I still haven't seen one, so I wouldn't know.
I have heard from other divers that since the fluid is non-toxic, it's better to release it, which degrades, than the hard plastic sticks which do not and litter the place.
On this note, I will say that having done my first freshwater night dive at the last event, seeing the divelight reflecting off the bodies of the many fish in the spring was more to me than I could imagine a bunch of floating lightsticks. I saw the burned out sticks trapped in nooks and crannies of the cave's ceiling by the score, so SOMEBODY has been releasing them.
Whether it is ecoligically more sound to release which is best left to the scientists. I can only say that I've been told each dive that people want to have one. If someone wants to do it, that's up to them. I'm just happy to get in the water to dive!
I'll leave all the do/don't, should/shouldn't debates to those who do it.
It's like solo diving. Nuff said.
As you will see at the events, it becomes a free-for-all dive weekend. Lots of fun and entertainment. Ginnie does an incredible job of upgrading their park each year which makes for a great diving experience. Too bad they can't influence river clarity! If you have any other questions, pm or call me. There will be plenty of tent space if you decide to spend the night. Also make sure to get with divers who have cell phones on site. People are often getting together to dive OTHER locations outside of Ginie during the weekend. I've heard of trips to Ocala, Williston, and Vortex from the Megadive site.
I would like to do some of that myself if time permits. Get my number and keep it handy if you want to dive the local sites during the week.
