The Role of Divers in Protecting Blue Carbon Ecosystems As divers, we are uniquely positioned to witness and pro- ECO PRO continued
pelling voice in advocating for marine protected areas and sustainable coastal management. Blue carbon ecosystems are underwater treasures that do
more than dazzle us with their beauty. They are essential allies in combating climate change, outperforming terrestrial ecosystems in carbon sequestra- tion by leveraging their unique biological and geological processes. As divers, we have a front-row seat to this underwa- ter magic and a responsibility to protect it. So, the next time you glide over a seagrass meadow or explore mangrove-lined shores,
tect the underwater world, and there are many ways we can play an active role in protecting blue carbon ecosystems. As advocates for marine conservation, divers can educate others about the es- sential role of blue carbon by sharing their underwater experi- ences and emphasizing the im- portance these habitats play in mitigating climate change. Divers can contribute directly to restoring mangroves, sea-
remember these habitats' critical role in safeguarding our planet. Share your passion, participate in conservation, and be a voice for these unsung heroes of carbon storage. To- gether, we can ensure that these ecosystems continue to thrive—for the health of the ocean, the planet, and the generations of divers yet to come. You can download a list of blue carbon re- sources at this QR code/link.
grasses, and salt marshes by participating in blue carbon projects in their area. Several organizations now offer op- portunities to assist in planting seagrass shoots and man- grove seedlings, monitoring restored areas, and participating in other citizen science initiatives. Addition- ally, divers can encourage policymakers to prioritize the protection and restoration of blue carbon ecosystems. Be- cause of their firsthand experience, divers can be a com-
RETAILING Watching Your Wallet - Managing Expense and Improving Cash Flow – by Jeff Cinciripino, JeffCinciripino.com, Former Owner of Scuba Shack, Rocky Hill, CT.
Alex’s links
Shipping ▪ Bank fees ▪ Credit card processing fees ▪ Interest rates ▪
There have always been challenges for small businesses like dive shops, and we know they evolve over time. In a post-pandemic world, we have seen inflation rear its ugly head, par- ticularly affecting watersports. Costs have increased dramatically across
Shipping Levels Available : As shipping rates continue to increase, there are two things to consider to help control these costs: free shipping based on your dealer agreement and using your own shipping account with vendors. Your key suppliers many times have free freight options that are normally tied to the amount of your purchase. It is im- portant to fully understand these free freight programs and then look at the timing of your purchases to ensure that you can hit the free freight level. There is, however, a bit of caution here - you have to make sure that you aren’t buying products that you really don’t need just to hit that threshold. Remember
the spectrum related to world events that have disrupted en- ergy markets and supply chains. Our margins remain flat or, in many cases, are shrinking. In this current small business en- vironment, it is imperative that you watch your wallet in terms of what is going out and additional money that you can tuck away. In this article, we will look at four different areas where you can either lower your cost or improve your cash flow. These areas are:
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