Ecologically Responsible Scuba Diving Techniques
How Divers and Snorkelers Can Protect Coral Reefs and Dive Sites
Mar 19, 2009
The Leave-no-trace motto of "take only photos, leave only foot prints" doesn't quite apply to scuba divers and snorkelers, who don't leave footprints. But scuba divers and snorkelers sometimes leave fin-marks. For example, beginning divers may inadvertently kick a coral reef and destroy an entire community of living organisms. Or a snorkeler may carelessly stand on living coral and smash it..
One of the world's most complex ecosystems, coral reefs are vulnerable to diver impact. For example, banging a tank against a piece of living coral can cut through the coral's protective outer tissue, letting in bacteria and micro-organisms that can kill it. .
A few simple environmentally sensitive diving and snorkeling techniques can help preserve coral reefs and underwater environments for those who follow.
Scuba And Snorkeling Techniques for Environmentally Responsible Diving
- Manage buoyancy. Lack of buoyancy control is perhaps the number one reason that divers damage reefs. This is a serious problem with beginners, who may smash against the sea floor (and any corals that happen to be there) because they haven't yet learned the necessary control.
- Don't touch. Living coral is fragile, and even touching it to steady oneself can cause irreparable damage Some dead coral is okay to touch, but take the cue from the dive-master or trip leader.
- Be aware. Diving and snorkeling take place three dimensionally. Divers move not only forward and backward, and side-to-side, but up and down, as well,. Paying attention to what is behind (watching feet and fins), and remember that metal tanks can cause severe damage when banged against coral.
- Secure gear. Dangling regulators and depth gauges can bang against coral. Spare regulators can be tucked in pockets; gauges can be secured to the buoyancy control vest.
- Be careful while photographing. Divers can get so caught up in what they are seeing and photographing it that they may drift into coral. Or, they may forget about buoyancy control and fall straight on top of part of a reef.
Ways Divers and Snorkelers Can Help Conserve Coral Reefs and Dive Sites
- Obey local regulations. This includes getting necessary permits to collect anything (like lobsters). Respect limits on how many can be taken and what size they must be. Other rules may include restrictions on carrying dive knives, and on where and how boats may anchor.
- Don't take souvenirs. This includes shells, as well as archaeological materials such as pot shards or other relics at a wreck. These should be left for study or removal by qualified archaeologists.
- Pick up trash. A beer can isn't an archaeological relic: Bring trash back to the surface.
- Dive in small groups. Patronize dive shops that offer small group sizes. Smaller groups are less likely to bang into each other, thrash about, and generally bump into (and damage) the coral. This is especially true on night dives. Smaller groups also receive more instruction and supervision from the dive master.
- Don't feed the animals! Some dive and snorkel operations use bread to lure fish to dive sites - or even use chum to bring in sharks. This makes for an exciting dive, but feeding wild animals is not an environmentally sound practice. Chumming, in particular, can make sharks associate humans with food. If an unknowing diver goes to a site, sharks can become aggressive if they don't get their expected treat. Express concerns to dive operations that feed or put out chum, or ask that it not be done.
Finally, patronize dive resorts and operators that make a clear statement about coral reef preservation. Look for small eco-resorts. Some clues: solar energy, reef education programs, and an environmental mandate.
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