Tim Birthisel
Registered
Visit Terra Sub Aqua: a commercial marine sanctuary
There is submerged land in our nearshore oceans, beyond the boundaries of any state. Part of this territory lies several miles offshore, outside the reefs that protect the Florida Keys. The area is known as the sand flats, where living diversity is low, and the bottom is often covered with algae that smothers other life forms. We work there to stabilize the land and provide structure to allow hundreds of species of marine life to flourish. Now, the sand flats become like a coral reef, home for thousands of invertebrate and fish species that work together as an ecosystem. Now there are animals that filter the water and clean the bottom, cleaner stations to reduce parasites, sheltering nurseries to protect young fish
Our project, called Terra Sub Aqua, serves as a commercial wildlife sanctuary that provides new living space for marine species, many of which are rare or threatened due to habitat loss and overfishing.
We plant much more substrate rock from land quarries than we harvest, so the project grows year after year, and we are not supported by tax dollars or charity. Our project is self-funded by the sale of living products, Caribbean live rock and corals, for planting in private and public aquaria.
Terra Sub Aqua is creating new habitat for a marine life, a refuge that can even extend into your home!Thanks for helping to continue this valuable work.3-4 trips per year lasting 3-4 weeks. Now accepting volunteer and self supported internship inquiries for the mid October 2014 trip based in Key Largo, this is for experienced certified divers (55-65' depth)
Contact Tim at terrasubaqua@mindspring.com
