Marine Resource Management for Dive Professionals A Unique Educational Opportunity for Those Interested in Sustainable Tourism and Protecting the Sea's Most Magnificent Ecosystem-Coral Reefs
What's This Program All About? For years, marine resource managers and dive industry experts alike have seen the need to improve the environmental awareness of divers and snorkelers who visit coral reefs. And who better to foster this awareness than the diving professionals who teach and supervise them? But first,divemasters and instructors themselves need specialized knowledge and accurate information about the plight of coral reefs. More importantly, they need the ability to apply this knowledge in away that results in improved low-impact diving behavior among their clients. Unfortunately, few, if any, training programs for professionals have existed to address these issues in a comprehensive and real-world context...until now. MARINE RESOURCE MANAGEMENT FOR DIVE PROFESSIONALS (MRM) is an in-depth professional development seminar designed to provide dive leaders with a background in coral reef ecology and other marine resource management issues which affect divers and the diving industry. No special prerequisites are required to enroll in the program except a desire to learn innovative ways to make your students and customers better divers, more satisfied divers and more ecologically-friendly divers.
Background It's no secret that coral reefs are in serious trouble. One respected source contends that more than 10 percent of these precious resources-some 35 million acres-are already degraded beyond recovery; and if something isn't done to turn the tide soon, we'll lose another 70 percent by the middle of this century (Wilkinson, 1992). This perilous state of affairs has spawned a great deal of research in recent years in an attempt to identify the causes of such a dramatic decline. Not all, but some of the problems confronting coral reefs involve tourism. While much of the tourism issue centers around coastal development and poor land-use practices, damage to reefs caused by recreational divers and snorkelers is receiving increased attention. In fact, from the diving industry's perspective, two key areas of research are: 1) the impact divers have on coral reefs (Hawkins, et al, 1999; Harriott, Davis & Banks, 1997; Rouphael & Ingalis, 1995; Roberts & Hawkins, 1994; Talge, 1992; Roberts & Hawkins, 1992; Tilmant, 1987), and 2) establishing diver carrying capacities on coral reefs, especially within Marine Protected Areas (Hawkins, 1996; Riegl & Riegl, 1996; Davis & Tisdell, 1995; Salm, 1985 & 1986). Largely based on this research, politicians and government administrators are now making important decisions about the management of coral reefs with respect to diving and snorkeling.
Program Rationale While divers are near the bottom of the list when it comes to reasons why corals reefs are dying, they are often an easy target to blame simply because of their high visibility. The problem for divers is compounded because, until lately, the diving industry has had little involvement in the marine resource management community. In fact, most dive professionals aren't even aware that their activities are under the close scrutiny of researchers and resource managers. So it should come as no surprise that the interests of divers and local diving industries are often ignored when it comes to decisions regarding the management of coral reefs. For this situation to change-to make certain that divers' interests are heard and taken into account-dive professionals must be able to bring to the table a well-informed position. This requires education. As mentioned above, a related issue voiced by resource managers-and echoed by many in the diving industry-is the need to improve the environmental awareness of divers and snorkelers who visit coral reefs. In fact, one positive outcome from all the recent research on diver impact is the recognition that education could play a significant role in mitigating diver impact. Hawkins (1996), Medio, Ormond & Pearson (1997) and Rouphael & Ingalis (1997) have all concluded that improved diver education is the key element in turning divers from part of the problem into part of the solution. The job of fostering this awareness and improved education among divers will, of course, fall to the professionals who teach and supervise them. But to do this, divemasters and instructors themselves need specialized knowledge and accurate information about the plight of coral reefs. More importantly, they must be able to translate this knowledge into practices which promote low-impact diving. Here, too, the answer is education. To respond to these issues, a training program has long been needed which will both increase the "scientific literacy" of dive professionals, while at the same time give them the tools they need to make their students and clients more environmentally-friendly divers. That is precisely the purpose of the MRM program.
Endorsements and Testimonials Barry University's Sport Management - Diving Industry Degree students were pleased to be the first group to participate in Alex Brylske's Marine Resource Management Course, and they have not stopped talking about the information that they received during that 10 day program in Bonaire. To have the opportunity to sit in a lecture and then experience the same subject matter within minutes in a world class diving destination was a powerful educational tool. The course honed their observational skills as divers and broadened their developing professional ethics and personal responsibility to global health. As a direct result of this MRM course, these new professionals are now connected to the environmental movement at a level where they can make a viable difference in the education of every diver whom they have the privilege work with.
Sharon Kegeles Coordinator, Sport Management-Diving Industry Barry University Miami, Florida ---------------------
MRM is an excellent course for any professional that really wants a perspective on the crucial issues of marine resource management. A thoroughly entertaining look at the ecology of coral reefs, real to life examples of management initiatives from around the world and a refreshing look at how divers can positively impact areas that they visit. I have no hesitation in recommending this course to any professional, be they in the diving, resource manage or tourism community.
Anne Miller, Director The Reef-World Foundation www.reef-world.com ------------------------------- HEPCA is an environmental Association which is primarily concerned with the conservation of the natural resources of the Red Sea through active participation in environmental projects and through awareness programs for tourists and citizens. As a participant in the MRM program held here in Hurghada in July of 1999, I found the course to be extremely valuable for both dive professionals and NGO representatives, like myself. The dive industry has a responsibility to protect coral reefs for the future generations and to ensure that more divers and tourists enjoy the beauty of the under water environment and the coral reefs. We do not hesitate to recommend this program for dive professional in the Red Sea or in other part of the world. Hesham Tomoum, Executive Director Hurghada Environmental Protection and Conservation Association (HEPCA) ---------------------- It is always a pleasure and a learning experience to take a course from Alex, but this particular course was something special. The Marine Resource Management course taught us all the things that as diving professionals, we should have learned years ago. I don't know why no one has done this before! Leave it to Alex to be a trend setter and as usual, make the diving industry take a giant leap forward in it's thinking. Ten years ago, buoyancy skills were not considered very important.These days it's one of the most important skills taught. In a few short years, the MRM course--like buoyancy today--will be considered compulsory for every diver and diving professional. John Williams & Bent Posejpal, Principles Siam Dive n' Sail Phuket, Thailand ---------------------------------- As an organization that conserves oceans through education and citizen action, Oceanwatch believes the MRM course is extremely valuable for dive professionals. The dive industry has a unique responsibility to protect coral reefs. The MRM course conveys the knowledge elements of coral reef ecology and environmentally-sound industry practices that enable dive professionals to use coral reefs responsibly. Cliff McCreedy, Executive Director OCEANWATCH, Washington, DC ---------------------------------- The MRM program provided the missing link between our dive instructors, the underwater environment and their role as nature guides - not just the usual safety monitors. The MRM program was very detailed and well researched, a must for any dive professional or enthusiast. We learned a lot and enabled us to put things in perspective on a global and local scale. Stephen Broadbelt Co-Owner Ocean Frontiers Ltd Grand Cayman -------------------- The MRM course In Barbados attracted over 40 people from dive shops, hotels, tour operators and government. While the course raised awareness on coral reef ecology and human impacts, as importantly it excited people to act. Barbados is now seeing the benefits; initiatives to create and enforce marine protected areas, operators beginning to use more environmentally friendly approaches, and a broader desire to educate visitors and Barbadians. Those that missed the course want to know when the next one will be. Course participants want additional sessions. The energy is infectious! Jeffrey Green AXYS Environmental Consulting (B'dos) Inc. Project Manager, Feasibility Studies for Carlisle Bay and Folkestone Marine Reserve --------------------- The Marine Resource Management course meets a need that has long gone untended. I was very impressed with the quality of the material that was presented as well as the author's common sense approach in which life and theory, and their requisite conflicts, were discussed. While there maybe no easy answers protecting our marine environment ...this course at least provides the first steps toward getting the word out about such a goal." Dave Schubert, PADI Course Director School Director, Scuba College Grand Cayman Island -------------------- I knew I was creating a lot of extra work for Alex when I organized a group of over forty people ranging from Coast Guard officers and marine park rangers, hoteliers and government marine scientists to the more usual dive shop operators. He did a great job of adopting the course to get the message across to this very diverse group, and the audiovisual presentation was excellent. The credibility that Alex has from having "been there, done that, and bought the t-shirt" in the diving world, meant that his own personal observations of reef deterioration truly impressed, and concerned, this group of 'students' more than anything they had read or heard before on the topic.Several dozen people have asked me "when are you offering that course again?" and I am glad that I will now be able to say "this year I hope, If Alex will come back". Dr. Gordon Murphy Ocean Ark Corporation Barbados West Indies -------------------------------- With the increasing awareness and growth of the scuba diving sector in Tobago this seminar was certainly very relevant and timely. We had an attendance of 32 persons from various government and non-governmental organization in the country. They included more than three-quarter membership of the Tobago Dive Operators, representatives form the Department of Marine Resources and Fisheries,the Department of Natural Resources and the Environment, the Institute of Marine Affairs the Incoming Tour Operators Association and TIDCO. All participants in the programme thought the seminar to be interesting and found that it gave them a greater appreciation for the marine environment. I am sure that the MRM programme would have certainly influenced the way they conduct their business. Alex Brylske was very knowledgeable and an excellent lecturer who provided us with a lot of research material on the subject. Neemah Persad Marketing Manager-Americas Tourism and Industrial Development Company of Trinidad and Tobago Limited [MORE ENDORSEMENTS WILL BE ADDED]
Not Just for Dive Professionals One encouraging but unanticipated development occurred in the first year of the MRM program. Almost one-third of attendees were not members of the diving industry, but rather came from a wide variety of backgrounds, including: Marine park rangers and management personnel Government tourism or environmental protection officials Executives with watersports or dive operator associations Ecotour operators considering offering diving services NGO personnel involved with marine conservation and sustainable tourism Secondary and post-secondary teachers Students considering a career in the diving industry and resource management Elected officials In hindsight, such an outcome should not have been surprising given that the topics covered in MRM go well beyond the scope of diving and the diving industry. In fact, only about 15to 20 percent of the course is geared solely to dive educators and supervisors. Most of the course covers coral reef science and resource management issues, which are relevant to anyone with an interest or responsibility in protecting coral reefs and promoting sustainable tourism. And the course involves no diving or field work, so it's not even necessary to hold a scuba certification to attend.
What You'll Get Out of this Course As either a participant or sponsor you'll come away with the following knowledge, skills and insights: Learn what low-impact diving has to do with diver safety, and how environmental responsibility can translate into improved customer satisfaction. Learn techniques to help make your students or customers more competent divers, while at the same time improving their ability to dive in an environmentally-responsible manner.Learn how to improve your entry and advanced-level courses, as well as develop your own specialty courses in coral reef ecology and low-impact diving.Be able to explain how a coral reef functions, not just tell your customers the names of the critters.Explore what problems coral reefs really face, and what misconceptions divers have regarding their own role in the world-wide degradation of coral reefs.Learn how to instill a responsible environmental ethic into your customers, and change their attitude toward the marine realm from that of a customer to a guest. All attendees will receive a 150-page workbook, containing article reprints from popular and peer-reviewed literature, along with electronic copies of the PowerPoint¨ presentation used to teach the course which includes over 150 slides.
A Special Note to PADI Instructors and Assistant Instructors Teaching status PADI Instructors completing the MRM program will receive a pre-approved Specialty Instructor application (processing fee not included), and a pre-approved 50-page instructor guide. And as the program is a non-diving specialty, even PADI Assistant Instructors qualify to teach the course.
Program Goals Although this program is science-based, its scope is much broader than just teaching the science of coral reefs. Instead, it focuses on a wide range of issues dive professionals need to be aware of to do their jobs effectively. The course is designed to synthesize topics in marine science and resource management with practical issues such as customer relations and diver training. The specific goals of the course include the following:
Program Content This program is not a series of lectures. Rather, it's been designed to be highly interactive, spark lively discussions and incorporate the personal experiences and insights of participants. In addition, as it does not require any practical open water sessions, there are no restrictions on where this course can be offered. The course is built around the framework of four unifying themes: 1) the functional ecology of coral reefs; 2) the worldwide state of reefs and problems they face; 3) relevant marine resource management issues; and 4) how to turn theory into practice. Here's an outline of the topics discussed:
UNIT #1: THE ECOLOGY AND BIOLOGY OF CORAL REEFS
UNIT #2: THE STATUS AND OUTLOOK FOR CORAL REEFS
UNIT #3: MARINE RESOURCE MANAGEMENT: THE DIVE INDUSTRY'S PERSPECTIVE
UNIT #4: PROMOTING SUSTAINABLE DIVING PRACTICES
In addition to the in-class lectures and discussions, students will receive a comprehensive list of resources on coral reef ecology and resource management. This resource list includes a wide selection of books-both from the scientific and popular press-on coral reefs,dozens of articles from magazines and peer-reviewed scientific journals (including every study ever done on diver impact), relevant Internet resources, CD-ROMs, videos and organizations devoted to the study and protection of coral reefs.
About the Instructor Teaching the MRM program requires someone with a unique background because of the need for both a solid grounding in the science of coral reefs, and an intimate understanding of there source management issues vital to dive professionals. Fortunately, this diverse background describes very well the man who conceived, developed and teaches the MRM program, Alex Brylske. Alex is a twenty-five year dive industry veteran, and a highly respected authority on dive reducation. His company, Instructional Technologies, Inc., specializes in developing diving and marine environmental education programs, and its clients include some of the largest and most successful entities in the recreational scuba industry. You may already know Alex as the Senior Editor of Dive Training magazine, or former Educational Program Development Manager at PADI Headquarters. Currently, Alex is still a program development consultant to PADI, and a member of the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Committee of Scuba Diving Instructional Standards and Safety. In addition to his long experience as an instructor-trainer and designer of PRO DIVE's world-renowned Resort Operations Specialist (ROS¨) program-the diving industry's most popular training program for resort operations personnel-Alex is also no stranger to the resource management community. He represented the recreational diving community as a member of the Florida Governor's Ocean Committee, and currently serves on the Education and Outreach Working Group for the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. Throughout his long career, Alex has served in various roles. He's currently the Training Manager for the Coral Reef Alliance (CORAL). In this role he is responsible for developing and conducting educational programs supporting CORAL's efforts to improve business practices in the marine recreation sector, and build alliances between tourism operators and resource managers. In 1998-99 he represented the recreational diving community as a member of the Florida Governor's Ocean Committee. He served on the Education and Outreach Working Group for the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, and was a member of the Global Interactive Marine Experience Council (GIMEC). And continuing to keep his foot in the world of academia, Alex is an adjunct professor of marine science at Edison College, and member of the External Associate Graduate Faculty at Florida Gulf Coast University. He has also published several papers and made numerous presentations on sustainable marine tourism at conferences around the world.
How You Can Get Involved Information on available dates and how you can sponsor an MRM course in your area is available by contacting us at:
Instructional Technologies, Inc. 3324 SW 8th Court Cape Coral, FL 33914 phone: 941-945-1987 fax: 941-945-1926 e-mail: brylske@aol.com
Cited References
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Harriott, V.J., Davis, D. & Banks, S.A. (1997). Recreational diving and its impact on marine protected areas in eastern Australia. Ambios, 26(3) 173-179.
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