[Coral-List] An Open Letter to the Scuba Diving Industry
Steve Mussman
sealab at earthlink.net
Fri Nov 15 16:05:58 EST 2013
Dear Industry Leaders,
I'm not sure if you are aware, but it appears that we've got some serious
problems
developing with our marine ecosystems. I'm particularly concerned about the
future of
coral reefs which just might be a personal bias although it does seem that
your entire
industry's economic future is inextricably linked to our ability to preserve
healthy coral
reefs world-wide. Have you ever considered the role that coral reefs play by
providing
the dramatic backdrop that actually gets so many people captivated and
enamored with
scuba diving in the first place? I think that without coral reefs many
people who dive would
likely seek out other diversions. I know you are aware of some of our
oceans' problems like
plastics and other forms of debris. Clean up campaigns are widely promoted
and that's a
good thing. You are also on top of the lionfish invasion. Speaking of fish,
you might want to
put more emphasis on sustainable seafood because many species seem to be
vanishing.
Have you noticed that? It won't be nearly as much fun to scuba dive if the
fish disappear,
especially the bigger ones! Getting back to corals, have you heard that
climate change
and ocean acidification are bad news for coral reefs? I haven't heard you
talk about
it much. I realize that climate change is a controversial issue, but
ignoring it won't make it
go away. Politicians and media personalities seem to know a lot about it,
but maybe you
should listen more to all those marine scientists who actually study coral
reefs. They may
be an odd bunch, but they know a thing or two about coral reef ecology. They
really do and
they are pretty adamant about the fact that man-made climate change and
ocean acidification
are going to be very detrimental to coral reefs around the world. The ones I
know are actually
worried about it. Problem is that they are generally a well-behaved group
and consider self-restraint
an integral part of maintaining their scientific objectivity . . . although
I think some of them
would secretly like to scream out from time to time in frustration because
you and some
others don't seem to be paying much attention. I can't speak for them, but I
believe they would like
to see the diving industry become more responsible and pro-active. They
would probably
recommend that you begin appealing directly to the community of divers to
help change attitudes,
end the debate and affect change. There are actually some simple steps that
your industry
could take that might help alter the current downward trajectory if you
would just exert a little
more leadership. Contrary to what the naysayers predict, prudent action
would not result in
economic ruin; it might even stimulate growth! To be clear, the science is
telling us that the
threats are real and time is running out if we are to have any hope of
mitigating the impacts.
I sincerely hope that it is not too late because your industry's fate as
well as that of our coral
reefs is in the balance. We may be able to develop synthetic 3-D coral reef
structures, but
don't be fooled into thinking it will be the same. Despite technological
advances like virtual reality,
the diving industry can't hope to maintain it's financial stability built on
some fabricated substitute
for what was once a wild, live and dynamic underwater wonderland. So for
the benefit of divers
and non-divers alike, please take the first step and forthrightly and
publicly address this issue.
I know you can do it and it might make a difference. It's certainly worth a
try.
Thank you and warm regards,
A Concerned Diver
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