64
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fall 2012
America’s national marine sanctuaries provide all a diver could
ask for. From extraordinary coral reefs and lush kelp forests to
large pelagic animals and outstanding, historically significant
shipwrecks, the sanctuaries are home to a host of marvels.
The Office of National Marine Sanctuaries, part of
the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
(
NOAA), manages a system of 14 marine protected areas that
encompass more than 150,000 square miles — more than the
total area of all our national parks. Since 1972 the office has
conducted research, monitoring and exploration, managed
compatible recreational and commercial activities, promoted
conservation and provided educational programs.
As divers we don’t always appreciate the wonder of our
underwater experiences; some of the things we accept as
commonplace are amazing to nondivers. Many people have said
that if you don’t understand something, you won’t care about
it, and if you don’t care about it, you won’t protect it. A healthy
ocean is critical to the health of the human race, and we divers
have a unique responsibility to advocate for its protection.
This spring I conducted a series of dives in the Florida Keys,
where I had not dived for some time. Because of the popularity
of the sites I visited I expected to see overused reefs, and on the
first dive I did. I thought the second site would be the same, but
after 10 minutes I noticed I was seeing more fish. Then I began
to notice there was more and healthier coral. The closer I looked,
the more impressed I was. That part of the reef was actually
recovering. We were in a special protected area of Florida Keys
National Marine Sanctuary. To see the change that resulted from
our involvement made that my best sanctuary dive ever. (For me
that is really saying something; I’m actually a shipwreck guy.)
Why should you dive the National Marine Sanctuaries? It’s
about being an ambassador and telling the stories about what
lies beneath the waves. If divers don’t speak for these places,
who will? Dive into your National Marine Sanctuaries, and
make a difference.
WHY YOU SHOULD
DIVE IN A NATIONAL
MARINE SANCTUARY
By DANIEL J. BASTA, Director,
NOAA’s OFFICE OF NATIONAL MARINE SANCTUARIES
Our
National
Marine
Sanctuaries
GREG M
c
FALL
STEPHEN FRINK
G.P. SCHMAL
STERLING ZUMBRUNN