The New York State Divers Association represents the fresh water sport divers of New York State, many of whom dive the long common marine boundary with Canada and the province of Ontario. While we support the preservation of Maritime Cultural Heritage, and have a history of supporting and participating in such activities, we are greatly concerned over the effects and regulatory unknowns with regard to Bill 13 (1999) "Ontario Marine Heritage Act".
The intention to preserve maritime heritage is a noble one, and effective legislation and enforcement which will help to minimize damage to wrecks is imperative. However the passage of this Bill in its present form has the potential to sound sound a death knell for dive shops, dive instructors, charter boat operators, hotels, restaurants, and the tourist industry in shoreline areas where Scuba diving has become popular. In a province so blessed with vast quantities of fresh water lakes and rivers, this multimillion dollar loss will impact virtually every area of the Province of Ontario.
The vast majority of divers are responsible and hold a love, appreciation and commitment to protection of marine heritage. But by limiting the presence of responsible divers to dive sites, the most effective deterrent to artifact theft is removed. A wreck site which is not visited on an ongoing basis is an attractive target for those who would break the laws. Restricting access to wreck sites by dive charter operators obliterates their invaluable role in educating divers and enforcing conservation.
We strongly urge you to consider the negative effects of Bill 13 (1999) "Ontario Marine Heritage Act" will have on tourism and the dive community in the Province of Ontario. If you still feel legislation is needed to protect underwater heritage sites, we implore you to guarantee the rights of recreational divers to explore these sites in any such legislation.
Respectfully,
James McCann, President
New York State Divers Association
9226 Sly Hill Road
Ava, NY 13303 - 1934
USA