[Coral-List] Change it RE: positive impact for coral reefs

[Gregg Treinish]

Perhaps my organization can help
www.adventureandscience.org
Our mission is to improve the availability of scientific data through
partnerships between adventure athletes and scientists.  Athletes certainly
include divers, and tapping into them as researchers is really what we
specialize in.

Would love to discuss developing a project with you.

Gregg

On Mon, Aug 22, 2011 at 6:42 PM, Steve Mussman <sealab at earthlink.net> wrote:

> Dear Coral-Listers,
>
> Sarah’s depiction of the reaction of local dive operators,
> dive shop owners and scientists during the ICRS in Ft. Lauderdale
> in 2008 reminded me of similar experiences that I have had in
> dealings with scuba industry leaders. If groups composed of these
> individuals (supposedly enlightened by virtue of their unequivocal
> connection to coral reefs and marine ecosystems)appear to be unmoved
> by current conditions, how can we hold out hope in our attempts to
> reach out and affect change in the mindset of the masses on this issue?
>
> One would think that any scuba diver, business or scientist who
> by virtue of their enterprise is clearly related to theses interests
> would be hypersensitive to any adverse developments affecting the
> marine environment. But, apparently this is not the case and Sarah
> is correct to call you out on this issue. It is not solely your
> responsibility, but you most certainly share culpability through your
> collective repose.
>
> What is the point of analyses aimed at determining the economic value
> of coral reef systems if even those so intimately involved are more
> concerned with maintaining the status quo as it pertains to protecting
> their short term needs?
>
> Until this dynamic changes and we enter into a new paradigm whereby the
> obvious value of coral reefs and marine ecosystems is universally
> recognized,
> the downward spiral will continue. With all due respect, all of us involved
> in any way with coral reef systems should be more proactive in doing
> whatever
> we can to speak out and help reverse this trend.
>
> Regards,
> Steve Mussman
> Sea Lab Diving
> sea-lab.com
>
>
>
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> Coral-List at coral.aoml.noaa.gov
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-- 
Gregg Treinish
Executive Director
Adventurers and Scientists for Conservation
2008 National Geographic Adventurer of the Year
406.579.9702
www.adventureandscience.org