I've had a real busy week and finally have time to post about the Sylvia Earle Presentation that I went to this past week. Sylvia explained how she started scuba diving and how that eventually lead to spending large amounts of time underwater in labs. She enjoys spending time observing marine life in one location so you can become familiar with the "neighborhood" and really get to know the species and their daily habits. I totally related to this since I often find great joy of sitting on a wreck in one spot and watching what goes on around me. Each species has an area they live in, protect, and feed. Sylvia also talked about how everyone should try to dive and tried to explain how it feels like "flying" underwater. She said her own mother didn't try to dive until she was 81 years old and was regretful that she didn't take the plunge earlier. I remember being anxious about learning to dive and I am so grateful that I had the courage to take the plunge. My life has been forever changed for the better since I learned to scuba dive.
Sylvia spoke a at great lengths about the overfishing and pollution issues effecting all of the oceans and how these effects seem to be speeding up over the past 5-10 years. The populations of large fish (i.e. Tuna, Sharks, Whales) have decreased 90% over the past 10 years. She is trying to bring global attention to the oceans and to work together to reverse the decline of the Ocean's health and to preserve the sea. Sylvia is trying to set up a global network of marine protected areas called "hope spots". These areas will be restored and preserved for future generations to visit similar to the National Park System in the US. I personally think this is a great idea as long as the intent of allowing people to dive and visit these areas holds true. I do not favor protecting areas of the ocean and then prohibiting divers from viewing them.
Sylvia was instrumental in the new Google Earth 5.0 in bringing the oceans into Google Earth. You can now see all of the mountains and valleys of the sea through Google Earth. I even see in our area that a few wrecks are identified (Great Isaac, Oregon, Algol). You should all check it out, its pretty cool!
She showed some really neat footage of the Russian's recent exploration of the North Pole, 4000 feet down. The US had been trying to get there to explore the depths of the Artic but the Russians beat us. It is amazing the life at such depths and in waters so cold.
Sylvia being a woman, told a few stories of being the only female on research ships of 70 or more men and the challenges that she faced. She has in the past been prevented from participating in expeditions because she was a female even though she was highly qualified and experienced. I related to this since I am often the only female on all male dive boats in the North Atlantic (I'm not complaining!). Her message was to keep on trying and not to be deterred. Follow your passion and don't give up. I like that advise and I too won't give up.
Sylvia is an inspiration to all divers, the depths and research that she has completed throughout her life benefits us all. I had a great night listening to her and being able to ask questions about he life experiences. Now if only I could get in the water and dive to my favorite places....
