Dive In To Coral Reef Report
A few years ago, I had the pleasure of meeting Pulitzer Prize nominee Osha Gray Davidson in Berkeley, California, at his book reading for Fire in the Turtle House. “Like love,” he writes, “the reef sweeps over us bypassing our rational minds entirely and eliciting feelings we didn’t know were in us.” I was impressed by his knowledge, as well as his relaxed, friendly nature. As I listened in admiration to this true steward of the sea, I marveled at the ability to harness those feelings induced by the mystery of the reef and to channel them into tangible action for the protection of these magnificent entities. Just as I am in awe of the ability of that simple, tiny creature, the coral polyp, to create “the largest biogenic (made by living organisms) formation on the planet and the most complex ecosystem in the sea” (The Enchanted Braid, p. 18), my heroes are those individuals who spend their lives dedicated to saving coral reefs. Inspired by their example, I determined to create an online magazine that would focus on the beauty of coral reefs and the spirit of those great people.
When I asked Osha if he would allow me to post some of his work on my site, he replied “An online magazine about reefs is a wonderful idea. I’m flattered and happy to be a part of it.” Thanks to his encouragement and the support of many generous people, I am excited to present the first issue of Coral Reef Report Magazine.
The launch of Coral Reef Report includes the incredible first chapter of The Enchanted Braid, Coming To Terms With Nature On The Coral Reef by Osha Gray Davidson, an interview with Marine Ecologist Dr. Rod Fujita, Senior Scientist at Environmental Defense, an audio clip of Marine Biologist, Dr. Sylvia Earle (aka “Her Deepness”), and an amazing gallery of images by underwater photographer Linda Cline.
In addition, there is an exciting opportunity to help protect coral reefs by entering our Coral Park Buddy Raffle, a Dive In To Earth Day program, for the chance to win jazz musician Ottmar Liebert’s guitar, while supporting the Bonaire National Marine Park in the process.
Dive In To Earth Day awakens people to the plight of our oceans. As Internet & Technology Coordinator for The Coral Reef Alliance since 2000, I’ve had the good fortune to watch and help Dive In To Earth Day grow into a global phenomenon. It’s inspiring to see divers, snorkelers, marine park managers, teachers, children, and geeks working together to clean up beaches, install mooring buoys, and educate others.
Coral Park Buddy Program (Ed: Updated 05-24-2004. We raised over $1000 for Bonaire Marine Park!)
This year for Dive In To Earth Day, The Coral Reef Alliance is encouraging people to participate in the Coral Park Buddy Program.
Coral Reef Report and popular jazz musician, reef enthusiast, and my pal, Ottmar Liebert have teamed up to support the Coral Park Buddy program. Ottmar has generously donated the electric guitar that he has played since 1983 on cd’s such as “The Hours between Night + Day”, “Opium” and several others as the raffle prize. Tickets require only a $10 donation (US Dollars). All proceeds from the raffle go directly to the Bonaire National Marine Park Ranger education course.
Known as “Diver’s Paradise,” the Bonaire National Marine Park is one of the few actively managed, self-funding, marine protected areas in the world. The park owes much of its success to the hard work of the local park rangers, who prevent illegal activities, guide and supervise researchers, speak with the press, provide information to tourists, and educate the local children who participate in the park’s snorkel programs. All of these duties require extensive knowledge of Bonaire’s coral reef ecosystems. Funding is needed to develop a course to adequately train the Rangers, to improve their image within the community, and to increase their effectiveness in reef protection and community education.
Together, with your support, let’s raise funds for the Bonaire National Marine Park.
So, here it is. The first issue of Coral Reef Report. The reef has swept over me, past my rational mind, and elicited the promise of a new magazine full of inspiration and beauty. I hope you enjoy it as much as I’ve enjoyed putting it together. Please subscribe to our email list and consider participating in our raffle. Peace. - donovan
Got an idea for an article, a gallery of stunning images, or feedback about anything in Coral Reef Report? Drop me a note.
Dive In To Coral Reef Report
A few years ago, I had the pleasure of meeting Pulitzer Prize nominee Osha Gray Davidson in Berkeley, California, at his book reading for Fire in the Turtle House. “Like love,” he writes, “the reef sweeps over us bypassing our rational minds entirely and eliciting feelings we didn’t know were in us.” I was impressed by his knowledge, as well as his relaxed, friendly nature. As I listened in admiration to this true steward of the sea, I marveled at the ability to harness those feelings induced by the mystery of the reef and to channel them into tangible action for the protection of these magnificent entities. Just as I am in awe of the ability of that simple, tiny creature, the coral polyp, to create “the largest biogenic (made by living organisms) formation on the planet and the most complex ecosystem in the sea” (The Enchanted Braid, p. 18), my heroes are those individuals who spend their lives dedicated to saving coral reefs. Inspired by their example, I determined to create an online magazine that would focus on the beauty of coral reefs and the spirit of those great people.
When I asked Osha if he would allow me to post some of his work on my site, he replied “An online magazine about reefs is a wonderful idea. I’m flattered and happy to be a part of it.” Thanks to his encouragement and the support of many generous people, I am excited to present the first issue of Coral Reef Report Magazine.
The launch of Coral Reef Report includes the incredible first chapter of The Enchanted Braid, Coming To Terms With Nature On The Coral Reef by Osha Gray Davidson, an interview with Marine Ecologist Dr. Rod Fujita, Senior Scientist at Environmental Defense, an audio clip of Marine Biologist, Dr. Sylvia Earle (aka “Her Deepness”), and an amazing gallery of images by underwater photographer Linda Cline.
In addition, there is an exciting opportunity to help protect coral reefs by entering our Coral Park Buddy Raffle, a Dive In To Earth Day program, for the chance to win jazz musician Ottmar Liebert’s guitar, while supporting the Bonaire National Marine Park in the process.
Dive In To Earth Day awakens people to the plight of our oceans. As Internet & Technology Coordinator for The Coral Reef Alliance since 2000, I’ve had the good fortune to watch and help Dive In To Earth Day grow into a global phenomenon. It’s inspiring to see divers, snorkelers, marine park managers, teachers, children, and geeks working together to clean up beaches, install mooring buoys, and educate others.
Coral Park Buddy Program (Ed: Updated 05-24-2004. We raised over $1000 for Bonaire Marine Park!)
This year for Dive In To Earth Day, The Coral Reef Alliance is encouraging people to participate in the Coral Park Buddy Program.
Coral Reef Report and popular jazz musician, reef enthusiast, and my pal, Ottmar Liebert have teamed up to support the Coral Park Buddy program. Ottmar has generously donated the electric guitar that he has played since 1983 on cd’s such as “The Hours between Night + Day”, “Opium” and several others as the raffle prize. Tickets require only a $10 donation (US Dollars). All proceeds from the raffle go directly to the Bonaire National Marine Park Ranger education course.
Known as “Diver’s Paradise,” the Bonaire National Marine Park is one of the few actively managed, self-funding, marine protected areas in the world. The park owes much of its success to the hard work of the local park rangers, who prevent illegal activities, guide and supervise researchers, speak with the press, provide information to tourists, and educate the local children who participate in the park’s snorkel programs. All of these duties require extensive knowledge of Bonaire’s coral reef ecosystems. Funding is needed to develop a course to adequately train the Rangers, to improve their image within the community, and to increase their effectiveness in reef protection and community education.
Together, with your support, let’s raise funds for the Bonaire National Marine Park.
So, here it is. The first issue of Coral Reef Report. The reef has swept over me, past my rational mind, and elicited the promise of a new magazine full of inspiration and beauty. I hope you enjoy it as much as I’ve enjoyed putting it together. Please subscribe to our email list and consider participating in our raffle. Peace. - donovan
Got an idea for an article, a gallery of stunning images, or feedback about anything in Coral Reef Report? Drop me a note.
