The Underwater Explorers Society (UNEXSO) has expressed concerns that mooring systems, independently financed by that organization, are being intentionally removed and damaged.<\/p>\n
Senior Diver with UNEXSO Jarvis Rolle said in a press release that although the company allows other diving groups to use the systems, they have noticed on several occasions that a number of moorings are missing.<\/p>\n
Although they are clearly marked with a UNEXSO label, only some of the moorings are ever returned, Rolle said.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe know people are moving them for personal use, as staff of UNEXSO has seen them at people\u2019s houses or even where they dock their boats,\u201d Rolle said.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe ask that members of the public contact us if they see someone taking a mooring or using it as their own, as maintaining them is an expensive undertaking, and for the safety of users and local divers alike.\u201d<\/p>\n
UNEXSO has internally financed the mooring systems in Grand Bahama for over 20 years and, on average, spends about $12,000 to maintain the systems.<\/p>\n
In the past, UNEXSO has received financial assistance from other diving groups, including the Professional Association of Dive Instructors.<\/p>\n
The mooring systems are installed to protect the island\u2019s underwater terrain. The systems consist of an inflatable mooring ball that is attached to a polypropylene line secured to a mooring anchor eye on the sea floor.<\/p>\n
The moorings are used in lieu of anchors, which are destructive to coral reefs.<\/p>\n
UNEXSO officials hope to educate the community about the issue and ask for help in retrieving misplaced moorings.<\/p>\n
Additionally, UNEXSO asks for persons who notice a damaged mooring to contact the UNEXSO dive center at 373-1244.<\/p>\n