BIG PINE KEY, Fla. (AP) — Hundreds of divers and snorkelers listened to an underwater live performance that advocated coral reef safety Saturday within the Florida Keys.
The Lower Keys Underwater Music Festival, which additionally spotlighted eco-conscious diving, came about at Looe Key Reef, an space of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary situated about 6 miles (10 kilometers) south of Big Pine Key.
Established in 1990, the sanctuary protects 3,800 sq. miles (9,800 sq. kilometers) of waters together with the barrier reef that parallels the 125-mile-long (201-kilometer-long) island chain.
Participants swam amongst Looe Key’s colourful marine life and coral formations whereas listening to water-themed music broadcast by an area radio station. The music was piped undersea by way of waterproof audio system suspended beneath boats above the reef.
The oceanic playlist included the Beatles’ “Yellow Submarine,” Jimmy Buffett’s “Fins” and the theme from “The Little Mermaid.”
Tunes had been interspersed with diver consciousness messages about methods to reduce environmental impacts on the world’s coral reefs, whose wealthy biodiversity has led them to be known as the rainforests of the ocean.
While the competition’s major objective was to encourage reef preservation, it additionally afforded a singular underwater expertise. “Mermaids” and different costumed characters added distinctive visible components to the auditory providing on a part of the continental United States’ solely dwelling coral barrier reef.
The four-hour musical occasion was staged by native radio station 104.1 FM and the Lower Keys Chamber of Commerce.
