush up on your knowledge of sharks and corals, and find out how individuals and organisations around the world are working to save our sharks and reefs.

Think you know Asian diving? Think again. Asian Diver blows the lid on the dive destinations you (think you) know and love. Get ready to discover the blue water and drop offs in muck Mecca, the world-class reefs that neighbour the most famous wrecks, and the critters that inhabit pelagic paradise. Prepare to have your underwater world turned upside down.

As the importance of the oceans fade amidst the hustle and bustle of life, Asian Diver endeavours to be its mouthpiece, bringing its voice to life with underwater tales that are yet to be told.