| OK,
so what can we, as divers, do
to protect the reef ecosystem?
Use extreme care not to touch
the reef when diving. Be particularly
careful of soft corals
Dive NUDE! NUDE DIVERS stay
further off the reef than neopreme
divers. Do your part - DIVE
NAKED!
Be aware that living coral
grows only 1/2 inch a year.
Tell your State and Federal
representatives that you expect
government protection of delicate
reefs
Take only photos, or your
legal catch back to the boat
Encourage other divers to
show respect and reverence of
delicate reef life
Do not buy corals or other
illegal reef-products
Respect curious marine life
such as turtles and dolphins,
observe from a reasonable distance
Support marine organizations,
sanctuaries, and parks
Be aware of the threats to
the reef systems, and of what
contributes to a healthy reef
Educate others on our threatened
coral reef systems and how they
can help
Remove trash and monofilament
from reef areas when its safe
and practical to do so
TELL dive and resort operators
that you look for reef-friendly
resort destinations
Buy only fish-friendly products,
particularly avoid those that
result in dead mammals
If you fish, use catch and
release, or eat or sell what
you catch. Don't waste!
If you fish, DO NOT use stainless
steel hooks or illegal nets
There is no such thing as
a garbage fish. All Marine life
play important roles
Remember you're visiting
the fishes' home, so act as
you would as a guest in anyone's
home
Maintain proper bouyancy,
maintain distance from the reef
If you have difficulty with
bouyancy, ask experienced divers
for tips and assistance.
Increase your distance from
the reef in currents or surges
Snorkelers should wear float-coats
to allow gear adjustments without
standing on the coral.
Anchor on permanent reef
moorings. If there are none,
add one
Protest wasteful, cruel and
abusive fishing such as de-finning
sharks. These theives are stealing
from all of us.
Lobby for protective laws
and enforcement.
Most importantly,
RESPECT The Living Reef and
remember the reef doesn't exist
for our entertainment. It's
a home to millions of plants
and animals, and viewing it
is a sacred and treasured privelege
that only a few of us will ever
enjoy. Be a protector and advocate
for the reef ecosystem. Next
time you dive, pause above the
reef, take in the beauty, and
think about how very fortunate
you are to have the honor of
this vista. And leave the reef
as it was or healthier then
when you arrived! Do this for
you, your children, and the
marine life.
It's our intent that diver's
of the world unite to become
Protectors of The Coral Reefs
Join us, be a real-life
super-hero!
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