I would like to point out that
while divers are more ecologically aware of the marine environment aren't they
just being a bit hypocritical at the same time? I lead many groups of divers
around the world, the great majority on liveaboad vessels, and guess what the
number one entree's are for both lunch and dinner? Seafood, always seafood
with maybe some chicken or beef on the side. Most charter boats have their
own ship applications including within, the guest's food preferences.
Whenever I fill one out I always say 'no seafood'. If we are to preach about
the need to conserve our marine life than we need to walk the talk. I know
that there are many species of fish that are not on a published endangered
list but how are these fish caught without much 'by product' fish and/or
damage to the coral? How many dolphin, turtle, shark, and other species need
to be killed while the long lines and nets wreck further havoc upon both
protected and unprotected sites. The last time I led a group to the Cocos
Islands of Costa Rica, a World Marine Heritage site, I aborted several dives
simply to pull up freshly laid long lines replete with an abundant number of
brand new hooks. With only one small boat and 3 crew members to protect the
island from long liners and shark finning operations, they were completed
outnumbered by the 19 fishing vessels on our boat's radar. I am leading
another group back there this August and wonder how much line I will be
bringing up this time.
I admit, I can be a hypocrite as well as I do love the occasional tuna
sandwich from Subway, but it is not often.
Sadly, the push towards more ecologically sound practices will never
change when faced with cultures whose culinary heritage relies upon seafood.
However, the least we could do is to stop our dive destination resorts and
liveaboard craft from consistently placing seafood as their number one entree.
Steve
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