ECO-SAFE DIVERS' TIPS

Divers can do a lot of damage to coral reefs if they are not conscious of their actions. PROTECT THE REEFS - BE AWARE! Here are some tips from the experts on how to be an "eco-safe" diver, leaving no trace of your reef visit:

• Don't touch. Corals can be damaged or killed by the touch of a hand . . . and some of them fight back.
• Stay off the bottom. Sediments stirred by feet or fins choke the corals.
• Practice neutral buoyancy. Practice, practice, practice! Like a hot air balloon, a diver needs to stay some distance off the bottom by adding or releasing air.
• Know where your gauges are. Don't let them drag along the bottom. This is for your safety as well - a dragging console may disturb a sleeping ray, or damage vital equipment.
• Swim next to or well above coral. The downstroke of each kick can be the deadliest!
• Turn sideways when looking underneath coral heads. Divers often forget that their tanks protrude several inches from their backs. Turning sideways presents a much lower, safer profile.
• No souvenirs! Shells are homes to marine creatures. Coral is a live animal and belongs in the sea, not dead on a coffee table. National marine sanctuaries are protected areas where gathering is illegal. It is also illegal to bring protected coral and shells into the U.S.
• Don't feed marinelife. It disturbs the ecological balance, plus contact with humans alters their natural behavior.
• No hunting or collecting. There aren't enough wild fish left!
• Photographers: don't "attach" yourself to coral for stability.
• Don't anchor a boat over reefs, and don't dive from boats that do. Use mooring buoys where available or anchor and sandy areas.
• Be aware! Divers: know what is around you at all times so that you can avoid hitting coral. Boaters: avoid grounding and tearing up the bottom. Follow your chart, use a depth-finder, and watch the water color. "Blue, blue - sail on through. Green, green - nice and clean. Brown, brown - run aground!"
• Encourage responsible boat operators. Let them know that you patronize rental shops and boats that promote ecological diving, and that you encourage your friends to do likewise.
• Stand up for your oceans. Don't be afraid to speak up to discourage others from harming the marine environment.
• Pick up any garbage you find. Bring it back to shore and recycle it if possible. Help keep the reefs and beaches that you love healthy.
• Take only pictures . . . leave only bubbles!

Remember, when you are diving, you are a visitor in someone else's home. Treat it with respect.

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