CHARLESTON, S.C. (March 7, 2018) – Artificial Reefs International - U.S.S. Clamagore (ARI) and lifestyle brand Salt Life announced PADI’s (Professional Association of Diving Instructors®) support of the U.S.S. Clamagore Artificial Reef Project. A Cold War-era submarine, the U.S.S. Clamagore will be relocated from Patriots Point in Charleston, South Carolina, and converted to an artificial reef off the coast of Palm Beach County, Florida.
Under the supervision of CRB Geological & Environmental Services, Inc., the submarine will undergo intensive cleaning processes to ensure it is environmentally sound, and panels will be removed from one side to create an underwater museum and artificial reef. Once established, artificial reefs provide food, shelter, protection and spawning areas for marine life, as well as recreational opportunities for scuba divers.
“The PADI® organization is committed to being a force for good, and we’re passionate about improving the health of reefs on local, national and international levels,” said Drew Richardson, president and CEO of PADI Worldwide. “We are honored to support ARI and Salt Life with this project to provide divers with a new site to explore, while simultaneously giving them a glimpse into the past and hope for the future of ocean health.”
“PADI is the largest recreational diver training organization in the world, and their support of the project is invaluable,” said Joe Weatherby, senior project manager for ARI. Salt Life President Jeff Stillwell added, “We are excited to partner with like-minded organizations that believe ocean conservation is crucial. By combining our voices and our particular talents, we can effect positive change for the ocean environment and the people who love it.”
All leaders in their respective fields, PADI, ARI and Salt Life offer their powerful voices and expansive networks of ocean advocates to drive positive change for the marine environment through this effort. The historic U.S.S. Clamagore Artificial Reef Project will begin later this spring with anticipated completion in August 2018.
As part of the Salt Life Gives Back initiative, Salt Life partners with organizations that strive to protect the ocean and its wildlife through conservation efforts, enforcement, reef creation and sustainability programs. For more information, visit www.saltlife.com/salt-life-gives-back. To this end, Salt Life has announced the sale of limited edition commemorative tees with net proceeds supporting the U.S.S. Clamagore Artificial Reef Project. You can purchase a Clamagore tee here.
About PADI – The Way the World Learns to Dive®:
PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) is the world’s largest recreational diver training organization with nearly 6,500 dive centers and resorts and more than 135,000 professional members worldwide. Since 1966, PADI has remained dedicated to introducing new divers to the thrill of scuba diving and enhancing the skills of experienced divers. Issuing nearly one million certifications each year, PADI makes underwater exploration and adventure accessible to the public while maintaining the highest industry standards for dive training, safety and customer service. Committed to ocean conservation, with every diver certification issued PADI also creates a growing number of ocean ambassadors to help defend and preserve the marine environment for generations to come. For more information, visit www.padi.com.
About Artificial Reefs International:
ARI brings more than 25 years of experience in artificial reefing. ARI also has experience in marine conservation, scuba diving, angling, and boating. ARI reefs are carefully designed to provide long-term benefits for marine conservation and economic interests. ARI will only deploy reefs that are cleaned to exacting standards for compliance with state and federal environmental guidelines. The ARI team understands international media & public relations, large-scale fundraising, project concept & design, public speaking, operations management, and risk management. Learn more at www.arireefs.com.
About Salt Life:
Salt Life is an authentic, aspirational and lifestyle brand that embraces those who love the ocean and everything associated with living the “Salt Life”. Founded in 2003 by four avid watermen from Jacksonville Beach, Florida, the Salt Life brand has widespread appeal with ocean enthusiasts worldwide. From fishing, diving and surfing, to beach fun and sun-soaked relaxation, the Salt Life brand says, “I live the Salt Life.” From its first merchandise offerings in 2006, Salt Life has grown to nearly $40 million in annual sales, with distribution in surf shops, specialty stores, department stores and sporting goods retailers. Salt Life products are also available to consumers at www.saltlife.com and at Salt Life’s various branded retail stores.
Salt Life, LLC is an operating subsidiary of Delta Apparel, Inc. (NYSE American: DLA). The flagship Salt Life retail store, which opened in Jacksonville Beach, Florida, in 2012, serves as a vision for retail customers to see product placements they can utilize in their stores and across multiple platforms. Salt Life's corporate office is located in Columbus, Georgia, and its distribution center was recently relocated to Fayetteville, North Carolina. Numerous professional athletes and sportsmen have an alliance with the brand in cross-marketing partnerships. (http://www.saltlife.com/athletes/)