Blue Dolphin of Malta 2002

International Underwater Photographic Competition

The Blue Dolphin of Malta International Underwater Photographic Competition is back with a splash! Once again the Federation of Underwater Activities (F.U.A.M.) is organising this highly prestigious event in the Maltese Islands. This 10th Edition of Blue Dolphin is being held from the 12th - 17th November 2002. Competitors and their models, judges and journalists from various countries, are meeting to respectively share and exchange, the pleasures and knowledge of capturing the beauty and wonders of the Mediterranean Sea. All will once again dive into Malta's clear blue waters and shoot on film - to capture not to kill - the beauty, colour and grace of the blue!

The first edition of Blue Dolphin of Malta was held back in 1987, in occasion of a very special event; namely the hosting of the 'Confederation Mondiale des Activites Subaquatiques' (CMAS) World Congress in Malta. This was the very first time for Malta (founder member in 1955) to receive such an honour. Competitors came from 42 different countries participated and the winner was Mr John Christopher Fine, a journalist from New York.

Previous winners were:

1988 Graziella Ricino (Italy)
1989 Marc De Batty (France)
1990 Andre Ruoppolo (France)
1991 Dennis Barrranger (France)
1992 Marc De Batty (France)
1993 Chris Borg Cardona (Malta)
1994 Settimo Cipriano (Italy)
1995 Michel Pakiela (France)

The Blue Dolphin of Malta became, and still is a very important and renowned event throughout the international diving community. Every edition has been graced by the presence of internationally known personalities like the late Jacques Mayol, Peter Scoones, Pelizzari, Pipin and many others. This year will not be an exception.

The Blue Dolphin of Malta is an excellent opportunity to discover the beauty of the Mediterranean Sea and the marine environment in general. The waters around the Maltese islands are famous for their clear waters, cave and wreck diving.
Each competitor will compete over two days (six hours), to present a set of three slides. The slides must include one macro or close up (all subjects except fish), one fish (macro or close up) and one wide-angle (ambient).

Furthermore a Disposable Camera competition is being included for the first time to attract more divers to this speciality and encourage them to discover underwater photography.

Journalists from various countries will be attending the event. Prestigious guests will be here to judge the competitors. Various slide shows and presentations, pleasure dives and cultural excursions will also be included during the event.

The 10th Blue Dolphin of Malta International Underwater Photographic Competition is organised by FUAM in collaboration with Malta Tourism Authority (MTA), our official carrier Air Malta and the Malta Maritime Authority (MMA). Many thanks to all the other sponsors and other partners; without them there will be no Blue Dolphin of Malta.

For further information please visit our website www.fuam.org or contact FUAM on fuam@digigate.net or tel. 00356 99424275 or fax 00356 21244622

BLUE DOLPHIN OF MALTA - PAST EVENTS

1989 by Debbie Perrin

1990 by David Chandler

1993 by Greg Cassar