Environmental Initiative

Mission Statement

Explorer Ventures is aware that as a global dive business, we depend on a fragile marine ecosystem that is increasingly threatened by a multitude of factors. Explorer Ventures believes that we have an obligation and a responsibility to act as stewards of our environment, so that future generations will be able to enjoy nature as we do.

Environmental Policy
Explorer Ventures believes in the importance of:

Minimizing negative impacts on the natural, social and cultural environments in which we operate
Promoting conservation ethics in our guests and local communities
Practicing and encouraging safe and environmentally sensitive operation and diving practices
Maintaining an open mind for new ideas in an evolving field
Inviting our guests to participate in and comment on our environmental policies, in order to expand our knowledge base

Policy on Responsible Diving
Explorer Ventures’ goal is to provide guests with diving experiences that enhance their appreciation and understanding of the marine environment.

Explorer Ventures

Is committed to minimizing negative impacts on the marine environment by both divers and vessels
Will be active in improving the marine environment whenever and wherever possible
Will provide ongoing training for its crews in environmental awareness, interpretation, regulatory issues in protected areas, best practices and incident reporting
Will promote an appreciation for the fragile nature of all marine ecosystems by encouraging divers to:
- Participate in advanced dive training and education, thus improving their skills as a diver
- Expand their knowledge of marine ecosystems, both local and general, and the environmental issues which affect them
- Maintain appropriate distances from the reef to avoid contact with coral
- Not encroach upon marine animals and their habitat
- Not collect marine artifacts from the reef
Will provide pre-dive briefings encompassing responsible dive practices including:
- Correct weighting
- Buoyancy control proficiency
- Securing equipment
- Streamlining body position

Responses

In many areas this ‘initiative’ goes far beyond the reaches of direct company choices.

For example, two of us who work in the Wyoming office have chosen to walk or bike to work when ever possible (except during the cold snowy winter); we are all utilizing the recycling options we have within the operations office and the choices I personally am making are being weighted with our environment in mind.

By: lrodell on December 14, 2007
at 5:45 pm

Humans Have Caused Profound Changes In Caribbean Coral Reefs

ScienceDaily (2008-01-09) — Coral reefs in the Caribbean have suffered significant changes due to the proximal effects of a growing human population. The study showed clearly that the number of people living in close proximity to coral reefs is the main driver of the mortality of corals, loss of fish biomass and increases in macroalgae abundance.

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/01/080108150436.htm

By: Ariana on January 23, 2008
at 12:46 pm

Great to see you guys doing something like this. It really drives home the point that diving isn’t about just seeing something before its gone, but preserving it so others can have the same experience. Now if we could just get that message across to a few others…

By: Julie Davis on February 14, 2008
at 9:30 am

Dive Green