 March 2007 Kona Classic Photo & Video Competition | Scuba Schools of America Gets High Rating Reef Check Survey Diver Training | California Scuba Service Award Nominations Sought Printer-Friendly California Program to Sink Ships Moves Ahead When it comes to the recreational, ecological and commercial benefits of ships-to-reefs programs like those in Florida which has sunk more than 700 ships, California is “missing the boat” according to ships-to-reefs advocate, Harvey Schmiedeke. But, all that may be about to change. The non-profit Sunken Treasures Society of Los Angeles was co-founded by Schmiedeke and others in late 2005 to environmentally clean and intentionally sink retired war ships off the L.A. coast. Similar “sink groups” exist in Northern California and Orange County, and it was the San Diego-based California Ships to Reefs (CS2R) that was responsible the first major, successful sinking of a Canadian destroyer escort, Yukon, seven years ago. Now, CS2R has re-formed as a state-wide non-profit corporation to assist “sink groups” like Sunken Treasures, the Northern California Oceans Foundation and an Orange County group. Its purpose is to act as the liaison point with state and federal governments for ship requests and permitting functions. CS2R’s long term goal is to create a model process that will eventually result in a “sink fleet” of 20 or more ships up and down the California coast. The new CS2R board consists of veteran ships-to-reefs expert Dick Long (founder of the DUI dry suit corporation), as well as representatives from the sink groups including Schmiedeke who is the Senior VP, its President, Dr. Harry Wong of NCOF and Chairman of the Board, John Daley, who has acted as an executive for the group for several years. Other board members, focused on legislative and research issues, are Dean and Eleanore Rewerts. The group has several objectives in the next year including: • Investigating an offer by the US Navy to take possession of the world’s largest conventionally powered submarine, the Sailfish, to determine the feasibility of conversion into a cultural reef. Additional warships are waiting in the wings. • Assisting the Department of Fish and Game with the funding and re-formation of its Artificial Reef Program which was de-funded several years ago. This will provide a vital infrastructure for the long-term and as the liaison point with the Federal authorities. • Conducting a series of public education events and programs to enlighten key sectors of the public and interest groups on the broad, well-documented benefits to the environment and economy of properly prepared and intentionally placed ships as reefs. • Preparing a business plan and fundraising effort to support the group’s efforts. “States like Florida reap hundreds of millions of dollars annually in underwater tourism dollars by having an active cultured reef program. This is over and above the obvious recreational benefits and the contributions it makes to the ecological health of these areas,” says Schmiedeke. “We can turn ‘deserts’ of mud and sand into healthy reefs. California deserves to take its rightful place as a world class wreck-diving destination.” For more information, on California Ships to Reef visit www.sunkentreasures.org online. Kona Classic Photo and Video Competition and Seminar to Take Place May 5-12, 2007 Underwater photographers and videographers from around the world will be converging on Kona in May for the 6th annual Kona Classic Photo and Video competition. They will be diving some of the world’s most pristine waters with some of the world’s top professional photographers. The opportunity to learn from these top pros will extend into the evening with nightly review sessions and seminars on all aspects of photography and videography. The competition is great for all levels from beginner to advanced with opportunities for everyone to learn. The structure of the competition ensures that everyone gets a chance to learn from the pros and compete with their peers. The Outrigger Keauhou Beach Resort (808-322-3441) is the official hotel for the 6th annual Kona Classic Photo competition. Prize Sponsors include: Oceanic, Tawaili Resort, Cressi-sub, Aeris, Sea & Sea, UK, Scubapro and HIRSA. For more information, contact Kona Honu Divers, one of the host dive operators, by visiting www.konahonudivers.com online or call (888) 333-4668. Scuba Schools of America Gets High Rating Scuba Schools of America (SSA), Montclair scored a 9.96 on the most recent Council On Retail Excellence, (C.O.R.E.) in association with DEMA. Industry companies comprising the CORE Group conducted dive store evaluations during 2006 to identify excellent retailers who might serve as models for all retailers. SSA was evaluated by one or more company representatives. By having a third party look at a particular store, many store representatives get a better picture as to where they stand in the industry. The score is based upon a total of 10 points for an excellent score. The average store in the industry scored 7.96, while SSA scored 9.96. SSA is located at 4420 Holt Blvd, Montclair, CA. For more information on the store's extensive line of dive gear sales and rentals, including rebreathers, as well as their activities, trips and club. Call 909-621-4171 or visit their web site at www.scubaschoolsofamerica.com. Reef Check Survey Diver Training Schedule Announced The Reef Check California Training course is designed to provide participants with the skills and experience to accurately complete the Reef Check California underwater survey protocol. In addition to direct survey methods, the training program will address safe diving practices, techniques of research diving, sampling design and theory, general marine ecology, including species identification and interactions, and the importance of monitoring to meet marine management needs. Trainings include a combination of classroom and field sessions. Following completion of the training, all participants will have the skills necessary to successfully complete the training examination allowing them to contribute data to the statewide database and will be eligible to obtain a Reef Check California Specialty Certification (NAUI or PADI). Courses for 2007 will begin in March and run through early August in several locations up and down the California coastline. For schedule, location, dates, and details, visit www.reefcheck.org online. The Reef Check Foundation is an international non-profit organization dedicated to conservation of two ecosystems: tropical coral reefs and California rocky reefs. With headquarters in Los Angeles and volunteer teams in more than 80 countries, Reef Check works to create partnerships among community volunteers, government agencies, businesses, universities and other non-profits. Reef Check goals are to: 1) educate the public about the value of reef ecosystems and the current crisis affecting marine life; 2) to create a global network of volunteer teams trained in Reef Check’s scientific methods who regularly monitor and report on reef health; 3) to facilitate collaboration that produces ecologically sound and economically sustainable solutions; 4) and to stimulate local community action to protect remaining pristine reefs and rehabilitate damaged reefs worldwide. California Scuba Service Award Nominations Sought The California Scuba Service Award (CSSA) was established in 1989 by Saint Brendan Corporation (home of California Diving News and the SCUBA Show) to recognize those who have made long-term significant contributions to the California diving community. Past recipients have included industry leaders, inventors, dive club leaders, instructors, scientists, boat captains and more. The 2007 CSSA will be presented at SCUBA Show 2007, June 2-3 at the Long Beach Convention Center. Nominations are being sought for the award. Send your nominations to mail@scubashow.com and include a brief bio of the individual being nominated. Deadline is March 10, 2007. © Copyright 2007, all rights reserve, by Saint Brendan Corporation, P.O. Box 11231, Torrance CA 90510, mail@cadivingnews.com. No part of this may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system/website, or transmitted in any form by any means without prior written permission of the publisher. IMPORTANT NOTICE: The contents of this publication/website are opinions of the individual writers. The publishers of California Diving News and its contributors assume no responsibility for any mishap claimed to be a result of use of this material. Diving is an adventure sport and with it comes inherent risks. Improper use of diving equipment or improper diving techniques may result in serious injury or, in extreme circumstances, death. Readers are admonished to use their own best judgement in each individual situation. |
