John C. Halas
Resource Manager
Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary
Key Largo, Florida
john.halas@noaa.gov
I became oriented to the oceans in the seventh grade when I began going
out into the Gulf of Mexico on party fishing boats from Panama City, Florida
where I lived. In high school, I encouraged my fishing buddies to sign
up for a marine biology course so it would be offered. During college,
I supported myself with working on the fishing boats during weekends and
summers. I never wanted to do anything else except become a marine biologist.
I am participating as a rebreather diver in order to evaluate the use
of rebreather technology to extend bottom time for scientific research.
We are also comparing fish counts using the rebreather with those taken
by divers on scuba gear.
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