Are Divers ENVIRONMENTALISTS?

[MikeFerrara]

But man isn't the only animal making trails in the woods. Actually it's a sign of a healthy woods if there's lots of trails. Deer have well traveled paths. It becomes very apparent if you walk into the woods (which I'm sure you have) right after a snow fall. there are little trails used by more than one animal all over the place. Same with reefs. Man may bang them up a bit but look at parrot fish, especially Hump Heads. And hawks bill turtles? They're like rats in a grain bin. I've seen them draped over large spounges munching away on them at Sipadan. Are they environmentalists? Are the deer?

Of course animals make trails. Animals will also use man-made trails like bike paths WHEN there aren't bikes running up and down them.

I think our impact as divers is minimal. It's the big things like industrial runnoff, temperature change etc etc that are rough on the reefs.

I think you need to qualify that. I agree that there are bigger threats to the environment worldwide. However we have run-off, polution and climate change everwhere. There are relatively few divers diving in relatively few places. The problem is that in some of those few places that see lots of divers, the damage is pretty extensive.

Not only that, but the damage the divers do is completely avoidable.

 

[ddown]

I consider myself a Conservationist I feel if we care prudent care of our natural resources then they will be there for the future. Teddy Roosevelt had the same view. Limiting or environmental extremism achieves nothing except to alienate vast groups of folks who are affected. Management means our forests can be used by our citizens, harvested within management principles. The same for our waters. Man is in the environment so to say we can't exist on concert with natural things is BS.

IMHO

 

[jason.elias]

There are relatively few divers diving in relatively few places. The problem is that in some of those few places that see lots of divers, the damage is pretty extensive. Not only that, but the damage the divers do is completely avoidable.

And beyond that, it is also not only about the damage Divers do. The big picture is about being responsible wards of the places we practice our sport. So our concerns and actions can conceivably address damage being done to the oceans and reefs BY ANYONE.

We as Divers can certainly do our part to minimize our impact, but there are much larger factors we can address than a single fin brushing against coral or parrotfish munching away...

 

[jason.elias]

Man is in the environment so to say we can't exist on concert with natural things is BS.

I don't think any serious Diver would disagree with that nor do I believe is anyone here saying that. We obviously LOVE being in the ocean environment and that is why we do this sport..

But, I think that to be a responsible Diver there must also be some awareness and caring for the place we love so much. How that takes shape is up for debate. But I do wish that Divers - like almost everyone poster here who has expressed concern in their own way - were more organized, or at least having more of an open discussion about what we might do...

 

[Teamcasa]

...Mountain bikers? LOL there just isn't anything uglier that a bunch of trails through the woods.

I can think of a few things uglier… Strip mines, open pit rock quarries or a clear cut forest.

With all of that being said (and most probably agreed on by every person on this board), it would seem we must at some point reach some sort of break-even point with sustainability of the reefs and oceans. I mean, I think Divers and the accessories they want and require (which you have listed) are increasing every year. But the same cannot be said of pristine dive sights or coral reefs. So following this equation out, at some point the oceans and reefs must become affected and overwhelmed...

So doesn't it make sense that we should do something perhaps before environments are too far gone?

Many here have said that they do what they can and let others do what they wish, without overstepping their bounds. I respect that perspective and believe in it - but it also has parameters. And isn't that the whole point of society, that we agree to leave each other be unless we start to ruin it for others? So if we see that others are ruining it, or maybe not even doing enough to make sure we can all use it, aren't we required to do something?

Diver attrition helps keep the total number of active divers down. OTOH, Yes, we should be doing our part in insure that the reefs and the undersea environment is protected and relatively unmolested. This means better training for new divers, generally more public education (video and photos help a great deal) and more active dive events that benefit the environment. Avalon has a clean-up event Feb 23, it is a great time and an opportunity to get the message out.

 

[h90]

I am an environmentalist for sure, not active in any group, but I complete agree with groups like sea shepherd which destroy facilities for whaling.

 

[barc802]

I am an environmentalist for sure, not active in any group, but I complete agree with groups like sea shepherd which destroy facilities for whaling.

I agree with you completely!
I am a contributing member of Sea Shepherd because holding signs just does not get anything done these days. Reform is a reaction to action.

My question is why Dive Shops are not actively supporting conservation organizations? When we opened our shop we took a long look at giving back to help maintain the environment that we enjoy so much. The problem is that ALL water ends up in the oceans, so every environmental problem is a problem for the oceans and its' wildlife. We list organizations that we as a shop or our owners support on our web site Off The Wall Scuba - Links. And am disappointed that we are the first Dive Shop in the area to do this.

One Thing that I have been trying to figure out is how to fit all my gear and my buddies gear in a fuel efficient vehicle? If someone has the answer to that PLEASE let me know! My definition of fuel efficient is 40 mpg or greater.

 

[Hank49]

I think you need to qualify that. I agree that there are bigger threats to the environment worldwide. However we have run-off, polution and climate change everwhere. There are relatively few divers diving in relatively few places. The problem is that in some of those few places that see lots of divers, the damage is pretty extensive.

Not only that, but the damage the divers do is completely avoidable.

I agree it's avoidable. Here's an example of a microcosm of reef enviro I witnessed. Boracay, Philippines. In 1999 the whole frontal area, or the southwest side of the island, was wiped out. I would guess that 80% of the coral died due to the warm water of the El Nino in 98 (caused by global warming or the coming ice age...who knows?) and the following onslaught of Crown of Thorns. This happened world wide at that time.
At the same time the north and south ends of the islands saw little to no damage, most likely due to the cooling effect of massive water movement during tidal change. Yapak and Crocodile (2 sites) are the two most popular dive sites and are heavily dived because they are known for their abundant life. Both are still intact as of June last year. Beautiful corals. You can see some damage on barrel sponges at Yapak (but some of those are over 10 years old now) from people hanging on in the strong current but it's still pretty intact.

 

[Travelnsj]

I think we have to take the blinkers off and look at all aspects of our lives.

Hey were you not the guy who threw that plastic cup off our boat in Wakatobi?

 

[Papa_Bear]

If you can save a buck or make a buck embrace the whole scame, as one board member said "We have Ego warming" as Micheal Chriton says "This world will be hear long after were gone"! The only thing constant is change! You can't save Half Dome, it will be a beach some day! All we can do is be good stewards and do what we can to enjoy the ride!

This will piss off some folks, but freedom is a beautiful thing, in a free world I chose drive my SUV! It's okay I can afford it! But we are the best if we protect or living room from damage! Protect Coral from Anchors, Poisons, and Coral breakage! The rest will take care of itself!