For the last 4 years (2006 - 2009) Oceans Unlimited has been recognized by Project AWARE for our support and protection of the marine environment and received an Environmental Achievement Award. We were much honored to receive these awards and are continuing to grow our environmental projects this year.
Are you interested in the environment? ....look at our NEW Environmental Expert Package!
Coastal and underwater clean up days Oceans Unlimited organizes regular clean up days, welcoming local and foreign volunteers. The QueposPort is used by local fishermen, sport fishing boats, tour operators and cruise boats, and because of this heavy traffic marine debris has been a problem. We are trying to find a solution by increasing awareness in the local community and have donated signs to the port for trash management as well as the regular cleanups. We have many local divers taking part and visitors are always welcome, please contact us for more details. Our next programmed events is 25th of April 2010, for Dive in to Earth Day, we shall is doing a Beach Clean up in Manuel Antonio, followed by one of our famous BBQ's!
Coral Reef Monitoring Program- Project AWARE CoralWatch New research indicates more than half the world’s coral reefs are at risk with human activities and climate change taking blame. CoralWatch is a simple method to assess and monitor coral reef health with respect to coral bleaching. The CoralWatch method uses a Coral Health Chart with a series of colors that volunteers match with coral color to determine different stages of coral bleaching. Help us at Oceans Unlimited monitor coral health in Manuel Antonio, and support this world-wide coral project, please contact us for for more details. AWARE Kids in the community Our newest project is bringing AWARE Kids to the local community in Quepos / Manuel Antonio. We are visiting local schools to do fun activities covering current environmental topics in Costa Rica including trash and water management, conservation of sharks and turtles and recycling. Shark Education - Stop Shark Finning and Save our Sharks We are running Shark Education workshops to help educate about global depletion in shark populations through uncontrolled fishing practises. We look at fishing methods including longlining and shark finning and affect on a global level and how this impacts us in Costa Rica. Our next talk in on the 25th of April 2010, please contact us for more details.
Recycling We are a recycling collection center for plastics and aluminum, and actively use recycled products whenever possible.
We follow Eco-operating Practices We actively abide to the guidelines below to make as little impact on our beautiful and fragile aquatic environment in the Central Pacific.
Provide dive experiences that enhance visitor awareness, appreciation and understanding of the local aquatic environment.
Use recycled products whenever possible.
Participate in local conservation efforts and support established parks and reserves.
Not sell items made from endangered species, threatened species, corals or tropical hardwoods.
Respect local people, culture and traditions while abiding by local laws and regulations.
Provide pre-dive briefings on responsible dive practices such as: Proper buoyancy control Securing equipment and streamlining body position Maintaining distance from sensitive environments Not touching or chasing animals Abiding by all fish and game regulations
Use mooring buoys or drift diving techniques whenever possible to avoid damage to underwater habitat.
Offer Project AWARE specialty courses that teach customers about ecology and conservation.
Practice buoyancy control skills in a pool or sandy area before swimming near a coral reef or any sensitive environment.
Make sure your equipment is secured; you’re weighted properly and be careful not to touch, stand on or collect coral.
Display environmental public awareness materials and provide community involvement opportunities.
Use environmentally sound methods of rubbish disposal
