Beneath the Sea is a volunteer-driven, non-profit organization that supports the recreational diving community, and helps to protect the oceanic ecosystem through education and various events. Last weekend they hosted their annual expo in Secaucus, NJ, drawing divers and exhibitors from around the world.
This year’s Beneath the Sea Expo featured a symposium with nearly 50 speakers, covering deep topics like conservation, education and safety; along with over 100 exhibitors, offering countless ways to experience the ocean, and more.
Safety First
While SCUBA equipment and technology have come a long way since it first emerged in the 1950s, this rewarding recreational activity comes with risks that are not covered with ordinary health insurance.
Divers Alert Network (DAN) offers peace of mind with an affordable membership. Through research, medical services and global-response programs, their extensive network supports divers with vital services such as injury prevention, safety and educational programs and lifesaving evacuations.
Research and education
ScubaTech is a nonprofit organization with an ambitious agenda of high-tech research, marine stewardship and education. Through 3D mapping, photos of material that cannot be directly studied at length — such as a washed up whale which would quickly deteriorate, or a sunken vessel — can provide important data for research.
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Community stewardship and education are promoted through engaging programs — such as mentoring, school partnerships and expeditions. Find out more at www.scuba.tech.
Conservation and restoration
With increasing awareness of the devastating effect human activities have on marine life, conservation groups are stepping up to help mitigate habitat destruction.
Did you know that a single oyster can filter up to 50 gallons of water a day? This incredible cleaning capacity is being used to improve the marine environment around City Island. An organization called City Island Oyster Reef began with concerned members of the community hoping to restore oysters to their local waterways just for this purpose.
They set up a coalition of City Island restaurants that save their oyster shells to be picked up weekly. The shells are then cleaned and cured, a natural process that takes a year of sun exposure, before they are put back in the water for reef restoration. Old oyster shells provide habitat for baby oysters (which attach to them) as well as other marine life.
The resulting “living shoreline” should attract hundreds of native species back to the area, improve water quality and be more resilient in the face of severe weather.
A similar operation is underway in Long Island. The Long Island Artificial Reef Society works with the New York Department of Environmental Conservation to facilitate the acceptance and delivery of bulky material (mainly old vessels) for building artificial reefs. Unpainted steel, concrete and brick constructions are accepted as tax-deductible donations, and delivered to the DEC.
Like the millions of shipwrecks that litter the ocean floor, these intentionally-sunk vessels provide habitat for fish, coral and other marine life.
Tropical paradise
Beneath the Sea had no shortage of exhibitors from resorts, offering amazing deals for diving and luxury accommodations on a sunny island. Destinations like Bequia, Bonaire, Curacao, Fiji, Grenada, Roatan and St. Vincent boast multiple dive sites with clear blue water and incredible marine life. Affiliated diving operations offer a full range of services to ensure you get the most out of your experience.
And more
Ocean Geographic Society promotes preservation and conservation of the marine environment through their inspiring and informative quarterly magazine — Ocean Geographic.
Each publication includes up-to-date research, essays, artistic portfolios and reports from assigned expeditions and a variety of contributors. The Wonders of Japan edition highlights a “stunning and underappreciated wealth of marine biodiversity.”
Awards and recognition
Celebrated underwater photographer and author David Doubilet graced the cover of the 2024 Beneath the Sea exposition magazine, as the winner of the Legends of the Sea Award.
For over 40 years, his photographs have appeared in National Geographic magazine, as well as, more recently, his writing.
Margo Peyton was named Diving Pioneer for 2025. As the founder of Kids Sea Camp 25 years ago, she has introduced thousands of families to the underwater world.
Three individuals were awarded “Diver of the Year” for their outstanding contributions to the diving community. Norman Berhannan was recognized for his service, Dr. David Charash was recognized in the category of science, and Christina Zenato was recognized for her environmental impact.
