Swimming with the Fishes--The Georgia Aquarium

The Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta has a wonderful program called "Swimming with Gentle Giants." I've been lucky enough to be able to do this program twice. Most recently with Matt Driscoll and Mike Zeck.  It's amazing to realize that this is the only place, at least in the US, where you can swim with these whale sharks (four), while also being surrounded by manta rays and various types of more toothy sharks and other fish.

                                                    (Mike on the left, next to me. Matt, second from the right.)

As well as be a ton of fun, the money spent on the experience also goes to a good cause.  A portion of the proceeds from the Dive Immersion Program goes to the aquariums 4R Program, aimed at Research, Rehabilitation, Responsibility and Rescue of aquatic wildlife around the world. Georgia Aquarium currently has 4R projects involving beluga whales, loggerhead sea turtles and coral reefs, as well as the one with the whale sharks.

                                                               (I'm on the left. Mike with the yellow goggles.)

Research and conservation projects sponsored by the Georgia Aquarium are helping us better understand the biology of aquatic animals, and to provide protection for wildlife and their habitats in Georgia and around the world. Research projects on whale sharks in Mexico, Taiwan and in the Ocean Voyager exhibit in Georgia help scientists gain a better understanding of the biology of whale sharks, and will facilitate policy decisions to provide greater protection for this gentle giant.

Oh, and did I mention that it's an amazing experience?

--R.