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Divers and snorkellers can promote reef protection and explore the continental United States’ only living coral barrier reef during a one-of-a-kind underwater concert scheduled for Saturday, 9 July. The 38th annual Lower Keys Underwater Music Festival takes place at Looe Key Reef, an area of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary approximately six miles south of Big Pine Key.
The festival was created to introduce participants to the wonders of the coral reef that parallels the Keys island chain while encouraging its protection and environmentally responsible diving.
Music broadcast by local radio station US1 104.1 FM is piped underwater via speakers suspended beneath boats above Looe Key Reef, and several hundred underwater enthusiasts typically submerge to enjoy the ethereal undersea melodies.
Those planning to immerse themselves in the festival can learn about ground-breaking Florida Keys reef restoration efforts on Friday, 8 July, during a free 6-8pm welcome gathering at Mote Marine Laboratory’s Elizabeth Moore International Center for Coral Reef Research & Restoration on Summerland Key.
The facility’s staff members are to be on hand to offer tours and share information about Mote’s extraordinary coral cultivation and restoration efforts.
Swimming among colourful tropical fish and coral formations, participants can sway to a sea-focused playlist that typically includes humpback whale songs and tunes like the Beatles’ ‘Yellow Submarine’ and Jimmy Buffett’s ‘Fins.’
The ‘only in the Keys’ listening experience is paired with diver awareness announcements that emphasise ways to enjoy the reef while minimising environmental impacts.
In addition to vivid reef fish and marine life, divers and snorkellers might spot ‘mermaids’ and their costumed cohorts – including some pretending to play underwater musical instruments – during their underwater adventure.
Those interested in participating can reserve space on boats run by Lower Keys dive operators or launch their own boats from public ramps and marinas in the area.
When is the Lower Keys Underwater Music Festival?
The subsea concert is set for 10am to 2pm on 9 July.
Further Information on Lower Keys Underwater Music Festival?
Event information can be found at: www.lowerkeyschamber.com
For more information on the Florida Keys & Key West
Visit www.fla-keys.co.uk.
Lower Keys Dive and Snorkel Information
Visit: www.fla-keys.com/lower-keys/diving.
Main image : Mariah Reynolds pretends to play an artist’s interpretation of a trombone at the Underwater Music Festival Saturday, July 13, 2019, (Bob Care/Florida Keys News Bureau/HO).
