NEW YORK (3 Sep 2001) -- Cyber Diver Society (CDS), a leading marine conservation group comprised primarily of scuba divers, will poll its global membership on September 4, 2001 as to whether the organization should support a grass-roots environmental campaign aimed at banning shark feeding in Florida waters. Evan T. Allard, Cyber Diver Society Executive Director, explained the decision earlier today at a press conference. "Last year, in conjunction with our affiliates, we polled over 32,000 divers throughout the global diving community about the shark feeding issue in Florida," Allard said. "An overwhelming 12 to 1 majority categorically rejected PADI's argument that shark feeding is a safe and environmentally responsible activity, however, the general consensus then was that the issue did not merit our involvement." "In recent months, however, many of our members have expressed concern that if the state of Florida endorses commercial shark feeding, PADI, DEMA and other dive industry profiteers will exploit the decision to justify expansion and promotion of shark feeding at dive destinations throughout the world," Allard added. | | "Therefore, the environmental and public safety impact of this decision is likely to be far-reaching and that's why our executive committee has voted unanimously (7-0) to poll members again prior to the upcoming September 6 meeting of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FFWCC)," Allard concluded. Cyber Diver will send the results to the FFWCC on Sept 5. © CDNN - CYBER DIVER NEWS NETWORK |
