We can do many things as divers to help protect and preserve the natural beauty and diversity of our underwater world for future generations. This blog will discuss tips for becoming a more sustainable scuba diver.
Don’t Touch Anything Underwater
It is best to view marine life from a distance and not pick up or hold any of the marine life that you encounter underwater. Even if you don’t mean to cause harm, the pressure difference between water and air can squeeze an animal to death. Also, touching animals underwater can disrupt the natural ecosystem and can cause you harm as well. There are many venomous fish in the sea. The stonefish is the most venomous in the world!
Avoid Single-Use Plastics
Using plastic products only once is wasteful and detrimental to the environment. Many travelers use plastic bags because they are convenient, but these bags end up in rivers and oceans, where they eventually break down into microplastics that threaten marine life and ecosystems. And when on vacation, many divers choose to drink some tropical drinks. They often come with a straw. Straws are extremely harmful for marine life—especially turtles as they may end up in their nostrils. Skip the straw or travel with a reusable metal one.
It is important to pick up and properly dispose of any because plastic waste in oceans or shore you may find. They can be harmful to marine life. For example, there have been cases where sea turtles have eaten clear plastic bags thinking they were jellyfish–and died as a result. Dispose of all waste properly, including cigarette butts and chewing gum! They both contain plastic microfibers, which can take years to degrade and are toxic to marine life if ingested.
Did you know that Humans use about 1.2 million plastic bottles per minute in total. Only about 9% of plastic bottles are recycled! Carry a reusable eco-friendly water bottle with you and find a dive center that will provide you water to refill your bottle. More and more dive centers are trying to reduce single-use plastic—help them by bringing your own water bottle.
Do Not Feed the Wildlife
It may seem fun to hand-feed a tropical fish or an octopus, but this type of activity is disruptive to the natural balance of the ecosystem and can cause animals to become over-reliant on humans for food, which makes them less likely to survive in their natural habitat. In some cases, feeding wildlife can be dangerous for both divers and marine animals. For example, feeding sharks increases the likelihood that they will associate divers with food.
Wear Reef Friendly Sunscreen
Corals reefs are vital for the world, yet they are dying rapidly. Scientists estimate about 70-90% of all coral reefs will disappear over the next 20 years due to climate change and pollution. A common source of pollution that scuba divers need to be aware of is sunscreen. There are many chemicals in these products that affect the reef ecosystems. Look for reef friendly sunscreen products to protect yourself from the environment.
Choose an Environmentally Friendly Dive Center
A dive center that takes care of its equipment will naturally be more sustainable. Choose a dive center that is involved with protecting the underwater environment, such as one that is involved in PADI Aware dive cleanups. Avoid companies that engage in unethical practices.
Looking for Scuba Diving in Aqaba?
If you want to go Scuba Diving in Aqaba without harming the environment, then we can help. Deep Blue Dive Center is proud to be a PADI Aware dive center that helps create magical moments ethically. We offer PADI dive courses for beginners and pros in Aqaba.
Reach out to us today for the best Boat diving trips in Aqaba!
