INTRODUCTION xi 



Wc have noticed a gradual transformation in some divers which invoh'es a 

 change from a spearfisherman to a naturahst, photographer, or explorer. As the 

 spearHsherman moves about the reefs looking for his prev, he becomes aware of 

 the beauty and variety of marine life. It soon becomes unimportant whether or 

 not he spears anything. His reward is in viewing nature and in gaining an 

 understanding of it and of himself. He also gains an appreciation and respect 

 for the order of things in nature and develops a feeling for not wanting to 

 disturb it. 



Uncontrolled spearlishing, on the whole, has the two major disadvantages of 

 rapidly depleting the number of fishes in an area— even more rapidly than the 

 net or hook in most cases— and of driving fishes that are not killed into hiding 

 at the sight of man. It doesn't take lono for a diver to recognize an area where 

 spearfishermen have been. There is an air of desolation as evidenced by the 

 empty reefs, and the few large fishes that are present are exceedingly wary. In 

 sharp contrast, reefs which have not been invaded with spears have yielded 

 some of our most interesting experiences underwater. Most of the fishes show 

 little fear and have given endless opportunities for study of their fascinating 

 behavior and for photography. The same contrast exists between areas where 

 the over-enthusiastic shell or coral collectdr has been and those reefs which are 

 untouched and unbroken. 



We feel there is a definite need for a program which will maintain and 

 conserve marine life so that it will not be depleted beyond its ability to replenish 

 itself. Only through a sound conservation program can skin-diving, either for 

 esthetic or sporting values, be maintained as an expanding and long-range 

 acti\'ity. A reef can not be cleaned out of fishes in one summer and be expected 

 to ha\'e replenished itself the following year. It takes some species many years 

 to reach maturity and large size and if the sport diver wants to see fish, he can 

 not take them without any thought of conser\'ing the supply. We suggest the 

 following program: 



1. Underwater Parks 



Some of the richest areas should be set aside and protected as are "wilderness " 

 areas on land. The taking of any marine life, animal or plant, by any means, 

 should be prohibited. The areas selected should be distributed widely so that 

 they could act as reproductive centers from which non-protected areas would be 

 replenished with life. These areas, would be open to skin divers, naturalists, 

 photographers, and all those who come to enjoy the wonders of nature. The 

 benefits derived from undersea wilderness areas are as follows: 



a) Areas of replenishment. Game and commercial fishes can replenish their 

 numbers and stock non-protected, surrounding areas, insuring a constant supply. 

 This guarantees continued and growing interest of sportsmen upon whom large 

 sporting industries and tourism are dependent. 



b) Sanctuary. Common and rare species would be protected from extinction. 



c) Esthetic values. The natural, virgin beauty of sea gardens unspoiled by 

 broken corals or fishes made scarce and wary by spearing is preserved. Interest 

 in natural beauties of the sea is maintained and expanded and these areas would 

 become valuable tourist attractions. 



