LITTLE ROCK - One of the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission’s newest and most popular education programs will return this summer. The AGFC is offering a program called ‘Underwater Arkansas’ - a series of guided dives where divers gain a new perspective of the underwater environment in the state.

The AGFC, Ocean Extreme Dive and Travel Center and Mountain Harbor Resort have joined forces to offer divers a unique view of Lake Ouachita. The AGFC will provide instruction, Ocean Extreme brings guides and equipment and Mountain Harbor provides a beautiful setting for seminars and dives.

Five sessions will be offered with a different topic covered each date. If you’re a certified diver, you’re practically on the boat. If not, contact Ocean Extreme to get certified at a special rate - it’s easier than you think. Divers must be at least 12 years old.

You can rent equipment or bring your own.

If you love to dive, or have always wanted to learn, don’t miss out. Make your plans to dive with the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission and friends this summer.

According to AGFC regional education coordinator Kirsten Bartlow, the education division at the AGFC teaches folks about the importance of conserving our state's wildlife and wildlife habitat. “We're so fortunate to live in the Natural State, with its abundance of wildlife and variety of unique ecological areas.  We're quite excited about the Underwater Arkansas program because it delves into what lies beneath a lake's surface,” Bartlow said.

The first dive session is scheduled for June 18 on Lake Ouachita. Lake Flora and fauna will be the topic and Brett Hobbs, assistant district fisheries biologist at the AGFC will be the featured speaker. The dive will investigate vegetation types, fish species and management practices of lakes in Arkansas.

Other dives, instructors and dates are:

July 9 - Identifying Fish and Fish Habitat: Identify specific fish species and learn about their history and habitat requirements. April Layher, Aquatic Education Specialist, AGFC.

July 15 - Underwater Ecology for Educators: Snorkelers Welcome. Acquire firsthand knowledge of underwater ecology and pass along valuable information to your students through prepared activities and materials. Philip Osborne, Education Ecologist, ADEQ and Allyson Neely, Asst. Urban Fishing Program Biologist, AGFC.

July 30 - Arkansas Mussels: Learn about the life cycle and history of mussels in Arkansas. Bill Posey, Malacologist, AGFC.

August 20 - Lake Ecology: Learn how lakes change over time and how fish and vegetation are affected. Mike Armstrong, Asst. Chief of Fisheries, AGFC.