Divers Alert Network^® (DAN^®), has awarded the 2023 DAN Lifetime Achievement Award to Dick Clarke. Clarke has been a leader in hyperbaric oxygen therapy as well as hyperbaric medical research and education for over 40 years.

Clarke’s work in recreational diving began in 1969, when after a decade in the Royal Navy he began working at the International Underwater Explorers Society on Grand Bahama Island. There he encountered numerous pioneers of diving and diving research who he credits as mentors. In the 1970s Clarke worked on many undersea living projects funded by the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration as well as Oceaneering International. He helped develop the diver medic program at the Commercial Diving Center/LA County Medical Center and in 1986 founded the National Board of Diving & Hyperbaric Medical Technology (NBDHMT), of which he is still president today.

Clarke has served as a reviewer for the U.S. Navy Diving Manual as well as the journals Anesthesiology, British Medical Journal, Undersea Biomedical Research, Undersea Hyperbaric Medicine, and Diving Hyperbaric Medicine. He has contributed to the NOAA Diving Manual and numerous other texts relating to the practice of hyperbaric medicine.

“Dick has made so many contributions to diving and hyperbaric medicine that it is hard to know where to start,” said John J. Feldmeier, DO. “He has been the discipline’s voice for safe and ethical application of hyperbaric oxygen treatment for more than four decades.”

“It’s hard to imagine a more deserving recipient of the DAN Lifetime Achievement Award than Dick Clarke,” said DAN President and CEO Bill Ziefle. “Dick has done so much over the years to advance the cause of hyperbaric medical treatment for divers. His research and his tireless dedication to educating medical providers has led to improved outcomes for countless injured divers. We’re proud to recognize Dick Clarke with this award.”

A new partnership between World Wide Fund for Nature – Netherlands (WWF-NL) , the Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA) and Coastal Dynamics will spearhead an initiative to define future conservation and restoration projects within Dutch Caribbean coastal habitats. Centered around mangroves and seagrass beds, this ambitious feasibility study aims to craft a portfolio of forward-looking projects. The objective is to fortify these areas against escalating threats like climate change, pollution, and unsustainable coastal development, ensuring their sustained health and resilience.

The Dutch Caribbean is home to unique island ecosystems facing challenges from overdevelopment, climate change, and other environmental pressures. Coastal ecosystems represent critically important areas, particularly in regards to their biodiversity, climate resilience, and cultural heritage. The proposed feasibility study seeks to bridge gaps in expertise, resources, and collaboration across all six of the Dutch Caribbean islands (Aruba, Curacao, Bonaire, Saba, St. Maarten and St. Eustatius).

Photo: Henkjan Kievit

Goals

The primary goal of the project is to conduct an in-depth feasibility study under the DCNA’s Conservation and Restoration of Key Habitats Program. Key components of the study include assessing the current status of mangroves and seagrass beds, stakeholder engagement, and conducting an overall resource assessment.

Nature-Based Solutions

The study will focus on coastal area restoration, specifically targeting mangroves and seagrass beds in collaboration with Dutch Caribbean Park Organizations. The aim is to develop a nature-inclusive approach with nature-based solutions to enhance resilience and sustainability.  Overall, this project has two main objectives:

• Feasibility Study: Assess the viability of conservation efforts, including technical, financial, and human resource requirements.
• Knowledge Sharing & Capacity Building: Present findings, address knowledge gaps, and build capacity among Park Organizations for effective restoration initiatives.

Photo: Christian König

Forward Planning

The feasibility study’s success is crucial for creating a comprehensive understanding of coastal habitat conditions, fostering collaboration, and laying the groundwork for future restoration programs. By unifying efforts, the study aims to enhance communication, knowledge sharing, and resource utilization across all six islands.

Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA)

Header Image: Kai Wulf