[Coral-List] Requesting suggestions / case studies for a marine life viewing platform on / around coral reefs

[Delbeek, Charles]

Yes my thoughts as well. The installation and movement of the platform may cause issues, and if permanently left in place could break loose and cause damage, and depending on the nature of the platform it may block enough light and water flow to cause changes in the reef assemblage underneath and close to it. Unless it were located over a sandy area with no coral cover.

J. Charles Delbeek, M.Sc.
Assistant Curator, Steinhart Aquarium
California Academy of Sciences

Desk: 415.379.5303
Cell: 415.859.0420
Fax: 415.379.5304

cdelbeek at calacademy.org
www.calacademy.org

55 Music Concourse Dr.
Golden Gate Park
San Francisco CA 94118

Don't miss Skulls, a jaw-dropping new exhibit that reveals how vertebrate animals live, die, and-ultimately-evolve. Now through November 30th.


-----Original Message-----
From: coral-list-bounces at coral.aoml.noaa.gov [mailto:coral-list-bounces at coral.aoml.noaa.gov] On Behalf Of Sarah Frias-Torres
Sent: Monday, November 24, 2014 8:08 AM
To: Chloe Harvey; coral list
Cc: JJ Harvey; Sam Craven
Subject: Re: [Coral-List] Requesting suggestions / case studies for a marine life viewing platform on / around coral reefs

This is an old school technique, but teaching proper buoyancy control, and gear management (not letting everything hang out there, but tie it up), does wonders in eliminating diver impact on any kind of marine habitat, including coral reefs. I hope the Dive Centers you mention are still teaching both.
Yes, divers tend to "forget", but if they do forget while watching the mandarin fish, then it's easy to take a picture and issue a fine to the offending diver. Let's call it behavioral enforcement

The platform you suggest would probably do more damage to the corals underneath. 

Sarah Frias-Torres, Ph.D. Coordinator Reef Rescuers ProgramIsland Conservation Centre Nature Seychelles,Amitie, Praslin, Seychelleshttp://www.natureseychelles.org/what-we-do/coral-reef-restoration-and-Research CollaboratorSmithsonian-National Museum of Natural Historyat Smithsonian Marine Station, Fort Pierce, FL, USATwitter: @GrouperDocBlog: http://grouperluna.wordpress.comhttp://independent.academia.edu/SarahFriasTorres


> From: hunt.chloe at gmail.com
> Date: Mon, 24 Nov 2014 13:11:49 +0800
> To: coral-list at coral.aoml.noaa.gov
> CC: jj at reef-world.org; sam at reef-world.org
> Subject: [Coral-List] Requesting suggestions / case studies for a marine life viewing platform on / around coral reefs
> 
> Dear Coral-List,
> 
> I am reaching out to ask if you have any suggestions for a marine life
> viewing platform on / around coral reefs?
> 
> I coordinate Green Fins activities Internationally through The Reef-World
> Foundation and in partnership with UNEP. Green Fins promotes environmental
> standards for the diving and snorkelling industry through mitigation of
> threats posed by the diving industry, and promotion of conservation
> awareness to tourists and local communities. Dive centres sign up as
> members and agree to adhere to the Green Fins Code of Conduct.
> 
> Many of these dive centres are incredibly passionate about reef protection
> particularly from direct damage from divers who get too 'excited' about
> marine life. An example of this are dives concerning the mandarin fish.
> Whilst waiting for the mating ritual, divers often kneel or sit in the
> surrounding area despite environmental content in dive briefings, and
> correction of this behaviour by guides.
> 
> The idea of a submerged platform was raised by the diving industry, the
> original idea was to have a reinforced mesh platform where divers could
> kneel but prevent them from contacting the coral beneath whilst still
> viewing marine life. Green Fins is exploring options for sharing an
> environmentally responsible solution for similar sites around the world
> (where appropriate).
> 
> Any input you may have would be much appreciated,
> 
> Best wishes,
> Chloe Harvey
> Programmes Manager
> The Reef-World Foundation
> Green Fins International Coordinators
> Mobile: PH +63 (0)949 3140 789 UK +44 (0)7967 377 982
> 
> 
> -- 
> *Chloe Harvey*
> *Programmes Manager*
> The Reef-World Foundation
> Green Fins International Coordinators
> Mobile: *+44 (0)7967 377 982 <%2B44%20%280%297967%20377%20982>*
> 
> 
> 
> *"To inspire and empower people to act in conserving and sustainably
> developing coastal resources, particularly coral reefs and related
> ecosystems"*
> 
> www.reef-world.org  <http://reef-world.org/>| Facebook
> <https://www.facebook.com/ReefWorldFoundation> | Twitter
> <https://twitter.com/Reef_World>
> _______________________________________________
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> Coral-List at coral.aoml.noaa.gov
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