Are Divers ENVIRONMENTALISTS?

[jason.elias]

Considering that most Diving takes place in environments affected by human impact - such as coral reefs in relation to pollution or global warming - I wonder how many Divers identify themselves as environmentalists..

There does seem to be a more limited discussion on environmental factors in the Dive Community than in other outdoor sports. As an example, though there were a few scattered groups and conversations at the last DEMA show concerning environmental factors and how it relates to Diving, it certainly was not a main issue at the show.

I know there are certainly Divers concerned with environmental issues but it seems relegated to a somewhat minor discussion in the community, particularly in comparison to other Sports such as Surfing, or even Hunting, where they have active and vocal environmental constituencies.

So I was wondering how Divers felt about environmental issues. Do most identify themselves as environmentalists? Or do they instead see that as a biased political issue not relevant to the sport?

 

[MXGratefulDiver]

The environment is relevent to way more than just our recreational activities ... if we muck it up, we live ... or die ... with the consequences.

No, I don't consider myself an environmentalist ... that term (like so many) has political baggage that doesn't accomplish anything productive. I'm just a concerned citizen trying my best to get through this life without making too much of a mess for everyone else who has to use the place ...

... Bob (Grateful Diver)

 

[whoji]

Yes we are Mentalists in the Environment.

Only kidding, I think that most divers are inherently environmentalists.There are some outspoken Diving Enviroment groups.

For myself, as long as I do my little bit to not damage the environment I feel happy. Perhaps other divers do the same therefore we dont need to shout about it as we are all working towards the same goal.

 

[ClayJar]

I would consider myself an environmentally-aware man of science. Unfortunately, the term "environmentalist" has come to have connotations that have nothing to do with the environment and everything to do with "radical environmentalists", so I tend to shy away from the term itself.

I would say that the NAUI materials I have been exposed to in training (from Scuba Diver [i.e. OW] through Leadership and Instruction) have all stressed the importance of protecting the environment. The importance of properly training divers so they minimally impact the environment is stressed *repeatedly* in the text we're using for DM class. Not always does the environmental message make it all the way to the new divers (sadly, sometimes it is distilled past the point of usefulness), but at least the intention and direction is there. It's a start.

 

[seaducer]

I'm a diver, I am active in education and outreach about environmental causes. I use diving as a platform for education. If that makes me an environmentalist, or a diving environmentalist, then I guess I am.

 

[Kingpatzer]

I am environmentally aware, and mildly political active with respect to environmental issues. I consider myself a conservative, but don't particularly associate with either of the main political parties.

I don't know if I'd use the term "environmentalist" to describe myself, as the political connotation of "tree hugging, vegan nutcase" is one I'd like to avoid. Though I confess to having worn birkenstocks.

But I guess it is as good a term as any to describe me.

 

[JJM1631]

It's kinda funny....I dont consider myself an environmentalist at all. I dont think we should abuse nature...but its not something that I typically get bothered about, and certainly not at the top of my political issues list.

However, I do find my self very bothered by divers who damage coral, or the pollution/trash that invariabley finds its way to the many locations I have had a chance to dive. I will often come up with a BC pocket full of trash...that otherwise I probably would have ignored had I found it on land.

I guess thats a little hypocritical...but, whatever.

 

[jason.elias]

I think that most divers are inherently environmentalists...Perhaps other divers do the same therefore we dont need to shout about it as we are all working towards the same goal.

That goes to the heart of what I was wondering... If Divers fairly universally feel they care for the Dive environment, in essence does that make them (non-political) environmentalists?

And is the lack of broad environmental discussion because there is a stigma against the term "environmentalist" or being labeled as one?

 

[jason.elias]

I am environmentally aware, and mildly political active with respect to environmental issues. I consider myself a conservative, but don't particularly associate with either of the main political parties. I don't know if I'd use the term "environmentalist" to describe myself, as the political connotation of "tree hugging, vegan nutcase" is one I'd like to avoid.

I wonder then if it is semantics and social connotations that might get in the way for many in terms a broader discussion of substantive environmental issues.

I myself am somewhat liberal (What can I do? I live in Souther California) but certainly do not ascribe to a whole raft of hippie aesthetics.. And i can understand the cultural stigma associated with the term "environmentalist".

But I also wonder if there is a workaround in terms of terminology so that we as a community might address some of these issues. When I see the Surfrider Foundation and the work they do - apolitically - I am always impressed. And one of my best friends is a very conservative hunter, who is also a member of some environmental groups..

 

[drbill]

I'm a true kelp hugger active in environmental research and education.

It is my impression that divers are a real mixed bag as far as their environmental postures... kind of like the population in general. I see some who have a very sincere interest in doing what is right for the marine world and its critters, and others who seem to have no concept of stewardship and simply want to take what they can.

Please do not interpret that as a slap against underwater hunters and gatherers... spearfishing can be an very sound way to take food due to its selectivity. However there are others who kill anything that comes within their spear's range. I've seen a number of them on our dive boat. And I buddy with those who are of the first group of hunters.