Marine conservation and diving

[Oceana Diver]

this is feeling like the cousin to the puffer thread a couple forums over.

i too have noticed the need for more environmental awareness, especially with less experienced divers (although i've seen some who really ought to know better do some stupid things too). granted, it's not like you don't have enough to think about when you're first learning to dive, but good diving "etiquette" really should include the marine habitats and creatures, and should start with the first certification class.

some good organizations helping with this:

beautiful oceans (for dive instructors) http://www.beautifuloceans.com/

action on behalf of corals (abc, for divers in general) http://www.touchthesea.com/abcproject/

 

[drbill]

Reef Teach was pretty well publicized not only in the dive shops, but also in the hostels (where I usually stay when I'm backpacking and diving). It could be enjoyed by both divers and non divers.

 

[merxlin]

It amazes me how little knowledge about local marine life divers get... and often how little dive instructors have to give. Diving in our local park, I hear so much misinformation being given. I try to corner the instructor and correct them out of earshot of their classes when I can.

Here on Catalina we have been talking about having weekly programs on marine life open to all divers who visit. I'll give video-illustrated self-narrated talks about recent sitings, great dive sites, unusual marine life, etc. I've seen similar things work well in other regions I've visited.

Given how many dive boats make their way over to Catalina from Pedro, Long Beach and even out of Ventura on any given weekend, and that it is a good 1 1/2-2 1/2 hours each way, I know I would pay to have someone like you do an hour or so on the local eco-system while we were en route. Gain some knowledge, kill some time. Maybe even a led dive once we get there to show us the real deal? What do you think? Could something like that work?

 

[justindiddy]

Reef Teach was awesome and Paddy is a truly engaging (and extremely hyper) instructor. Pretty much anyone involved in diving/tourism in Cairns will give glowing recommendations and point you in his direction.

And you get free tim-tams.