(MWN / 19-10-09)  Last Monday stars the Open Fotosub Isla de El Hierro in Canary Islands (Spain). La Caleta and El Bajón del Puerto in La Estaca have been dive sites chosen by the organization to start the proofs.

This year it takes place and for the first time out from the waters of La Restinga, in the South of El Hierro, where the rest of the competition will continue until next Saturday 24th. That day we will know the winner of the best photo collection of this international competition of submarine photography and, therefore, who wins the nine thousand euros of the first prize.

In total, 25,000 € will be given in prizes, which have brought to the island –together with special conditions of the bottom of the sea in El Hierro- the elite of underwater photography in the world.

Among the 18 teams in competition they are the current world champion, Espen Redkal; the third one, the Korean Eok Soo Kim; and the world ex-champion in this category, the Italian Settimio Cipriano. The British Tony Murray repeats in the Open, and also does David Barrio, winner of the previous edition

For the current Spanish championship, Esteban Toré, from Málaga, this is being his first participation in the open and he is delighted with the richness and varied marine fauna of the place.

José Ángel Fernández and Amparo García, from Teruel, have participated several times. Yesterday, during the training day, they were very happy with the idea of starting the Open in the Northeast coast of the island and finishing in La Restinga: “It has allowed us to dive for the first time in other dive sites such us La Caleta, which has fascinated us.”

Open ex champions such as Rafael Fernández, Julio Díaz or Arturo Telle are willing to do their best and get the title again. All agreed with the high sportive level of all the teams in competition in this 13th edition.

A comprehensive security device directed by the Cabildo of El Hierro with the collaboration of Canary Government, Forces and State Security Bodies, Maritime Salvage, and Spanish Red Cross, ensures that everything runs smoothly and without incidents in this classical proof that has got to promote the excellences of the seabed of El Hierro all over the world.

Today, photo divers and their models or assistants have enjoyed black coral in Bajón del Puerto and the rich marine fauna in La Caleta –with a sandier seabed than in La Restinga- where whitefish (moray eels, breams, roosters, jacks, and even lobsters) abound and some manta rays can be seen, among others. They have 60 minutes in each dive and they can take until 120 pictures.