Aruba in the Annual Dive and Travel Expo

Oranjestad._ Aruba is making a splash at the 26th Annual Beneath The Sea Exposition which is starting this Friday March 22nd at the Meadowlands Exposition Center in Secaucus, New Jersey and will last till March 24th.

Castro E. Perez, Aruba´s eco tourism project manager, will be at the expo to educate people about the Aruba Perrier Reef Care Project and diving in Aruba. The project was launched eight years ago to raise awareness and encourage preservation of Aruba´s marine environment.

"This is our chance to tell the diving world about Aruba´s commitment to preserving our precious marine environment. It is up to us to educate people who love water sports about the importance of conserving our ecosystem so generations can enjoy its beauty," said Perez about the exposition.

Hundreds of topsiders, snorkelers, certified divers and even tourists turn out every year to help collect litter from dive and beach sites in Aruba. The efforts begin in Arashi on the Northwestern point and spread to Baby Beach on the Southern tip of the island. Two tons of litter was collected

in the project´s first year.

The Beneath the Sea Exposition will feature speakers, workshops and even a national underwater and video contest. Exhibitors will also participate, demonstrating the latest underwater equipment.

Aruba is a vacationer´s paradise located in the heart of the Dutch Caribbean, 15 miles north of Venezuela and only two and a half hours by air from Miami. Ideally located outside the hurricane belt, Aruba boasts great weather,cooling trade winds and friendly people.