CEDAM International’s story has evolved … in phases … representing more than 50 years of service!
Founded in 1967, CEDAM International was launched as a unique, not-for-profit organization dedicated to the preservation and conservation of the marine environment. The organization’s name represents its varied interests: Conservation, Education, Diving, Awareness and Marine Research.
For more than 20 years, from 1980 to 2002, CEDAM mobilized diving expeditions and made significant contributions to the fields of marine biology, marine conservation and marine/terrestrial archeology. These field trips, led by research scientists and supported by CEDAM volunteer divers, were conducted around the world. In fact, the organization pioneered the use of volunteer divers working in the field with marine scientists. Prior to 1980, CEDAM activities were focused on diving projects in Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula.
During phase two, from 1997 to 2022, CEDAM continued its work through a scholarship program which supported marine science education. In total, CEDAM funded 25 educators to participate in scuba-diving related field projects. Our first scholarship was granted to a public school teacher in 1997 to participate in a CEDAM expedition to Andros, Bahamas. Our last recipient was also a school teacher who joined a REEF.org field survey in Roatan, Honduras in 2022. We are proud to have supported marine conservation and education through our scholarship program, which is now concluded.
Currently, CEDAM International is seeking a permanent home for the archives the organization has collected in its more than 50 years or service.
Susan Sammon & Jan Rosenfeld, CEDAM International Directors
CEDAM International 
My father was a volunteer of a diving team. Way back,probably in the 1980’s.. He loved your purpose.. I just wanted to check to see if you still existed. I believe my mother and brother donated a boat to your cause after his death. I know this probably seems strange to get a email like this. ,butI am happy to see you still are going strong. My fathers name was Robert C Hanken..
Hi Julia. So nice to hear from you! We loved your father and have many fond memories of him during the old CEDAM days. We were young when we first headed up the organization and we could always count on his honest and straightforward advice. Thanks for reminding us about Bob. He was one of a kind. Hope all is well with you. — Susan & Rick Sammon
Rick, Came across my CEDAM sticker from long ago on the same day I saw your brother (?) had made a career move. I recall two trips with you, on in the Red Sea. Most vividly I recall your discription of diving Lake Baikal, where my wife and I visited in winter years ago… no thanks to diving that ‘Wonder of the Diving World. Edward Donohue January 20, 2021
Hi Edward — Thanks for your note. We are so grateful for the adventures we had with CEDAM and fellow divers. Wonderful memories of great people and places. Hope all is well with you! — Regards, Rick and Susan Sammon
The CEDAM I remember and dove with was in Akumal, Mexico in the 70’s. Went to the Blue Hole in Belize and a couple of archaeology dives around Tulum. Is this you guys?
Hi Robert — Yes! We, CEDAM International, evolved from the CEDAM started in Akumal. Like you, we enjoyed the beach and diving there in the 1970s. That is how we got involved in the organization. My husband and I ran the diving expedition programs for about 25 years. Currently, CEDAM’s activities are centered on sponsoring educators on scuba diving research trips. Thanks for checking in! — Susan Sammon
I enjoyed CEDAM expeditions off Akumal diving on the Matanceros and the Tweed at Isla Perez. We had a great team. The gold coins found on the Tweed were turned in for the museum. A good movie was produced- Five Fathoms to a lost Ships Grave. Visited with Paublo Bush at his home in El Paso. Dan Peavy
To C.E.D.A.M. International. In July, 1969 my father, Ritchie Smith joined Pablo Bush Romero for an adventure diving for a sunken ship off the coast of Cozumel. Dad was not a diver but he was a fisherman so his job was to catch dinner for the “crew”. I have his fabulous history book of this adventure with many newspaper articles. I would like to get it to you. Also I have a few trinkets which Mr. Romero gifted to Dad which I also would like to give to you. Thanks in advance for your reply.
Hi Deborah — Thank you for your note. Sounds like your father was part of the CEDAM early days! That is before my husband and I were involved. I think the items you have might be of interest to Ron Pablo’s children. His daughter Laura has a hotel and restaurant in Akumal, Mexico. Suggest you try to contact her there https://hotelakumalcaribe.com. Good luck. — Susan Sammon
This is Deborah Smith again, my father is the man whose photo is on the calendar dated 1961 for Offset of Yucatan as well as Emmett Gowan’s Fishing and Hunting brochure
I am one of those 21 educators. I cannot tell you what an impact it had on my life. I am still sharing your information with other educators and my passion for the environment with my students.