Take an active part in ensuring the future of coral reefs, on your next diving vacation. Become involved in the many international coral reef campaigns, cleanup efforts, and research projects.

Contact one of these coral reef expedition organizations to plan your next trip:

- Coral Cay Conservation: attn. Peter Raines/Jonathan Ridley, 154 Clapham Park Road, London, SW4 7DE, UK. (441)(71)498-6248

- Oceanographic Expeditions (504) 488-1573 http://members.aol.com/seascience/index.html or Email Seascience@aol.com

- EarthWatch: attn. Dr. Andrew Hudson, program director, Marine Sciences/ Kari Gardney, Expedition coordinator, Earth/marine sciences, 680 Mt. Auburn Street, Box 403, Watertown, MA, 02272, USA. (617)926-8200 "ahudson@earthwatch.org"

- Project A.W.A.R.E. (PADI): attn. Tiera Olson, 1251 East Dyer Road, #100. Santa Ana, CA, 92705-5605, USA. (714)540-7234

- Pacific Whale Foundation: dive opportunities/volunteering in Hawaii and Australia. attn. Dr. Paul Forestell, Director of Research, 101 N. Kihei Road, Suite 21, Kihei, HI, 96753, USA. (808) 879-8860.

- REEF- Reef Environmental Education Foundation. attn. Ladie Atkins, Executive Director, P.O. Box 246, Key Largo, Fl., 33037, USA. (305)451-0312.

- Sierra Club: attn. Dave Raney, 1621 Mikahala Way, Honolulu, HI 96816-3321, USA. (808) 538-6616

Write your elected officials and tell them to work to stop environmentally destructive practices and ask them to support legislation that will effectively protect the coral reefs.

Practice coral-friendly dive techniques such as:

- practicing good buoyancy skills- maintain neutral buoyancy and keep equipment off the reef, since even minimal human contact can kill coral polyps. According to the PADI Diving Encyclopedia, "An accidental fin stroke that breaks off a 10in./25cm. stalk of coral can destroy a decade of growth."

- don't stir up sand and sediments which can smother reefs

- always use mooring buoys - anchors destroy coral

- avoid oily sunscreens which can hurt corals- use a t-shirt instead

- don't bring home coral souvenirs or coral curios.

Join REEF RELIEF: and let us know about any resorts, dive operators, boat operators, and tour companies that you feel are harming the coral reefs so that we can take action against the problem. For more information about coral reefs and their preservation, write or call REEF RELIEF at (305)294-3100. Working together, we can make a difference!

I want to join REEF RELIEF to protect Sea Turtles!

REEF RELIEF, P.O. Box 430, Key West, FL 33040 USA
Tel: (305)294-3100, Fax: (305)293-9515, Email: reef@bellsouth.net