For DAN member Brian Kakuk, cave diving was originally an outlet for exploration. The mapping, discovery and pushing the limits of physiology were stimulating, but as he began working with scientists he realized that exploration was just the first step in a scientific investigation. He provides research support for scientific discoveries in the underwater caves of the Bahamas and safety and marine support for the movie industry. His Bahamas Caves Research Foundation supports exploration, research and conservation efforts.
DAN member Bonnie Toth revolutionized marketing efforts for scuba gear and the scuba world entirely. Learn more about her story and why she is a DAN member.
How much do you know about military diving programs? This year marks many anniversaries, including the 100-year anniversary of the Mark V diving helmet. Read more.
Global shark populations are threatened by fishing pressures or shark-fin poaching. However, shark conservation efforts are working to raise sharks’ reputations.
DAN Member “Ocean” Annie Crawley aims to educate children on the beauties of the ocean through a series of different educator guides. Read more about this DAN member.
Lionfish are an invasive species and have been found all over the world. But the volunteerism of divers and even sharks has helped decrease these surging populations. Read more about the current state of lionfish.
DAN member Dr. Sylvia Earle is a big advocate for the ocean environment. She’s spearheaded more than 100 scientific explorations and has spent more than 7,000 hours underwater.
DAN member Clive Cussler discusses why he loves shipwrecks and what motivates him to dive. Read more about Clive Cussler.
Photogrammetry is the process of collecting a series of still images or videos of an object, such as a shipwreck, and then loading those images into software that can triangulate the photographed points to create a 3D model. Plenty of real-world applications can use this technology, including architecture, engineering, forensics, archaeology, mapping and video games. Becky Kagan Schott enjoys seeing wrecks come to life in a way that a single photo could never accomplish.
SOME OF THE WORLD’S MOST BEAUTIFUL FLOODED CAVES are underneath the jungle of Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula. The peninsula began as a coral reef which sea-level fluctuations during various ice ages exposed to the atmosphere.
