FLORIDA (1 Jan 2002) -- Sport divers will just have to make do with nature in Florida from now on. With the turn of the New Year, it is illegal for divers to feed marine wildlife in State waters, ending - at least in Florida - a poorly conceived and eco unfriendly scuba industry marketing strategy aimed at "growing the sport" by bringing in thrill seekers to dive in marine habitats converted into underwater "circus arenas". The new law, unanimously passed by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission on November 1, shuts down commercial shark-diving operations statewide by prohibiting both the "introduction of any food or other substance into the water by a diver for the purpose of feeding or attracting marine species", as well as the operation of "any vessel for hire for the purpose of carrying passengers to any site in the saltwaters of the state to engage in fish feeding or to allow such passengers to observe fish feeding." Environmental groups worldwide heartily applauded enactment of the new rules, won only after a bitter two-year fight with the dive industry. Although industry leaders had boasted just months ago that they would eventually win the fight because "we're willing to spend whatever it takes", the FFWCC and the public refused to be swayed by the industry's massive propaganda campaign, or by their legal threats and maneuvers. The Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary is now obliged (under protocols established between the State and the Sanctuary) to begin the process leading to a complimentary rule that will make fish feeding illegal throughout Sanctuary waters, about 30% of which lie in federal waters beyond state jurisdiction. | | "This one's a victory for the all people of Florida, our ocean, and - most of all - Florida's marine wildlife", said Bob Dimond, President of the Florida non-profit organization (Marine Safety Group) that initially proposed the ban. "I think this spells the beginning of the end for these ill-advised activities on a world-wide basis, but we still have a lot of work to do to get there." Evan T. Allard, President of CDS (Cyber Diver Society) agrees. "The Florida decision sets a precedent that we are building on globally to ensure that marine wildlife is respected and protected worldwide. While the vast majority of divers in America, the Maldives, the Red Sea and throughout the global scuba diving community already understand how feeding bans promote marine conservation, we know that we must do more to educate PADI, DEMA and others in the industry who have not yet learned the principles of marine conservation in the 21st century." © CDNN - CYBER DIVER NEWS NETWORKShark feeding: Genuine adventure or eco-unfriendly amusement park entertainment for silly tourists? |
