Archive for the ‘Tim's soapbox’ Category

Help Stop Development of Xcacel Beach

Tuesday, September 15th, 2009

We have recently heard some shocking news that once again, the turtle sanctuary at Xcacel and Xcacelito is being threatened by encroaching development. To find out more about Xcacel beach, what is being proposed and the potential harm it might do, see: http://xcacel.org/english/ At this site you will also find a pre written ...

Tulum marine conservation zone project ideas

Sunday, December 23rd, 2007

For any one who is interested, I am planning to begin work with some other people to begin the processes necessary for the establishment of a marine reserve in the Tulum area. Beginning in January 2008 we will begin discussions with a local lawyer and accountant to form a non-profit ...

Christmas party

Tuesday, December 18th, 2007

Saturday night we had a little fiesta at El Crucero. It was fun, Santa Mark and his little elf Sharon even delivered some gifts for the good little boys and girls who came. Conrad wandered around and took some photos, not too bad for a 6 year old: ...

Lobster harvesting and eating.

Monday, November 26th, 2007

Many people do not realize that lobsters play a vital role to reefs. They clean all the organic garbage up by eating it. Without them, the corals eventually start to die, probably due to bacterial infections or lack of oxygen due to decomposing debris. I once had a lengthy conversation with ...

Sustainable fishing? Where?

Monday, November 26th, 2007

A few anecdotes and opinions on the subject...... Almost every time we used to have a night dive at our moored site at Tankah Reef, there is a boat there from a local restaurant (since destroyed by Hurricane Dean) fishing for lobsters and anything they can kill using scuba gear. In ...

Shark population declines.

Monday, November 26th, 2007

Anybody like sharks? At least it's nice to see a reef shark now and then when diving and Bulls and Hammerheads are a thrill and rarely do they harm humans. In any case they are a vital part of the marine systems they live in as more and more ...

Spearfishing and Diving

Monday, November 26th, 2007

Well... I have been hearing a number of stories lately of local (Tulum and Akumal) Divemasters and guides actually spearfishing while guiding a group of divers. In one case, divers from our shop actually witnessed and were a bit shocked at seeing a group of divers carrying loot bags which ...