Wednesday, November 4, 2009

The Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary has welcomed its first dive operator into a new program that recognizes businesses for responsible diving and snorkeling practices that do not harm the fragile coral reef ecosystem.

Amy Slate's Amoray Dive Resort of Key Largo is the first charter business to receive the sanctuary's Blue Star designation, a program the sanctuary has been working on since 2004.

Blue Star was established to recognize companies that work to protect the coral reef ecosystem by promoting proper dive etiquette and educating the public about the impact human actions can have on the marine environment. Unlike some of the major causes of reef decline, such as climate change, damage to reefs from diving and snorkeling is considered preventable.

Home to the third-largest barrier coral reef in the world, the protected waters off the Florida Keys attract millions of visitors each year and contribute an estimated $1.2 billion in annual tourist revenue. The reef's close proximity to land and an abundance of boat operators in the Keys make it easily accessible to novice snorkelers and seasoned divers.

"Through voluntary education programs like Blue Star, the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary and Keys' charter businesses are working to protect these fragile coral reefs for future generations," Sanctuary Superintendent Sean Morton said.

Blue Star operators are required to attend training annually on issues affecting coral reefs, sanctuary regulations and coral reef etiquette -- and, in turn, educate their customers. They also must offer conservation-related dive courses and participate in activities such as fish counts and reef cleanups.

Slate, a former teacher, said she has been operating dive businesses in the Keys since 1978.

"I have seen a lot of changes in the Keys," said Slate, who remained optimistic about the future of the reef tract. "I think there will be a bright future for our younger divers. ... Awareness will help us preserve our reef. ... We are always trying to think of different ways to educate and build awareness about our reef environment."

Slate holds lectures by some of the leading coral reef ecologists and ties them in with night dives during the annual coral spawn. Her dive center also provides staff for the work of Upper Keys coral conservationist and marine biologist Ken Nedimyer, who has two coral nurseries off Key Largo. Nedimyer's corals are used for research and coral restoration projects.

The Blue Star program is funded partly by Mote Marine Laboratory's Protect Our Reef Grants Program and by the Sanctuary Friends Foundation of the Florida Keys. Go to http://www.sanctuarybluestar.org for more information on the program and for updates on recognized operators.

tohara@keysnews.com