Port Blair, Sept.20: A workshop on conservation of marine eco-system and reef management was held on 15th Sept.’19 in the Conference Hall of Dolphin Resort, Swaraj Dweep. The workshop was conducted by the Tourism Department, in association with an NGO “Reef Watch” based at Chidiyatapu, Port Blair with the objective to sensitize SCUBA Dive Centres and their frontline staff especially Dive Instructors and Dive Masters on environmental issues associated with coral ecosystem.
Altogether, 40 Divers of different Dive Centres in Swaraj Dweep attended the workshop. The importance of reef conservation and need to preserve marine eco-system for sustainable growth of SCUBA Diving industry in these Islands was emphasized. The human interferences and its adverse impact on the vulnerable and sensitive marine ecology, particularly at the dive sites were brought to the notice of dive professionals. They were trained on how to guide their diving guests on responsible sustainable diving. Many interesting facts about different fishes and other marine flora and fauna were shared with diving personnel, which they can share with their guests to increase their knowledge and interest in diving. The workshop was conducted by Ms. Nayantara, a Marine Conservationist, who is working on reef conservation at Reef Watch. Shri Jatin Goyal, Dy. Director (Tsm) was also present during the workshop and stressed on the need of environmentally sensitive diving for sustainable growth of SCUBA Dive Industry.