Volume III, Issue 3 ..................................................................July, 1997
Bula Friends,
As we stock and shine NAI'A in preparation for our first Fiji-Tonga Expedition, the whales are already making waves. Last week we watched two humpbacks canoodle in the lagoon at Gau in between our shark dives in Nigali Passage. Mary, a new diver from Italy who had never seen a whale, blurted out something profound in her mother tongue as a measure of her excitement. It sounded like opera to the rest of us, but we knew exactly what she meant. Magnifico! 

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Simple Sponges - A CANCER CURE?
OK so wrestling aside voracious nudibranchs to capture a Ziplock bag full of sponge may not be everyone's idea of adventure. But fighting breast cancer sure takes courage. The latest encouraging bio-medical research has discovered that the sea does indeed hold the secret to combating this disease. And now NAI'A divers are a part of the quest to unravel that secret. 

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NOW SHOWING: New Video
After four years and more than 50 hours shooting video of the spectacular sights in our own backyard, we've finally condensed Rob's hottest shots (plus some of Cat's) into a new NAI'A video. This high-voltage 10-minute piece was produced by ex-Hollywood editor, Rodger Klein, and includes footage from Rod and other NAI'A passengers, Derry Kabcenell and Heinz Weickert. It also features some sweet singin' sounds from our crew boys and their guitars. We're now working out the logistics of Internet commerce and plan to sell the video via our website for just enough to cover copying, postage and handling. Interested? Call us to put your name on the A-list. 
Turtle Research on Taveuni
Join us during turtle nesting season on our research expedition to Fiji's national island preserve, Namena, the famed and adored garden isle of Taveuni, as well as some of Northern Lau's untamed reefs and atolls. In between dives you can help Malika Sobie, a Fijian Ph.D. student at the University of the South Pacific (USP), find, observe, capture and tissue sample endangered turtles both underwater and on the beaches. The study aims to fill-in the giant holes in the family tree of South Pacific turtle populations - and ultimately to discover the last of the great turtle rookeries. Don't miss this rare event! Jan 10-20, '98 
Escape for NEW YEAR!
NAI'A still has a handful of berths available for singles or couples on remaining charters this year. Our New Year trip, Dec 28-Jan 7, also has space for anyone looking for an unusual and exotic way to celebrate the beginning of '98. Remember, Fiji is only a direct 11-hour flight away from Los Angeles and there are some good deals to be had on airfares. Call Alex in our office for details. And immerse yourself in the Pacific's most lavish and lively diving.