What You Can Do
Reef Etiquette
Coral reefs are home to many beautiful, fascinating creatures. Snorkelling or diving is a great way to explore this spectacular undersea world but it must be done carefully as reefs are very fragile and easily damaged.Knowledge is power: Power to conserve corals and marine life, that is. Try to learn as much as you can about coral reefs and their inhabitants. Tell others about the fragility and value of coral reefs. Let’s all be responsible for conserving our coral reefs.
Learn to scuba dive or snorkel and visit coral reefs responsibly: Visiting a coral reef and experiencing the wonder and diversity first hand is a great way to better understand their value. When you go, follow these guidelines.
1. Avoid touching the coral: A single kick can break coral and destroy years of growth. Even a light touch can rub off the coral’s protective mucus covering, leaving it vulnerable to infection and disease.
- Never stand on coral.
- Ensure that your body and fins do not touch the reef.
- Avoid finning close to the sea bed as this kicks up silt that can smother the coral.
- Scuba divers should maintain neutral buoyancy and secure gauges/octopus rigs so that they do not drag on the reef
3. Avoid collecting souvenirs: It’s tempting to take coral home with you. And you may think that it won’t be of any use as its dead anyway. Even dead coral plays an important role in the reef ecosystem and should not be taken.
4. Avoid littering: Litter endangers marine life and spoils the reef’s natural beauty. Throw litter in a bin or take it back with you.
5. Avoid anchoring on the reef: Anchors smash coral, damaging large areas of the reef. Ensure that your boat uses a mooring buoy instead.
