Cultivating Conservation

Text and Photos by Stephen Frink
It is no secret that scuba divers are proponents of marine conservation. We love what we see, and we’d like to see more of it — more fish, more vibrant coral reefs and more artificial reefs — and enjoy it with better water quality and visibility. That’s why divers like to visit marine protected areas: They are better environmentally because we protect them, making them popular dive sites. Divers who embrace a dive site can influence conservation by emphasizing the kinship between humans and marine life.
I recently read an article from the The Guardian with an intriguing title: “How Whale Sharks Saved a Philippine Fishing Town and Its Sea Life” by Hannah Summers (Dec. 10, 2018). The story is about how once-struggling fishermen from Oslob, Philippines, formed a community-based dive company called Oslob Whale Sharks (OWS). The article mentioned a scientific study that explored the financial implications to the local community after they embraced dive tourism for visitors to swim with whale sharks.
Judi Lowe, a marine scientist and sustainable dive tourism expert who was one of the study’s authors, shared the abstract of the study, which drew some conclusions about OWS.
[OWS is] the most financially successful and controversial community-based dive tourism site in the world. Oslob Whale Sharks has generated income from ticket sales of approximately US$18.4 million over five years. We found that Oslob Whale Sharks has created alternate livelihoods for 177 fishers and diversified livelihoods throughout the community, reducing fishing effort and changing livelihood strategies away from reliance on coral reef resources.
It is no secret that scuba divers are proponents of marine conservation. We love what we see, and we’d like to see more of it — more fish, more vibrant coral reefs and more artificial reefs — and enjoy it with better water quality and visibility. That’s why divers like to visit marine protected areas: They are better environmentally because we protect them, making them popular dive sites. Divers who embrace a dive site can influence conservation by emphasizing the kinship between humans and marine life.
I recently read an article from the The Guardian with an intriguing title: “How Whale Sharks Saved a Philippine Fishing Town and Its Sea Life” by Hannah Summers (Dec. 10, 2018). The story is about how once-struggling fishermen from Oslob, Philippines, formed a community-based dive company called Oslob Whale Sharks (OWS). The article mentioned a scientific study that explored the financial implications to the local community after they embraced dive tourism for visitors to swim with whale sharks.
Judi Lowe, a marine scientist and sustainable dive tourism expert who was one of the study’s authors, shared the abstract of the study, which drew some conclusions about OWS.
[OWS is] the most financially successful and controversial community-based dive tourism site in the world. Oslob Whale Sharks has generated income from ticket sales of approximately US$18.4 million over five years. We found that Oslob Whale Sharks has created alternate livelihoods for 177 fishers and diversified livelihoods throughout the community, reducing fishing effort and changing livelihood strategies away from reliance on coral reef resources.

Livelihoods from Oslob Whale Sharks increase food security for fishers and their families and improve the well-being of their community. … Our findings indicate connection between livelihoods and the provision of finance to protect whale sharks and manage five marine reserves, indicating that fishers and local government are protecting the whale sharks and coral reef resources their livelihoods depend on.
Oslob sustenance fishers had often experienced whale sharks bumping into their pangas and interfering with their nets, but they viewed the animals as a benign annoyance without resorting to finning or other mistreatments. They eventually discovered that a handful of krill could lure away the whale sharks. In 2011 a diver paid a local fisher to lure a whale shark near for a photograph, leading to the community’s dive tourism interests.
In many areas of the world divers may be lucky to have even a fleeting whale shark encounter, if any at all. But at Oslob they can count on seeing whale sharks on any of the 364 days of the year the authorized fishers operate — plus the water is clear, and the proximity is guaranteed. As the whale sharks go to the pangas for the bait, they are oblivious to the divers and snorkelers nearby in the water. Fees paid by the shore-based and liveaboard divers support the industry.
“As fishermen we were earning as little as $1.40 a day but nothing on days when the current was strong,” said former fisherman Jesson Jumuad, who now works for OWS. “Sometimes in a day I didn’t have any fish to be sold, but now I can give my family good food three times a day. I have built a brick house, bought a motor bike and can afford to send my daughter to school.”
Their newfound success is based on the whale sharks becoming a compelling diver attraction, but it is inextricably linked with protecting the natural marine resources and ecosystem that allow this to happen.
In another example of divers enhancing conservation, local activist divers recently transformed outrage into action at Blue Heron Bridge, an iconic site and shore dive off Riviera Beach, Florida, known for the weird and wonderful macro creatures found there (AlertDiver.com/Blue-Heron-Bridge).
Last October divers were putting bags of fish into containers in a big truck that was parked at Phil Foster Park, the gateway to Blue Heron. These tropical fish collectors from the Moody Gardens Aquarium Pyramid in Galveston, Texas, were there under permit by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). The permit did not specifically say they could extract fish from Blue Heron Bridge, but it was broadly expansive in allowing them to extract from four counties, including Palm Beach County. Just as Willie Sutton robbed banks because that’s where the money was, these tropical fish collectors worked Blue Heron Bridge for a full week because that’s where the fish were.
Local divers launched petitions and had heated discourse with local politicians and the FWC. Four months later the FWC approved changes in their regulations that would ensure that the snorkeling and diving opportunities at Blue Heron Bridge and Phil Foster Park in Palm Beach County remain at a high standard. Going into effect April 1 are rules that
Oslob sustenance fishers had often experienced whale sharks bumping into their pangas and interfering with their nets, but they viewed the animals as a benign annoyance without resorting to finning or other mistreatments. They eventually discovered that a handful of krill could lure away the whale sharks. In 2011 a diver paid a local fisher to lure a whale shark near for a photograph, leading to the community’s dive tourism interests.
In many areas of the world divers may be lucky to have even a fleeting whale shark encounter, if any at all. But at Oslob they can count on seeing whale sharks on any of the 364 days of the year the authorized fishers operate — plus the water is clear, and the proximity is guaranteed. As the whale sharks go to the pangas for the bait, they are oblivious to the divers and snorkelers nearby in the water. Fees paid by the shore-based and liveaboard divers support the industry.
“As fishermen we were earning as little as $1.40 a day but nothing on days when the current was strong,” said former fisherman Jesson Jumuad, who now works for OWS. “Sometimes in a day I didn’t have any fish to be sold, but now I can give my family good food three times a day. I have built a brick house, bought a motor bike and can afford to send my daughter to school.”
Their newfound success is based on the whale sharks becoming a compelling diver attraction, but it is inextricably linked with protecting the natural marine resources and ecosystem that allow this to happen.
In another example of divers enhancing conservation, local activist divers recently transformed outrage into action at Blue Heron Bridge, an iconic site and shore dive off Riviera Beach, Florida, known for the weird and wonderful macro creatures found there (AlertDiver.com/Blue-Heron-Bridge).
Last October divers were putting bags of fish into containers in a big truck that was parked at Phil Foster Park, the gateway to Blue Heron. These tropical fish collectors from the Moody Gardens Aquarium Pyramid in Galveston, Texas, were there under permit by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). The permit did not specifically say they could extract fish from Blue Heron Bridge, but it was broadly expansive in allowing them to extract from four counties, including Palm Beach County. Just as Willie Sutton robbed banks because that’s where the money was, these tropical fish collectors worked Blue Heron Bridge for a full week because that’s where the fish were.
Local divers launched petitions and had heated discourse with local politicians and the FWC. Four months later the FWC approved changes in their regulations that would ensure that the snorkeling and diving opportunities at Blue Heron Bridge and Phil Foster Park in Palm Beach County remain at a high standard. Going into effect April 1 are rules that
- prohibit the collection and possession of marine life fishery species (species collected for and managed for the tropical aquarium trade) within the park and surrounding waters;
- protect other fishing activities, such as hook-and-line fishing or lobstering;
- allow direct transit by vessel of marine life species legally harvested outside the closed area through the closed area so long as the vessel does not stop; and
- allow species collected outside the closed area to be landed by motorized vessel at the park boat ramp and docks.
Posted in Alert Diver Summer Editions
Tagged with Conservation, Marine parks, Diver infliencers, Citizen Conservation, Phillipines, Marine Scientists
Tagged with Conservation, Marine parks, Diver infliencers, Citizen Conservation, Phillipines, Marine Scientists
Categories
2020
January
February
Group Fitness at the PoolHow to Rescue a Distressed diver at the SurfaceHow to manage Near-DrowningNo Sit-ups no problem How to manage MalariaHow to manage Oxygen Deficiency (Hypoxia)What to do when confronted by a sharkHow to manage Scombroid PoisoningHow to perform a Deep Diver RescueHow to perform One-rescuer CPRHow to perform a Neurological Assessment
March
DAN’s Quick Guide to Properly Disinfecting Dive GearCOVID-19 : Prevention Recommendations for our Diving CommunityGermophobia? - Just give it a reasonable thoughtScuba Equipment care – Rinsing and cleaning diving equipmentCOVID-19 and DAN MembershipFurther limitations imposed on travels and considerations on diving activitiesDAN Membership COVID-19 FAQsLancet COVID-19 South African Testing SitesCOVID-19 No Panic Help GuideGetting Decompression Sickness while FreedivingDown in the DumpsCardiovascular Disease and DivingDelayed Off-GassingDiving after Dental surgeryDiving with Multiple MedicationsPygmy Seahorses: Life AquaticAfrica DustCOVID-19 Myth BustersScuba Units Are Not Suitable Substitutes for VentilatorsDisinfection of Scuba Equipment and COVID-19Physioball Stability Exercises
April
COVID-19 AdvisoryScuba Equipment Care - Drying & Storing Your GearTransporting Diving Lights & BatteriesHow to Pivot Your Message During a CrisisTourism Relief FundCOVID-19 Business Support ReviewDiving After COVID-19: What We Know TodayEUBS-ECHM Position Statement on Diving ActivitiesPart 2: COVID-19 Business Support ReviewPress Release
May
Diving in the Era of COVID-19Dive Operations and COVID-19: Prepping for ReturnCOVID-19 & Diving Activities: 10 Safety RecommendationsCOVID-19: Surface Survival TimesThe Philippines at its FinestThe Logistics of ExplorationThe Art of the Underwater SelfieShooter: Douglas SeifertFAQs Answered: Disinfecting Scuba EquipmentStock your First-Aid KitResearch and OutreachCovid-19 ResearchOut of the BlueEffects of Aspirin on DivingThe New Pointy end of DivingDiving and Hepatitis CCaissons, Compressed-Air work and Deep TunnellingPreparing to Dive in the New NormalNew Health Declaration Form Sample Addressing C-19 IssuesDiving After COVID 19: What Divers Need to Know
June
Travel Smarter: PRE-TRIP VACCINATIONSAttention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder and DivingCOVID-19: Updated First Aid Training Recommendations From DANDiving with a Purpose in National Marine SanctuariesStay Positive Through the PandemicFor the Dive Operator: How to Protect Your Staff & ClientsStudying Deep reefs and Deep diversAsking the Right QuestionsLung squeeze under cold diving conditions
July
Dive DeprivationVolunteer Fish Surveys: Engage DiversDAN Member Profile: Mehgan Heaney-GrierTravel Smarter: Don’t Cancel, Reschedule InsteadDive Boat Fire SafetyRay of HopePartner ExercisesDiving at AltitudeAluminium ExposureHip FracturesAcoustic NeuromaGuidelines for Lifelong Medical Fitness to DiveNew Dive Medical Forms
August
Women in Diving: Lauren Arthur, Conservationist & Natural History Story TellerWomen in Diving: Dr Sara Andreotti White Shark ResearcherTiming ExerciseWomen in Diving: The Salty Wanderer, Charlie WarlandWomen in Diving: Beth Neale, Aqua soul of freedivingWomen in Diving: Diving and spearfishing Diva, Jean HattinghWomen in Diving: Zandile Ndhlovu, The Black Mermaid
September
October
Freediving For ScienceStep Exercises with CardioFluorescence Imaging help Identify Coral BleachingChildren and DivingThe Watchman device and divingScuba Diving and Factor V Leiden gene mutationNitrogen Narcosis at shallow depthsOil and Particulates: Safe levels in Breathing Air at depthDive Principles for Coping with COVID-19The Importance of a Predive Safety CheckTalya Davidoff: the 'Plattelandse Meisie' Freediver
2019
February
April
May
DAN Press ReleaseYour Dive Computer: Tips and tricks - PART 1Your Dive Computer: Tips and tricks - PART 2Aural HygieneDCS AheadHow Divers Can Help with coral conservationRed Tide and shellfish poisoningDiving after Kidney DonationDiving with hypertrophic cardiomyopathyEmergency Underwater Oxygen Recompression
June
July
September
October
November
Exercise drills with DowelsHeart-rate TrainingCultivating ConservationTRavel Smarter : Evaluating an unfamiliar Dive operatorChallenging the Frontiers of Decompression ResearchTravel Smarter: Plan for Medical EmergenciesWhen should I call my Doctor?DAN Student Medical Expense CoverageAdvice, Support and a LifelineWetsuits and heat stressDiving after Chiropractic adjustments
2018
April
Flying after pool diving FAQLung squeeze while freediving FAQDiving after Bariatric surgery FAQMarine injuries FAQVasovagal Syncope unpredictable FAQIncident report procedure FAQDiving after knee surgery FAQDiving when in RemissionDive with orbital Implant FAQInert gas washout FAQOxygen ears FAQPost Decompression sicknessChildren and diving. The real concerns.Diving after SurgeryPhysiology of Decompresssion sickness FAQDiving and regular exerciseGordon Hiles - I am an Underwater Cameraman and Film MakerScuba Air QualityBreath-hold diving. Part 3: The Science Bit!Compensation Legislation and the Recreational DiverCape Town DivingFive pro tips for capturing better images in cold waterThe Boat Left Without You: Now What?
May
When things go wrongEmergency Planning: Why Do We Need It?Breath-hold diving: Running on reserve -Part 5 Learning to RebreatheSweet Dreams: When Can I Resume Diving Post Anaesthesia?Investing in the future of reefsTo lie or not to lie?THE STORY OF A RASH AFTER A DIVEFirst Aid KitsTaravana: Fact or Falacy?
June
Oxygen Unit MaintenanceKnow Your Oxygen-Delivery Masks 1Know Your Oxygen-Delivery Masks 2Emergency Oxygen unitsInjuries due to exposure - HypothermiaInjuries due to exposure - Altitude sicknessInjuries due to Exposure - Dehydration and other concernsHow to plan for your dive tripThe Future of Dive MedicinePlastic is Killing our ocean
September
Return to DivingDiagnoses: Pulmonary blebSide effects of Rectogesic ointmentDiving with ChemotherapyReplacing dive computers and BCDsCustomize Your First-Aid KitPlan for medical emergenciesHow the dive Reflex protects the brain and heartDry suits and skin BendsAltitude sickness and DCSScuba Diving and Life Expectancy
2017
March
April
Incident Insight: TriageA Field Guide to Minor MishapsSnorkels: Pros & ConsTime & RecoveryMedication & Drug UseDiving with CancerNitrox FAQCOPD FAQHyperbaric Chamber FAQJet Lag FAQHydration FAQAnticoagulant Medication FAQFluid in the Ear FAQEye Surgery FAQElderly Divers FAQNitrogen FAQHealth Concerns FAQMotion Sickness FAQMicronuclei FAQ
June
August
2016
February
March
Breath-Hold Diving & ScubaReturn to Diving After DCITiming Exercise & DivingHot Tubs After DivingSubcutaneous EmphysemaIn-Water RecompressionDiving at AltitudeFlying After DivingDiving After FlyingThe Risks of Diabetes & DivingFlu-like Symptoms Following a DiveHand & Foot EdemaFrontal HeadachesBladder DiscomfortLatex AllergiesRemember to BreatheProper Position for Emergency CareAches & PainsCell Phones While DrivingSurfers Ear Ear Ventilation TubesDealing with Ear ProblemsDiving with Existing Ear InjuriesPerforated Ear DrumENT SurgeryUnpluggedCochlear ImplantsPortuguese Man-of-WarJellyfish StingsLionfish, Scorpionfish & Stonefish EnvenomationsStingray Envenomation Coral Cuts, Scrapes and RashesSpeeding & Driving Behaviour
June
Newsflash! Low Pressure Hose DeteriorationItching & rash go away & come back!7 Things we did not know about the oceanMigraine HeadacheAttention Deficit Disorder Cerebral Vascular AccidentEpilepsyCerebral PalsyHistory of SeizuresMultiple Sclerosis Head TraumaBreast Cancer & Fitness to Dive IssuesLocal Allergic ReactionsSea LiceHow ocean pollution affects humans Dive Fatality & Lobster Mini-Season StatisticsPregnancy & DivingReturn to Diving After Giving BirthBreast Implants & DivingMenstruation During Diving ActivitiesOral Birth ControlBreast FeedingPremenstrual SyndromeOsteoporosisThe Aftermath of Diving IncidentsCompensation Legislation & the Recreational DiverNoise-Induced Hearing LossLegal MattersThe Nature of Liability & DivingDAN Legal NetworkWaivers, Children & Solo DivingHealthy, but overweight!Taking Medication while Scuba DivingGetting Fit for the Dive SeasonBone Considerations in Young DiversAsthma and Scuba DivingHepatitisDiving with HyperglycemiaShoulder PainDiving After Spinal Back Surgery
August
Hazard Identification & Risk AssessmentCaring For Your People Caring For Your FacilitiesCaring For Your BusinessScuba Air Quality Part 1Scuba Air Quality Part 2Chamber Maintenance Part 1Chamber Maintenance Part 2The Aging Diver Propeller SafetyRelease The PressureDon't Get LostMore Water, Less Bubbles13 Ways to Run Out of Air & How Not To7 Mistakes Divers Make & How To Avoid ThemSafety Is In The AirHow Good Is Your Emergency Plan
2015
January
March