Bari Reef

[scubadobadoo]

I really liked your write up and I am glad you enjoyed Jerry's class. I plan on taking it on our next trip. Thanks for the info! I have enjoyed Bari tremendously over the last few years

That said...

Taken from the STINAPA Marine Park Rules...the same STINAPA that is printed on your (or your buddy's) STINAPA Marine Park Tag touching the reef along with the hose and possibly "a" hand and body in the 2nd photo.


"5. Personal control: Do not make any contact with the corals or other parts of the reef. Avoid silting up the bottom, by swimming too close, or by kicking while in a head-up position over sand. Have the knowledge and the skills to make sure you don’t damage any undersea environment: reefs, sand flats, grass beds, etc. - in any manner."

I hate spoil sports but your photo speaks for itself. It's a clear violation of the marine park rules you agreed to abide by. I couldn't imagine Jerry taught that kind of behavior in his class.

 

[b1gcountry]

Well, first off, that isn't me, it is a diver I met on the trip who asked me to take his picture 'kissing' the froggie. He was making a funny face with his thumbs on his ears and fingers waving. His hands were not touching anything in the picture. The rock his hose is resting on is actually covered in algae, not live coral. I did catch him steadying his hand on a live coral to get a picture, which put me off, but I didn't say anything simply because he would not have listened anyway.

As far as Jerry's class, he actually, did teach us to touch the reef with one or two fingers in order to steady ourselves in order to be able to get a better look at small stuff. He was careful to always choose his anchor spot carefully to hit the parts with nothing (other than algae) growing on them. This does no harm to the coral at all, and I consider it a very responsible and necessary technique for photogs and small fish watchers.

Tom

 

[scubadobadoo]

Well, first off, that isn't me, it is a diver I met on the trip who asked me to take his picture 'kissing' the froggie. He was making a funny face with his thumbs on his ears and fingers waving. His hands were not touching anything in the picture. The rock his hose is resting on is actually covered in algae, not live coral. I did catch him steadying his hand on a live coral to get a picture, which put me off, but I didn't say anything simply because he would not have listened anyway.

As far as Jerry's class, he actually, did teach us to touch the reef with one or two fingers in order to steady ourselves in order to be able to get a better look at small stuff. He was careful to always choose his anchor spot carefully to hit the parts with nothing (other than algae) growing on them. This does no harm to the coral at all, and I consider it a very responsible and necessary technique for photogs and small fish watchers.

Tom

Fair enough answer and thank you for being so level with your response. It speaks volumes about your character. My post read so much more nasty than it was intended. I understand though about other people you meet and dive with. It's hard to police even when you want to say something in person. Certainly it is easier to do here online in this far away forum.

I have had DM's grab fish and break coral in an attempt to get a better picture "for me." Tough to deal with.

On a lighter note, speaking of Jerry's class, I have heard nothing but good things. I met him a few times but for some reason or another, I have never been available to participate while in Bonaire. His love and excitement for what he does is infectious and instantly obvious. I can't wait.

Again, my apologies for what may have seemed to be a sneaky attack. Happy Diving!

 

[b1gcountry]

Not sneaky at all. Just keeping us honest, eh? No, there are times I've been attacked me on this board. That was not one of them.

 

[b1gcountry]

PS There is one bad thing about Jerry's class. If you go into it with enthusiasum, you will ask a lot of questions. He will give you great answers and you will learn a lot. However, that does take time, and our first class was supposed to have 1/2hour lecture. We only got in two dives that day.

BTW, make sure you have some strong fins, because Jerry will be darting across the reef trying to show you everything. He is NOT a laid back diver!

 

[margo8246]

Hello,

James Brandon was my uncle. He lived in Bonaire for most of the 90's. He taught underwater photography at Sand Dollar and gave weekly slide shows of his work. Due to poor health, he had to move back to the States and sadly he passed away in 2003. He had a great love of diving and took beautiful pictures of the ocean life in Bonaire. It seems very appropriate that people can visit the memorial for him on Bari Reef, and I am glad you asked about it! Thank you for noticing it!

Margo Rummele Meyer

 

[ClayJar]

We're going to be staying in Den Laman this August (flying out of Houston on triple-eights), so I'll certainly get in some diving on Bari Reef. I've got BSDME and everything, but I'm certainly glad to also have first-hand accounts like this thread. It makes my life easier, since I'm already the de facto trip leader, and learning some things ahead of time is convenient. :biggrin:

(I'll have to add the James Brandon memorial to me to-visit list while I'm there, as well.)

 

[Papa Steve]

We're going to be staying in Den Laman this August (flying out of Houston on triple-eights), so I'll certainly get in some diving on Bari Reef. I've got BSDME and everything, but I'm certainly glad to also have first-hand accounts like this thread. It makes my life easier, since I'm already the de facto trip leader, and learning some things ahead of time is convenient. :biggrin:

(I'll have to add the James Brandon memorial to me to-visit list while I'm there, as well.)

Looking forward to your trip report. I'll be right behind you in mid-September.

 

[DiveMaven]

And we'll be right in front of you both, going in early July!

 

[sasscuba]

Will be in front of you...going in April!