Alert Diver Category : From the Safety Stop

I spent a week in late June diving the Galápagos, which, as no surprise, was quite amazing.

In the last issue of Alert Diver we shared the harrowing story of an attack on a fossil-hunting river diver by a 13-foot alligator. In this issue we’re bringing you more educational articles related to hazardous marine life encounters.

Dive sites are vulnerable to a variety of threats, including air and water pollution, invasive species such as zebra mussels and lionfish, destructive fishing practices like blast fishing, and even sunscreen.

There’s no substitute for the feeling of being underwater — weightless, focused, and fully immersed in a world few people ever see. Whether you’re enjoying a favorite local spot or exploring a new site far from home, every dive offers something worthwhile: a moment of calm, a connection with nature, a skill refined, or an experience of community with other divers. 

After 26 years at DAN, I am moving on to the next chapter of my career. I’ve served as president and CEO of DAN for 16 years, but my involvement with the organization started even earlier.