[Coral-List] Dive In Celebrations Under Way

[Flo Depondt]

Dear all,
Attached is the press release entitled "Earth Day Takes a Plunge to  
Rescue Threatened Marine Resources Worldwide: Dive In To Earth Day 2005  
Celebrations Under Way"for you to read.

I hope that many of you will be able to join us in the 2005 Dive In  
celebrations next April. If you have any questions or would like  
further information on the event or how to participate, feel free to  
contact me at divein at coral.org.

Thanks and I look forward to hearing about your Dive In activity!

Florence
Program Assistant
The Coral Reef Alliance

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PRESS RELEASE - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: December 15, 2004
Contact: Florence Depondt, The Coral Reef Alliance (CORAL)
Phone: (415) 834-0900 ext.313 - Email: divein at coral.org

*** Photos and Promotional Materials Available ***

Earth Day Takes a Plunge to Rescue Threatened Marine Resources  
Worldwide: Dive In To Earth Day 2005 Celebrations Under Way

San Francisco, CA – How can you make a real difference in helping  
protect your marine environment while having fun and making new  
friends? Look no further!  Dive In To Earth Day offers tens of  
thousands of water lovers the chance to celebrate Earth day with an  
underwater twist. Join celebrities such as Susan Sarandon, Tanya  
Streeter, William Shatner and Stan Waterman in this international  
marine conservation event!

This year marks the 6th anniversary of Dive In To Earth Day, which  
engages volunteers in hands on marine conservation activities during  
Earth Day week. Over 200,000 participants from 89 countries and  
territories around the world have taken part in 1,200 Dive In  
activities over the years. Activities, from beach cleanups in Florida  
to reef monitoring surveys in Oman and mooring buoy installations in  
Costa Rica, greatly benefit the health of the world’s oceans, coral  
reefs, lakes, rivers and other aquatic resources. To date, Dive In  
participants have removed 200,000 lbs of trash from coastal areas,  
educated and inspired children to care for water resources, supported  
coral reef areas and much, much more.

“We now know that the oceans are home to 80% of all living organisms on  
earth, and that coral reefs support a quarter of all known marine  
species,” comments Susan Sarandon, Hollywood actress and Dive In Host  
Committee member. “Still, our oceans are under serious stress from  
pollution and trash, destructive fishing practices and uncontrollable  
tourism. Dive In To Earth Day is a great and easy opportunity to take  
action and help raise awareness on urgent marine conservation issues.  
We all share this responsibility, and we have to start believing that  
each and every one of us can make a difference.”

Henry Arismendi from the Guacharo Scuba Club, Venezuela, recounts the  
incredible impact his Dive In 2004 event had: “During a beach-clean in  
a bay nearby a fishermen community, one little boy, son of a poor  
fisherman, was curious about what we we’re doing”, explains Henry. “I  
explained in simple words that not littering their beach was very  
important. He used to think that things thrown in the sea would vanish  
forever and not damage the fish. Several minutes later he and his  
friends were running along the beach cleaning and helping us because  
they wanted to protect THEIR beach. I hope we have planted a seed in  
their minds so that they will grow up as ecologically responsible  
citizens.”

Dive In To Earth Day was launched by The Coral Reef Alliance (CORAL) in  
2000 to commemorate the 30th anniversary of Earth Day. CORAL is a  
non-profit coral reef conservation organization based in San Francisco,  
California.  CORAL coordinates the event in partnership with Project  
AWARE Foundation and with the support of West Marine, Earth Day Network  
and the International Coral Reef Action Network (ICRAN).

For more information about how you can participate visit:  
www.coral.org/divein
				     						###


--------
Florence Depondt
Program Assistant
The Coral Reef Alliance (CORAL)

417 Montgomery Street, Suite 205
San Francisco, California, USA 94104
Phone: 415-834-0900 ext.313
Fax: 415-834-0999
Email: fdepondt at coral.org
Web site:  http://www.coral.org/divein
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Have you signed the Dive In Pledge yet?  Show that you care about coral  
reefs.  http://www.coral.org/diveinpledge.html

The Coral Reef Alliance (CORAL) coordinates Dive In To Earth Day in  
partnership with Project AWARE Foundation, and with the support of West  
Marine, Air Pacific, Earth Day Network and the International Coral Reef  
Action Network (ICRAN).

Need information on how to better protect coral reefs of your region?
Share success stories or post inquiries on the CORAL Discussion Board.
http://www.coral.org/cdb