Contact: Reena Cornejo, The Coral Reef Alliance (CORAL)
Phone: 415-834-0900 ext.313
Email: reena@coral.org [1]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

*** Photos and Promotional Materials Available ***

San Francisco, CA - February 8, 2007 - Thousands of people worldwide are preparing to Dive In. The week of April 22, 2007, will launch the Coral Reef Alliance's eighth annual Dive In To Earth Day celebrations. Dive In mobilizes communities, park managers, dive shops, students, and other marine lovers around the world to take a stand in protecting our endangered water world.

Join participants from an expected 70 countries in approximately 400 marine-friendly activities, ranging from coral reef surveys in Pulau Tinggi, Malaysia, to underwater cleanups in Gloucester, Massachusetts. Since its inception in 2000, Dive In participants have removed an estimated 170 metric tons of trash from coastal areas, and counting!

"Dive In To Earth Day's building success proves that more and more people are concerned about the crisis faced by our great bodies of water," says actor and Dive In Host Committee member, Susan Sarandon. "Communities across the globe are taking part in activities to safeguard our oceans and coral reefs."

Sarandon is joined on the Host Committee by World Record Freediver Tanya Streeter, acclaimed underwater photographer Norbet Wu, marine life artist Wyland, and Emmy award–winning underwater filmmakers Marty Snyderman and Michele and Howard Hall.

“Dive In has become a huge driving force for raising awareness on marine conservation issues," states CORAL Executive Director Brian Huse. “Our theme this year is 'Everyday Actions to Curb Global Climate Change and Protect Fragile Marine Ecosystems.' We believe that it is only through local awareness and action that we can inspire the global commitment needed to reverse climate change. By working through our network of activists, we plan to increase awareness and inspire change in homes and communities around the world."

The Coral Reef Alliance (CORAL) is a nonprofit coral reef conservation organization headquartered in San Francisco, California, dedicated to protecting the health of coral reefs by integrating ecosystem management, sustainable tourism, and community partnerships. CORAL coordinates Dive In To Earth Day with the support of The Curtis and Edith Munson Foundation, the Earth Day Network, and the International Coral Reef Action Network (ICRAN). For more information on how you can participate in Dive In To Earth Day, please visit: www.coral.org/divein [2]