Diving Etiquette | The Marine Environment

TEXT BY CLAUDIO DI MANAO

Imagine you are having a party at home, a wonderful house fitted with paintings, carpets, fine porcelain, and antique furniture. Now, imagine some of your guests, in the middle of the party, starting to display really odd behaviour: one is feeding chocolate to your cat; another is playing Tarzan on your curtains; and yet another stumbles into your precious vases, smashing them to pieces It is unlikely that you will be amused, yet this is often how we treat the underwater environment that is meant to be shared with others who will follow us.

We can harm marine environments in hundreds of ways, but marine life sometimes strikes back! Marine creatures aren’t always graceful and passive Several of them come equipped with barbs, stinging cells and teeth You really don’t want to upset them.

LIKE A BULL IN A CHINA SHOP

Corals are not the same: some fragile and carelessly dangling submersible pressure gauge may literally break pieces off it. Other corals are hardier, and divers are less likely to cause permanent damage. And then, of course, there are the corals that get back at you -- fire coral being one of the best examples.

As a rule of thumb, try to stay at least a metre away from any coral structure. Most corals are sensitive to the chemicals contained in typical suntan lotions If possible, try to make the extra effort and acquire suntan lotion that is produced to be specifically coral friendly. Remember that corals aren’t merely animals in isolation. They provide a protective habitat for myriads of other ocean species. The destruction of corals may render a former underwater oasis into a desert wasteland.

SEAGRASS AND SANDY BOTTOMS

In former years, using scooters and dragging anchors was considered normative, and the impact on the environment was disregarded or at least poorly understood. We don’t do it anymore. Nowadays, dive boats try to use fixed buoys rather than weighing their anchors. Sandy bottoms are also chosen deliberately if anchors need to be used. Don’t forget that ocean flora produces the greatest quantity of oxygen in our atmosphere. By killing ocean life, we take our own breath away -- quite literally.

COLLECTING SHELLS

Collecting shells is sea burglary to put it bluntly! It is frowned upon for a variety of reasons. The first and foremost reason for not collecting shells underwater is that this deprives other divers of the pleasure of seeing the creatures in their natural habitat.

Sometimes shells may appear lifeless, but if left alone for a couple of minutes, their shy owner may decide to make an exhilarating appearance. Some shells, and cone shells, in particular, can envenomate a diver through a pocket or bag. There have been several deaths attributed to this. Again, adhere to the mantra “Take only pictures, and leave only bubbles”.

RIDING FISHES, REPTILES, AND MAMMALS

When recreational diving was still in its infancy, divers would often attempt to ride, or allow themselves to be dragged by sea creatures, including turtles, rays, and sharks, such as basking- or whale sharks. We now know that this behaviour can be devastating and sometimes even fatal to these creatures We actively discourage divers from doing this.

OLD BRASSES FASCINATION

Pillaging brass objects such as ships bells and portholes were very common in the early days of diving. While it is true that many of these structures will eventually either be corroded or encrusted with marine life, it is considered something between theft and selfishness to remove objects from wrecks. Don’t be selfish Consider the enjoyment the next group of divers will have in finding them.

FEEDING

Feeding fish varies from specific attractions, to an informal and very hazardous individual activity Just like domestic pets, sea creatures soon come to expect to be fed if this happens with any regularity. If you find yourself without anything to offer, they may choose a body part as a snack. Because of this, feeding fish and other marine life is discouraged unless it is undertaken in a deliberate and disciplined way.

POLYMERS ARE FOREVER

Plastic containers and many other synthetic products last almost indefinitely. Not only are they unsightly, but they can cause the death of several sea creatures. Take every possible precaution not to contaminate the oceans with polymer or plastic containers or other synthetic objects.

THE ORIGIN OF BON-TON IS AN EVERLASTING INSIGHT

The sea is full of mythological vignettes. Some Greek myths attribute the actions of scorpions and snakes to angered immortals Be that as it may, there are certainly many sea creatures that are capable of inflicting severe if not fatal wounds on humans. Fortunately, only 2% of injuries attributed to diving eyes are the result of hazardous marine life Of these, the scorpion-, lion-, and stonefish (all of which belong to the Scorpaenidae Family) can inflict significant injuries. The appropriate response is respect, slow movement, not touching marine life, and avoiding inadvertent crash landing on dive sites. Most marine life is shy and, if given a chance, will retreat If they are cornered, however, they will defend themselves sometimes with fatal consequences. So be gentle and kind.