CaribSeek Books | Recognition for Captain Don | The Adventures of Captain Don by Donal A. Stewart

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Recognition for Captain Don

While Captain Don praises Bonaire for her leadership in reef ecology, Bonaire, in turn, has lovingly recognized his contributions.

For his 20th year on Bonaire the government issued a Certificate of Appreciation, "In recognition of your valuable contribution to the island of Bonaire and its people." In 1987, the island celebrated the 25th anniversary of Don's "landing."

Then on May 21, 1992, the 30 anniversary, was the biggest celebration of all. T-shirts were printed and Amstel Brewery brought out specially labeled bottles of beer for the occasion.

That same year, CURO presented an Underwater Bronze Plaque placed on a Klein Bonaire dive site named for Captain Don. There were special Regatta activities, a parade and the Marine Ecology Project presented him with a special award.

1992 was also the year M. Timothy O'Keefe dedicated his book, Diving for Adventure to Captain Don. Other diving and environmental honors include: The Foundation for Ocean Research John Stoneman Marine Environmental Award, 1985; Boston Sea Rovers' Walter Feinberg Diver of the Year, 1984; John C. Fine Medallion from the Underwater Society of America, 1988; the Ocean Charter Award "Ocean Ranger - Sentinel of the Seas," 1989; Ocean Realm Magazine award, 1983; Scuba Schools International Platinum Pro 5000 Award, 1993; Dive Travel Industries Association (DTIA) Hall of Fame, 1993; Beneath the Sea Medal of Excellence, 1994; and the 1995 NAUI Marine Environmental Award.

As early as 1976 Captain Don was even featured in the syndicated newspaper comic strip "Dondi", by Irwin Hasen. In the series, Captain Don teaches Dondi to dive and to preserve the reef.

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