REEFsponsible Diving and Snorkelling

Coral reefs have sometimes been called the ‘Rainforests of the Sea’ because of the diversity and beauty found within these living underwater communities. They are home to approximately 25% of all marine species and are one of the most diverse ecosystems in the world.

This also means they are one of the most delicate ecosystems and face tremendous pressure because of their sensitivity to issues like temperature change, exploitation for the aquarium trade, destructive fishing practices, and bumps and scratches from divers like you and me to top it off.

Did you know?

• Coral reefs have an annual global value of over $30 million US.
  
• Most of the valuable fishery species live in and around coral reefs (lobsters, shrimp, sharks and reef fish).
  
• Human activity poses the greatest threat to coral reefs today. Southeast Asia’s reefs are at risk because of damaging practices like blast or dynamite fishing and cyanide fishing for the aquarium trade. The major catalyst for these destructive practices is poverty within fishing communities.

So what can you do?

REEFsponsible diving is easy and everyone can do it, it means putting the environment first.

• RESPECT the sea and all the creatures in it from the living corals to the biggest fish.
  
• Don’t touch! Many animals and corals have a protective membrane which protects them from infection and germs. A simple bump can break this open, just like cutting ourselves.
  
• Observe to preserve. Touching and feeding animals can alter their natural cycles and affect their behaviour.
  
• Don’t take souvenirs like corals or shells, dead or alive; everything under the sea is a used by some creature.
  
• Photographers be aware! The perfect picture is not worth destroying a habitat, be mindful of your hands and your gear.
  
• Watch your fins, you fish like extensions are extremely damaging if they hit the reef. Also, sand kicked up can settle on the reef and cause damage so be careful when you swim.
  
• Small rubbish is easy to clean up, if it’s easy to reach and has no growth on it, grab it up! Avoid putting anything in the water or over the side of the boat.
  
• Participate in beach and underwater clean-ups. Did you know a water bottle takes up to 10 years to decompose underwater?
  
• Follow your guide and listen carefully to safety briefings, they’re there to help. Report destructive behaviour by guides and other divers to someone in charge of operations.
  
• Treat others as you want to be treated...this means NO poking, pulling, chasing, kicking, polluting, or harassment of any kind!
  
• Practicing good buoyancy is one of the most important things you can do as a diver:
  
  • Refresh your skills if it’s been a while since you dived.
  • Practice and perfect your buoyancy over the sand, not the reef.
  • Keep your equipment secure, dragging gear does great damage to the reef.
  • Avoid being over-weighted and watch as you descend to avoid touching the reef.
  • Never stand or balance on the reef, it can break the coral, and some of them are hundreds of years old.
    
• Get educated and stay educated. Learn about the fish you see and the place you visit, keep your skills sharp with continuing education, and act as a role model by displaying responsible behaviours to others.

And don’t forget, choose an operator that respects the environment and community where you dive. Follow our tips and travel responsibly; you can find your perfect dive holiday here.

Next: Travel Tips