Over 3 million divers take the scenic plunge in scuba diving hot places, a multi-billion dollar business. Coral reefs and their rich marine life are stunning to see when scuba diving. However, human presence underwater may harm sensitive ecosystems.
Poor and dangerous driving may harm coral reefs, cause undersea trash, and disrupt marine animals’ habitats. However, eco-friendly and ethical scuba diving may aid coral reefs. To learn more, read on!
Top 3 Ways By Which Scuba Diving Harms Marine Life
- Damage to Coral Reefs
Coral reefs, known as the ‘rainforests of the sea’ (a beautiful nickname, you’ll agree!) are vital to marine biodiversity. Nearly 25% of all marine life is found on and near coral reefs, according to research. Young fish also use these reefs as nurseries, where they have a higher chance of developing. So to say they are important is an understatement.
But coral reefs are delicate ecosystems that are always in danger from a variety of sources, such as temperature, light, and nutrient fluctuations that trigger coral bleaching. Furthermore, using sunscreen that contains chemicals might worsen bleaching and harm coral reefs. Thus, it is imperative that scuba divers adopt environmentally responsible behaviors and spread knowledge about the threats to coral reefs.
- Accumulation of Underwater Debris
Underwater garbage including bottles, plastic bags, and fishing nets pollute the marine ecosystem. Marine life is at risk of ingestion, entanglement, and habitat loss by garbage. Dive divers may use the ‘one dive, one piece of debris’ approach to fix the problem.
By removing at least one piece of debris during each dive, scuba divers can play a prominent and proactive role in creating a clean and safe ocean. However, debris removal should be done with absolute care. For instance, glass bottles inhabited by small critters or corals should be left untouched, as removing such debris can disturb the surrounding ecosystem.
- Disturbance of Marine Life and Habitat
Last but not least, scuba diving vehemently disturbs marine life and hampers their natural patterns and behaviors. For example, it is quite common for novice divers to cause harm to marine ecosystems due to a lack of experience and awareness. Thus, it is crucial to gain as much awareness as possible and practice responsible diving that does not disturb marine environments. For instance, it is best to avoid exploring a natural reserve or area where animals mate or give birth.
Practicing Ethical Scuba Diving – A Simple Guide
It is possible to engage in ethical and eco-sensitive scuba diving. To minimize the detrimental impacts of scuba diving on the underwater environment, you have to follow practices, such as:
- Mastering buoyancy control
- Engaging in responsible wildlife interactions
- Opting for eco-friendly equipment
Summary
So, yes, scuba diving does disturb marine life and habitat. However, there are ethical and eco-sensitive practices that can mitigate detrimental effects. Various UAE corporate social responsibility companies are also coming forward to tackle the issue and create a more sustainable scuba diving environment.
