Underwater Music: Florida underwater music festival raises reef awareness

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I also had the chance to sit down with them for a special edition of Icon, to be aired soon. Florida snorkelers and divers combined their marine hobby with their interest in music on Saturday, at the annual Lower Keys Underwater Music Festival. The event aims to help bring reef awareness to the public.

Several hundred people attended the event which takes place at the only living coral barrier reef in the United States.

Festivalgoers dressed in marine costumes as a local radio station piped quirky music underwater for about four hours at the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary in Looe Key Reef , about 6 miles south of Big Pine Key.

BILL BECKER FESTIVAL CO-FOUNDER "Well, the fish seemed to sway with the music. I've seen a big school of yellowtail right below the boat here and they were gathered right around the speaker. I imagine it's something unique for them. They don't normally hear music underwater. I hope they appreciate it."

Organizers say the event spotlights coral reef protection and eco-conscious diving in the Keys' ocean environment.

BILL BECKER FESTIVAL CO-FOUNDER "Interspersed with the music we have public service announcements, kind of diver etiquette, coral reef awareness message. So people have less of an impact than the coral reef."

The special speakers suspended under the boats above the reef typically play ocean-themes melodies like the Beatles' "Yellow Submarine" and themes from "The Little Mermaid" and "Gilligan's Island."

NICHOLE BLACKBURN DIVER "You know, this event is so special because it, you know, pays attention to coral reefs and gives a lot of respect to it. I think for people that come in, get in costume and participate, it really celebrates our ocean and what we're trying to do to preserve it."

The whimsical musical instruments 'played' by some of the divers were sculpted by Florida Keys artist August Powers. SW, CGTN.