(ENN) -- Grab your masks and fins and get ready. As part of an on-going effort to raise worldwide awareness of the importance of coral reefs and their related ecosystems, the Coral Reef Alliance is putting together its Second Annual Dive Festival.

The event is scheduled to take place Nov. 7-14 on the Caribbean island of Bonaire. Divers, snorkelers and eco-friendly vacationers will be able to join marine biologists, conservation and environmental groups from around the world for a week of recreational and educational activities focusing on the importance of protecting the world's coral reefs and related ecosystems.

Bonaire, known for its long-standing commitment to preserving and protecting the environment both above and below the water, has been chosen for a second time to host the event. Over the last two decades, Bonaire has consistently ranked as the finest snorkeling and scuba diving destination in the Caribbean. A major reason for this is the island's diligent stewardship of its marine resources -- the Bonaire Marine Park was established in 1979, protecting the waters surrounding the island. Conservation management there has served as a model of sound environmental practices for islands around the world.

A juvenile Spotted Drum

Activities scheduled to take place during the dive festival include a clean-up dive, seminars in underwater photography and reef conservation, coral mapping exercises and numerous diving and snorkeling activities. The Reef Environmental Education Foundation will explain techniques used for fish census studies and festival participants will conduct a reef fish census over the course of the week. Dr. Sylvia Earle, famed marine biologist, will be the keynote speaker.

The event is being sponsored by the Coral Reef Alliance, Bonaire Marine Park and the Reef Environmental Education Foundation. Rodale's Scuba Diving will repeat as the exclusive print sponsor of the Dive Festival. For more information, contact the Tourism Corporation Bonaire at (800) BONAIRE or visit the web sites below.

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