In this week’s Community Spotlight, Project AWARE catches up with Andre Miller, a scuba instructor at Barbados Blue in Barbados.

Tell us about your passion for ocean conservation.

Born and raised in Barbados, I’ve always had a close tie to the sea. My first job was in a dive shop – this is where I learned to dive, sail and navigate a wide range of vessels. As soon as I started diving and got to see reefs closer and for longer periods of time than before, as a snorkeler, I started to witness anchor damage, the effects of fish pots on reefs, and the devastating results of over-fishing on ocean ecosystem health. I became concerned and determined that one day I’d scuba certify the local fisherman who were unknowingly contributing to reef damage, so that they too could appreciate our ocean and understand its challenges, and hopefully become motivated to change their ways.

After studying undergrad at University of Miami, I returned home to focus on Barbados’ coral restoration and transplantation projects by working as a marine biologist and scuba instructor in the Coastal Zone Management Unit. Today, I lead conservation efforts at my dive shop, Barbados Blue and all around my island.

Why and when did you get involved with Project AWARE?

I became scuba certified in 1990, and became a scuba instructor in 1998. Since becoming an instructor, I’ve led dozens of underwater cleanups and Dive Against Debris surveys. I am constantly teaching my students about ocean conservation. Quite often, my team has even offered PADI courses and Project AWARE Distinctive Specialties for free to the locals. It’s worth it to us to show our reefs to people who wouldn’t normally see them, as it helps them become empowered to join the fight for ocean protection.

What are some issues affecting your local dive site or favorite underwater areas?

My favorite dive site is Carlisle Bay. It is less than one mile from our nation’s capital, yet has some of the highest biodiversity. It’s where I was certified and where my parents took me to the beach as a child, so it has a special place in my heart.

Since Carlisle Bay is a high-traffic area for dive tourists, it can be susceptible to increased pollution and human impact. That’s why I took action to help protect it. As a marine biologist for the government, I helped organize the sinking of two wrecks in the sandy bay to divert new divers from stressed reefs. It has since become the best textbook example of how marine parks can benefit the islands. This bay is now the #1 dive site in Barbados!

What Project AWARE programs have you participated in? Tell us about your work.

For many years, I’ve conducted underwater clean ups and conservation education for divers. In early 2016, I joined Project AWARE’s Adopt a Dive Site program, adopting Carlisle Bay. As part of the Adopt a Dive Site initiative, my team conducts monthly Dive Against Debris surveys, and either places or replaces moorings so there is no anchoring to destruct our reefs. Further, I always collect debris on every dive and all around my island. It’s cool to see this habit spreading. My island has just launched an Environmental Charter and we are committed to banning plastic bags starting in April 2017.

What is the most important thing you tell others about Project AWARE?

My goal is to get more people to slow down and smell the ocean. We have to reverse as much damage as we have caused. By participating in Project AWARE programs like Adopt a Dive Site, we can make a positive impact!