Rules for Reefs Every diver knows that a coral reef is an ecosystem that started growing centuries ago. What some divers may not realize is how easily one of these undersea communities may be damaged.Novice divers struggling to stabilize may not even realize that their thrashing about may be destroying the very attraction they have traveled thousands of miles to enjoy.
Coral reef damage is universally negative. Divers pay significant sums to glide above these natural wonders. Families survive on the revenue generated by recreational scuba diving.
Cautions For Diving Around Coral Reefs
- Anchoring - always anchor away from a reef. Anchors dragging across reefs in a major reason for damage
- Buoyancy - neutral is best. Overweight divers can easily crash into reefs. Underweight divers may tend to grab onto coral to keep them
- Dangles - anything trailing along with a diver that is heavier than a trail of bubbles has the potential for reef damage. Secure consoles, lights and anything else that can bang into coral as you swim.
- Make Bubbles, not Friendships - touching anything can cause damage. Oil from the skin can damage coral polyps. Sea creatures should not be petted or handled in any way. Interfering with an air breathing mammal on it's way to the surface could be life threatening.
- Dim Your Lights for Night Diving - just like night driving, swimming creatures can be blinded by the sudden glare. If they panic and crash into something hard, injuries may result
- Shell Collecting - should be reserved for the creatures either living inside or will adopt them for habitats
- Leave Stuff Alone - turning over a rock may destroy a habitat
- Picture This - a photographer concentrating so much on his viewfinders and position for the shot that s/he damages the subject
- Trash Kills - don't leave any, especially plastic bags, strings, netting, etc.
- Tight Spaces are for Morays - if your tanks and other equipment can damage what's around that tight space, consider just having a good long look.
