Page 42 - Dive Guide

REEf
SPaniSh hOgFiSh
PhOtOgraPher: legendS & liOnS

DIvING CoDE

foR REsPoNsIBLE DIvERs

Coral reefs are among the world’s most diverse and
complex ecosystems. Corals are an extraordinary
group of reef animals that provide the framework,
both living and dead. They are responsible for much
of the reefs scenic beauty and provide shelter and
Site name: 7 food for its mobile occupants. They are however, very
Site name: anchOr POint drOPOFF, grand cayman
PhOtOgraPher: lOiS hatcher / Ocean FrOntierS ltd. fragile, slow growing and easily destroyed. Please do
your part to protect the aquatic realm. All divers are
asked to follow this code and share with others to
reduce diver impact on coral reefs:

1. Check that you are correctly weighted. As a guide,
REEf DIvING CoDE foR REsPoNsIBLE DIvERs chriStmaS tree wOrm 2. Practice neutral buoyancy control, correct trim,
use 5% of your body weight if diving in a skin or
bathing suit to gauge how much lead to wear.

breathing pattern, streamlining and always do a
buoyancy check at the beginning of each dive trip.

3. Fin carefully and deliberately. Finning close to the
PhOtOgraPher: glenn OStle
bottom can stir up sand, which can settle on top of
corals and choke the polyps. Inconsiderate finning
can slice sea fans in two and destroy fragile
sponge formations.
4. Always remember to secure your ‘octopus’,
gauges and other accessories. Re-check that they
are still clipped up after you have entered the water,
as they often come loose. Stray hoses/accesso-
ries are large contributors to diver damage on
coral reefs.

5. Avoid any contact with corals or marine life. All
Site nO: 72 corals take a very long time to grow. Avoid
Site name: eagle’S neSt, grand cayman
PhOtOgraPher: tOny land contact with marine life, it is illegal in the Cayman
Islands to hold a turtle underwater.
6. Photographers do not touch corals and sponges.
No photograph is worth any impact on the reef.
7. Do not buy marine souvenirs. Encouraging trading
in such items can only lead to diminishing
populations of the most beautiful sea life.
8. Eat Sustainable Seafood choices at restaurants.
Do not order endangered species such as Grouper.

42 42