Since control over the canal was transferred to

Since control over the canal was transferred to Panama in 1999, the government has become very interested in taking advantage of the submerged timber resource for economic development. The timber removal will also decrease the lake’s navigation hazards and increase potential real estate development on the vast shoreline.

Ardan International Group, S.A. did a pilot study of underwater logging in August of 2007.

Over 30 different wood species were extracted from Lake Gatun and Lake Bayano and processed and sold worldwide, including a number of high value species such as cocobolo, ipe, mahogany and teak. In addition, a significant volume of softer, lower value hardwoods (espave) were processed and sold locally.

Ardan, in concert with a Technology Transfer contract with Gunderboom, trained and employed Kuna people who worked on many aspects and disciplines of the projects, including commercial diving, surveying, sawmill operation, heavy equipment operation and administrative support. Ardan constructed a shoreside operational center on the north shore of Lake Gatun to house the trainees and conduct harvesting operations.

On their website, Ardan has a very nice video of their underwater tree harvesting operation.  Unfortunately, I believe you must visit their website to view the video.

http://www.beckgroupconsulting.com/Newsletters/winter_08.pdf