Adventure Travel/Expert Profile

Expertise

In as much as "adventure travel" is defined as "vacation or trip to a natural environment or remote location with the specific purpose of active physical participation and exploration of a new experience" (http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/adventure travel), I can answer a variety of questions related to travel that involves underwater exploration through either scuba diving or snorkeling. I cannot answer adventure travel questions related to land-based activities such as jungle exploration, remote hiking, rock climbing, mountain climbing, etc., or air-based activities such as hang gliding or parachuting.

Experience in the area

I have almost 40 years experience in exploring remote underwater areas through scuba diving and/or snorkeling. I have acquired this experience through my professional activities as a marine researcher, educator, and as a professional dive master leading groups (students and tourists) on underwater explorations. In terms of geographic areas, I have professionally conducted diving and snorkeling trips throughout much of the Caribbean region, Central America, the South Pacific and eastern Indian Oceans, and the coastal regions of California and Florida.

Publications

Numerous international scientific journals, Wikipedia, Ezine articles, Buzzle.com, Oceans Magazine, several popular books.

Education/Credentials

1973, PhD, Marine Ecology. Univ. of California at Santa Barbara 1992. Certified Dive Instructor, National Association of Underwater Instructors (NAUI)