Coral reefs are home to 25% of marine life, but are extremely vulnerable to human activities. With more than 6 million active divers worldwide, sustainable diving has become an urgent need. Here’s how to enjoy this sport without leaving a mark on underwater ecosystems.
The Impact of Irresponsible Diving
- A 2024 study revealed that the most popular dive sites have lost 40-60% of their coral cover in the last decade.
- The main causes:
- Physical contact: Fins, hands, or equipment that break corals.
- Pollution: Sunscreens with oxybenzone (a single drop damages an area equivalent to an Olympic-sized swimming pool).
- Stress from overtourism: Divers crowding into one spot.
7 Golden Rules of Sustainable Diving
1. Perfect Buoyancy
- Take specialized courses (such as PADI Peak Performance Buoyancy) to avoid touching the bottom.
- Key Fact: A novice diver damages five times more coral than an experienced diver.
2. Eco-Friendly Equipment
- Short fins (for greater control).
- Wetsuits without plastic fibers (opt for natural materials like rubber).
- Weights with protective covers.
3. Safe Sunscreen
- Use only “Reef Safe” sunscreens (with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide).
- Even better: a full-length wetsuit and hat to reduce the use of sunscreen.
4. Don’t Feed Marine Life
- Altering the natural diet of fish affects the entire ecosystem.
- Example: In Thailand, fish that eat human food lose their ability to clean corals of algae.
5. Responsible Photography
- Do not use flash within 3 meters of corals.
- Never touch or move species for a better shot.
6. Choose Certified Operators
- Look for centers with Green Fins or Blue Star certification.
- Ask if they limit groups (max. 6 divers per guide).
7. Active Cleanup
- Join programs like Dive Against Debris: more than 2 million pieces of debris will be removed by divers by 2024.
Destinations Leading Change
- Bonaire: First island 100% free of harmful sunscreens.
- Palau: Requires the “Eco Oath” for all visitors starting in 2022.
- Galapagos Islands: Only allows diving at 78 authorized sites.
Technology That Helps
- Shock Sensors: Some centers are testing wristbands that vibrate if you get too close to the coral.
- 3D Reef Maps: To better distribute the flow of divers.
What Can You Do Today?
- Offset Your Footprint: Support coral restoration projects (like Coral Gardeners).
- Educate Others: Share these practices on diving forums.
- Report Bad Practices: Use apps like SEE Turtles to report violations.
“The ocean is not our theme park; we are guests in its world.” — Sylvia Earle, oceanographer.