[Coral-List] The Diving Industry and Ocean Conservation

[Gina Davenport]

This is in response to Mr. Mussman’s comments about DEMA and the National
Ocean Policy (NOP).



Years ago I worked as PADI Scuba Instructor as well as a Marine Park Dive
Volunteer.  I was always disappointed by the lack of conservation efforts
from the dive industry.  Although PADI has their successful Project AWARE,
it seems they are more concerned with selling the Project AWARE
certifications than getting divers and dive retailers involved with on the
ground conservation.



Now it’s really disappointing to hear DEMA is opposing the National Ocean
Policy and parroting an oil industry front group who oppose the National
Ocean Policy by making unfounded claims of restriction on access and fees,
none of which have been proposed.  DEMA needs to get it straight and
support a healthy ocean and better ocean management.



The Healthy Oceans Coalition <https://healthyoceanscoalition.org/> is a
network of ocean users, conservationists, and concerned citizens supporting
full implementation of the National Ocean Policy for the stewardship of our
oceans, coasts and Great Lakes.  Feel free to contact me or HOC if you have
any questions.



Regards,



Gina Davenport

PADI Master Scuba Diver Trainer

Ocean Conservation Advocate

Healthy Oceans Coalition Member

vsdavenp at gmail.com

*Gina Davenport*
www.linkedin.com/in/ginadavenport/


On Thu, Nov 21, 2013 at 3:48 PM, Gina Davenport <vsdavenp at gmail.com> wrote:

> This is in response to Mr. Mussman’s comments about DEMA and the National
> Ocean Policy (NOP).
>
>
>
> Years ago I worked as PADI Scuba Instructor as well as a Marine Park Dive
> Volunteer.  I was always disappointed by the lack of conservation efforts
> from the dive industry.  Although PADI has their successful Project AWARE,
> it seems they are more concerned with selling the Project AWARE
> certifications than getting divers and dive retailers involved with on the
> ground conservation.
>
>
>
> Now it’s really disappointing to hear DEMA is opposing the National Ocean
> Policy and parroting an oil industry front group who oppose the National
> Ocean Policy by making unfounded claims of restriction on access and fees,
> none of which have been proposed.  DEMA needs to get it straight and
> support a healthy ocean and better ocean management.
>
>
>
> For those of you interested in promoting the National Ocean Policy, I
> encourage you to look at the Healthy Oceans Coalition<https://healthyoceanscoalition.org/>.
> The Healthy Oceans Coalition is a network of ocean users, conservationists,
> and concerned citizens supporting full implementation of the National Ocean
> Policy for the stewardship of our oceans, coasts and Great Lakes.  Feel
> free to contact me or HOC if you have any questions.
>
>
>
> Regards,
>
>
>
> Gina Davenport
>
> Ocean Conservation Advocate
>
> Healthy Oceans Coalition Member
>
> vsdavenp at gmail.com
>
>
> On Wed, Nov 20, 2013 at 10:37 PM, Steve Mussman <sealab at earthlink.net>wrote:
>
>>
>>    I  have  been involved  in this industry for thirty years, a diver for
>>    much longer. I do not post this as an incrimination, but I am not
>> repentant
>>    for expecting more from those of us whose business interests depend on
>>    healthy marine ecosystems. Are diving industry leaders doing enough to
>>    promote ocean conservation and can I feel confident that they will
>> react
>>    responsibly in confronting the impending threats to coral reefs
>> world-wide?
>>
>>
>>    The Consortium for Ocean Leadership describes the National Ocean
>> Policy this
>>    way: a plan to manage the nationâs oceans and reconcile the interests
>> of
>>    over  two dozen federal agencies. Initiatives include monitoring ocean
>>    acidification and pollution, regulating aquaculture, improving access
>> to
>>    renewable offshore energy, and protecting coastal communities. The
>> policy
>>    also intends to improve fishery management in order to meet the growing
>>    demand for sustainable seafood. Not everyone is happy about the new
>> policy,
>>    arguing that the Obama administration is overreaching. We disagree. If
>> we
>>    want a sustainable future, the importance of managing our oceans,
>> arguably
>>    our most critical natural resource, cannot be underestimated.
>>
>>
>>    Virtually every ocean conservation organization that I can find
>> supports
>>    this initiative. DEMA opposes it.
>>
>>
>>    DEMA's statement in opposition to the National Ocean Policy:
>>
>>    [1]http://dema.org/displaycommon.cfm?an=1&subarticlenbr=594
>>
>>    In their own word's the diving industry is partnered with the National
>> Ocean
>>    Policy Coalition, an organization that is opposed to the National Ocean
>>    Policy. (?) Their members include: [2]http://oceanpolicy.com/members/
>>
>>
>>
>>    I invite you to draw your own conclusions.
>>
>> References
>>
>>    1. http://dema.org/displaycommon.cfm?an=1&subarticlenbr=594
>>    2. http://oceanpolicy.com/members/
>> _______________________________________________
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>
>
>
>
> --
> *Gina Davenport*
> www.linkedin.com/in/ginadavenport/
>