Diving and Marine  Conservation
How to help
Marine Conservation projects

The last 50 years has seen much change. And not all of it good! As technology has 'improved' so has the ability for humans to drastically change natures environment. This is as apt underwater as it is on land!
Scientists estimate approximately 25% of the world's coral reefs are already destroyed. If current trends continue, we risk losing this resource entirely within the next 30-50 years.

To counter the negative impacts of 'development' Marine conservation has come to the forefront. All divers can help protect the underwater environment by doing a few basic things. For those with more passion about this, there is a wide range of marine conservation projects you can become involved in:

An examples of this is Project Aware who focus on worldwide awareness of the problem, and Education.
There is also several very worthwhile organisations where you can help to make a difference by volunteering. an example of this is the Diving and Volunteer Marine conservation in Fiji that is establishing a Marine Protection Area

How you as a diver can help on a daily basis! (from project AWARE)
 

1. Dive carefully to protect fragile aquatic ecosystems. Many aquatic organisms are delicate and can be harmed by even a gentle bump or the swipe of a fin. Corals grow very slowly and breaking even a small piece can destroy decades of growth. By being careful you can prevent long-term damage to magnificent dive sites.

2.  Consider how your interactions affect aquatic life Avoid touching, handling, feeding or riding on aquatic life. These actions may stress the animal, interrupt feeding and mating behaviour or provoke aggressive behaviour in normally non-aggressive species.

3. Understand and respect underwater life. Playing with animals or using them as food for other species can  disrupt local ecosystems and deny b other divers of their experiences with these creatures. Consider enrolling in a PADI Underwater Naturalist, AWARE Fish Identification or Coral Reef Conservation Specialty course to better understand sustainable interactions.

4. Be an ecotourist. Make informed decisions when selecting a destination and Operators or other facilities dedicated to sustainable business practices. Obey all local laws and regulations and understand your effect on the environment. Don’t collect souvenirs like corals or shells. Instead, take underwater photos. Underwater you shouldn't even leave footprints!

5. Respect underwater cultural heritage Divers are privileged to access dive sites that are part of our cultural heritage and maritime history. Wrecks can also serve as important habitats for fish and other aquatic life. Help preserve these sites for future generations by obeying local laws, diving responsibly and treating wrecks with respect.

6. Report environmental disturbances or destruction As a diver, you’re in a unique position to monitor the health of local waters. If you notice unusual depletion of aquatic life, injury to aquatic animals or strange substances in the water, report these observations to responsible authorities in your area.

7. Be a role model for other divers and nondivers when interacting with the environment As a diver, you see th-e underwater results of carelessness and neglect. Set a good example in your own interactions so that others can learn from you.

8 Get involved in local environmental activities and issues You can greatly affect your corner of the planet. There are plenty of opportunities to support healthy aquatic environments.