Reef Friendly Diving

Coral reefs are under threats from many sources, and numerous scientific studies have unambiguously shown that dive tourism can be a source of coral reef damage.

By learning and observing responsible diving practices, the individual diver or snorkeler can minimize the impacts of their visits to coral reef ecosystems.

To that end, we provide the following "Reef Friendly Diving Practices" based upon scientifc evidence, the recommendations of some of the leading marine conservation organizations, and authoritative publications* aimed at protecting coral reef ecosystems from dive tourism-related damage.

Reef friendly scuba skills are not difficult to master. Photo: Courtesy NOAA.

Do Not:

1. Kick up sand/sediment with your fins.

2. Feed or attempt to feed fish or any other marine life.

3. Spear, hook or capture any marine life

4. Harass, chase, or try to ride marine life such as turtles, manatees, sharks, etc.

5. Take rocks, pieces of coral, shells, or any other parts of the natural habitat

6. Dump or throw anything overboard.

Do:

2. Wear a t-shirt rather than oils or lotions to protect your skin from the sun.

3. Where available, ask for a pre-dive briefing on the local reef ecosystem before you dive.

4. If you are on a private vessel, make sure that the boat captain does not run aground, or anchor on the reef.

*Adapted from: (1)It's my Choice: Coral or No Coral - Communication Tool Kit United Nations Environmental Program (UNEP) and International Coral Reef Initiative (ICRI), 2002; and (2) Voluntary Standards for Marine Recreation in the Mesoamerican Reef System, ICRAN Mesoamerican Reef Alliance Standards and Code Taskforce, 2007.

Related Pages

Dive Coral Reefs

Reef Diving Skills