Symphony under the sea: Eel-vis Presley and Bob Marlin join snorkellers and divers for underwater music festival

Last updated at 12:30 PM on 11th July 2011

Visitors to this concert might well have thought something fishy was going on when they saw the musicians put on their wet suits and take their instruments into the ocean.

However, this was no ordinary gig.

More than 500 divers and snorkellers descended on the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary for the 27th Underwater Music Festival.

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Out of tuna: Musicians perform at the Underwater Music Festival in the Florida Keys. The event celebrates the coral reef system and raises awareness of preservation

Donning marine-themed fancy dress and adopting stage names such as Eel-vis Presley, Bob Marlin and Joss Stone Crab, the would-be musicians submerged themselves under water to perform in the symphony under the sea.

Armed with fishy instruments such as 'clambourines', guitars in the shape of a starfish and a bass masquerading as a ray, they belted out tunes, creating good vibrations for the surrounding marine life.

The wacky event is staged to celebrate the colourful diversity of marine life that characterises north America's only living coral barrier reef - and also promotes preservation.

Bill Becker, festival director, told CBS: 'We have a lot of fun, we dress up in costumes, but there’s a serious side. Coral reef conservation is the message.'

Samantha Langsdale performing at the 27th Underwater Music Festival

Bob Rowland as Bob Marlin performing at the Underwater Music Festival

Good vibrations: Samantha Langsdale (left) and Bob Rowland (right) as Bob Marlin. The music is broadcast via special speakers underneath boats

Snorkeller and first-time festival-goer Gail Coad added: 'The fish seemed to enjoy the music as much as I did.

'They almost were dancing in unison to the melody, and the music just kind of surrounds you.'

Samantha Langsdale of Key West, who was dressed in a bright green mermaid costume, said: 'I believe that the parrotfish family has accepted me. We have similar colors.'

Most of the music made by the marine musicians is broadcast under water through special speakers suspended underneath boats.

It was accompanied by diver awareness announcements, recorded by officials from the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, offering advice on how to enjoy the ocean while minimising impact on the coral reef system and surrounding marine environment.

Saturday's event was the 27th annual Underwater Music Festival. Previous events have included performances from a mermaid with a harp, a troupe of snorkelling Elvis look-a-likes and divas of the deep.