A year ago, I stepped in as Editor in Chief of InDEPTH, the magazine Michael Menduno co-founded and led. Following M2 was daunting. With each edition, the team and I found our footing. Today, I am proud of what we publish and ambitious about what comes next. M2 wanted stories that would become lasting references for our community. In that spirit, we took on State of Cave Exploration 2026: 45 projects worldwide, with teams reporting on discoveries, science, mapping and the work behind the dives. It was a huge undertaking, and a shared record we can return to next year to ask: what changed?
This issue also gives you a new way to take InDEPTH along. For the first time, we’re testing audio versions of selected articles. On the road, out for a jog, or taking a break from your screen, you can press play and settle into a story. The narration is AI-generated, with text adapted for listening. Photographs, maps, tables and other supporting material remain on the page, so there is plenty worth coming back to. Think of audio as another door into the magazine. We’re starting with this issue and learning as we go. Give it a listen, then tell us what you think. Did you enjoy it? What needs work? Would you like more? Your feedback will help us decide where to take it.
There is more ahead: deeper reporting, voices we haven’t heard from, and a closer look at the assumptions shaping our diving. Serious or funny, new or vintage, a worthwhile story deserves the time to get it right. We intend to give it that time.
Thank you for your trust. We have plenty to pursue, and enough curiosity to get ourselves into trouble. Keep reading. Keep questioning us. Keep holding InDEPTH to a higher standard.
With gratitude,
Stratis Kas
Editor in Chief, InDEPTH Magazine
