Man Completes Open Water Certification, Immediately Considers Himself Expert on Ocean Conservation

Software developer Kyle Novak, 31, completed his PADI Open Water Diver certification on Saturday and by Sunday evening had appointed himself a leading voice on ocean conservation, coral reef policy, and the geopolitical implications of deep-sea mining during a dinner party at which two actual marine biologists were present. 'I've been down there,' Novak told the table, gesturing broadly with a wine glass. 'I've seen the reef. I've seen what we're doing to it. The coral is bleaching. The fish are stressed. Someone needs to speak up, and I have the certification to do it.' Novak's certification, which requires a minimum of four confined-water sessions and four open-water dives over approximately three days, was completed at a resort in Cozumel. His total bottom time -- the cumulative minutes spent underwater -- is approximately 160 minutes. Dr. Alicia Reyes, a marine ecologist at the University of Miami who has spent 22 years studying coral reef systems, was seated across the table. 'He told me that coral bleaching is caused by sunscreen,' she recounted. 'I said that's partially true for certain chemical UV filters but the primary driver is ocean warming from climate change. He said, With all due respect, I've seen it firsthand.' Novak has since launched an Instagram account called @DepthsOfConscience, which features his four underwater photographs (two of which are blurry) accompanied by lengthy captions about marine stewardship. He has also begun a petition to 'save the reefs' that has collected seven signatures, three of which are from family members. 'Experience trumps theory,' Novak said when asked about the gap between his qualification and his claims. 'Those scientists study the ocean from boats and labs. I've breathed underwater. That changes you. It gives you perspective.' Dr. Reyes has declined to follow @DepthsOfConscience.