Our friends at Coral Cay Conservation have put together the following tips and guidelines to help travelers be more responsible divers. By taking these simple steps when visiting areas with coral reefs, you are helping protect the health of coral reefs and the marine life that depend on them for survival.
The rainforests of the sea; Coral reefs colourful displays conjure up images of exotic shores, and an array of marine life. Host to an estimated one million species, there are more species per unit area of coral reef than any other ecosystem, and it is estimated that only 10% of them are currently known to science.
In addition, reef systems provide a natural buffer, offering protection against waves, storm surges and floods for more than 100,000km of coastline, not to mention the economic benefits to the local community who often rely largely on fishing and tourism. However, coral reefs are under threat. According to the 2008 Status of Coral Reefs of the World report, our planet has effectively lost nearly 20% of its coral reef area.
Another 45% will be lost within the next 40 years if urgent measures are not taken to reduce both local and global impacts to coral reefs.
Bleaching, Oceanic Acidification, disease, pollution, sedimentation due to deforestation, coral mining, fishing and coastal development are some of the major threats to coral reefs. However, there is still room for optimism. 46% of the world’s reefs are still regarded as being relatively healthy and not under any immediate threats of destruction. There is still time to take action and join the effort to preserve some of the richest natural habitats our planet has to offer.
Below are the guidelines as outlined by Coral Code for safe exploration of Coral Reefs.
1. No touchy feely
Always be aware of the coral around you when you’re in the water – it’s alive! Touching coral or walking on reefs can damage coral colonies and make them more susceptible to infections. A good diver is neutrally buoyant! If you must, use only your fingertips to steady yourself, and if you must walk over a reef stick to a well-used pathway!
2. Take only pictures
Although they look pretty, removing organisms from the seabed or shoreline and buying shells and other marine products may support unsustainable harvesting and is never environmentally wise. Take home a photo of a healthy living reef instead!
3. Bin it!
Put your rubbish in the bin and let the reef life ‘breath easy’ - turtles and fish mistake rubbish and plastic bags for food, and can suffocate on it! Do your bit and put your rubbish in the bin, never throw it overboard or on the floor!
4. Be choosy!
Use your purchasing power to guide the market in the right direction - choose a tour operator that is environmentally aware and behaves as such. If you see a company behaving irresponsibly, let them know it! Good dive guide will always give you a pre-dive brief including reef etiquette.
5. Chemical Abuse
Sunscreens and batteries produce toxins that pollute the oceans and can poison marine life – use eco-friendly sunscreens and cleaning products and dispose of batteries appropriately.
6. Bitter sweet taste
Do not feed reef fish – feeding fish may disrupt their natural behaviour causing habituation and dependence and may encourage aggression. Fish that are fed may not graze reefs as much, which could lead to algal overgrowth. Observing their natural behaviour is much more rewarding, giving you a true insight into their nature.
7. Sound anchoring
Anchors and groundings can severely damage coral reefs - boats should always use allocated mooring buoys or anchor in sandy areas, well away from darker coloured reef patches.
8. Be alert!
Destructive fishing practices - such as using explosives and cyanide - can destroy whole areas of reef habitat. If you suspect anyone of doing this report it to the local authority or tourist board; your actions could save that reef from further destruction.
9. Keep your eyes peeled
Follow Marine Park Regulations - they are there to promote reef health and diversity. If fishing is permitted then adopt the catch and release method and do not discard any fishing gear, which may harm marine organisms.
10. Spread the word!
Pass on these tips to friends, loved ones and anyone else you think is unaware. Encourage people to be responsible for themselves and do all they can to help coral reefs survive!
For more information about the responsible diving see
the coral code leaflet
For ideas on responsible scuba diving vacations, see our
scuba diving vacations
