Scuba Diving Article

Scuba Diving and Environmental Responsibility

Take only pictures, leave only bubbles. Ever Scuba Diver has seen those words posted on a dive shop, or dive boat. But they are more then just an empty credo - Scuba Divers take environmental issues very seriously, and individual scuba divers and the major scuba organizations are often at the forefront of efforts to preserve and protect coral reefs, endangered species and other parts of aspects of the marine environment.

For example Project AWARE is the worlds largest non-profit organization dedicated conserve and protect underwater environments. Project AWARE works for scuba divers and with scuba divers on programs and initiatives specifically designed to clean up marine environments and educate the public on the importance of protecting coral reefs and other underwater environments. Since its inception Project AWARE has Educated more than 15 million divers and water enthusiasts on how they can interact responsibly with the underwater environment, provided specialty training to dive professionals and resource managers through regional Coral Reef Conservation seminars and raised more than 2 million dollars in funding for grass roots environmental projects, species research and marine protection efforts.

Recently Scuba Divers came out in droves to support the on going cleanup efforts by the Ocean Conservancy's International Coastal Cleanup in Hillsborough and Tyrell Bay off of Grenada in the Caribbean. Divers form America, Great Britain, Italy and Germany joined the task force the task force that drug up rusty car parts, oil drums, tin cans, tires and all manner of other debris form the bottom of the bays. The ICC efforts are the largest volunteer ocean cleanup effort of its kind, and Scuba Divers are active participants worldwide pulling up literally tons of trash form the bottom. Interestingly enough, some of this trash has become home to underwater inhabitants and have created artificial reefs, and it takes the trained eye of the environmentally responsible scuba dive to tell if a barnacle encrusted piece of rubbish is just that or if it should be left behind for the habitat it has created. And while scuba divers often lead the way at these events you do not have to be a scuba diver to participate, beach and shore cleanup is always part of the program, which takes place the third Saturday in September every year, if you live in a beach or coastal community, you are encouraged to participate.

While talking part in these kinds of Ocean Clean-up events is great, every diver needs to do his or her part to preserve the underwater environs we so love, and this does not take Herculean efforts. It means taking individual environmental responsibility, especially when diving in and around coral reefs. It means only patronizing dive shops, dive boats and tour operators with a proven history of environmental responsibility, and that do not abuse marine life. We need to support local conservation efforts and protect and preserve our rivers, lakes, oceans and streams for our children and our children's children.