Protect the environment while diving

Dive carefully in fragile aquatic ecosystems, such as coral reefs
Many aquatic organisms are fragile creatures that can be killed by the bump of a tank, knee or camera, a swipe of a fin or even the touch of a hand. Also, some aquatic organisms, such as corals, are extremely slow-growing. By being careful, you can prevent devastating and long-lasting damage to magnificent dive sites.

Be aware of your body and equipment placement when diving
Keep your gauges and alternate air sources secured so that they do not drag over the reef or bottom. By controlling your buoyancy and taking care not to touch coral or other fragile environments with your body, diving equipment or camera, you will have done your part in preventing injury to aquatic life.

Keep your diving skills sharp with continuing education
If you have not dived in a while, your skills may need sharpening. Before heading to the reefs, seek bottom time with a divemaster or instructor in an environment that will not be damaged by a few bumps and scrapes. Better yet, take a diving continuing education course.

Consider your impact on aquatic life, understand and respect the underwater environment
Some creatures seem friendly and curious about our presence, and we may feel compelled to touch, feed and even ride on certain aquatic life. These types of actions may cause stress to the animal, interrupt feeding and mating behavior, or even provoke aggressive behavior in normally non-aggressive species.

Resist the urge to collect souvenirs
Collecting specimens, coral and shells can strip the fascination and beauty of dive sites. If you want to return from your dives with trophies to show friends and family, you may want to consider underwater photography.

Do not spearfish while scuba diving
Or if you really want to, at least spearfish in shark infested waters, to even the odds a bit…

Report environmental disturbances or destruction of dive sites
If you observe an unusual depletion of aquatic life, a rash of injuries to aquatic animals, or notice strange substances or objects in the water, report them to your dive center and/or to local authorities.

Be a role model for other divers in diving and non-diving interaction with the environment
Set a good example in your own interactions with the environment, and other divers and non-divers will follow you.

Get involved in local environmental activities and issues
You may feel you can't save the world, but there are plenty of opportunities to show your support of a clean aquatic environment, including beach clean-ups and attending public hearings on matters that impact coastal areas and water resources.

Similar guidelines apply to eco-excursions:

• do not take anything but pictures
• do not leave anything,
• be quiet and move slowly as you observe the fauna and the flora
• listen to your guide and follow his instructions

Enjoy your trip and have fun!