[Coral-List] [SPAM] More on interesting interactions between divers and reefs

[Charles Delbeek]

John Ware wrote:
> Dear List,
>
> True there has been quite a number of studies on the interaction of 
> divers with reefs.  The one that I have not seen is the effect of diver 
> lead.  (Yes, I know that lead and lead salts are generally considered 
> insoluble).
>
> However, a year or two ago I was told that the Island of Bonaire Marine 
> Park Authority was considering a ban on uncoated lead weights.  All 
> divers would be required to use coated weights.  
>
> This might be one of those 'urban myths'.  Perhaps someone from the MPA 
> could respond.
>
> Where does it end??
>
> John
>
>   
Actually, I would think looking at the amount of lead weight from 
abandoned fishing lines would have a more significant potential impact 
than diver's weights. For example, one of our divers recently took part 
in a lead fishing weight recovery effort with 10 other divers. With 11 
people doing two dives each, they recovered over 220 pounds of lead 
fishing weights at one dive site on Oahu.

Aloha!

-- 
J. Charles Delbeek M.Sc.
Aquarium Biologist III
Waikiki Aquarium
University of Hawaii
2777 Kalakaua Ave.
Honolulu, HI, 96815

(808) 923-9741 VOICE
(808) 923-1771 FAX