Coral reefs are among the most vital and fragile parts of the ocean. They support a staggering amount of marine life, protect coastlines from storms and even contribute to medicine. But human activity, including some diving practices, is causing serious harm. The good news? Every diver can help with coral reef protection by making conscious choices before, during and after a dive.
How Does Scuba Diving Affect Coral Reefs?
Diving itself isn’t the problem, careless diving is. Kicking up sediment, breaking coral with fins or touching marine life can disrupt delicate reef structures and stress the creatures that call them home. Even sunscreen and boat anchors can cause damage.
The best divers are those who leave no trace. That means mastering buoyancy, choosing reef-safe products and respecting protected ocean areas. Small actions add up and every choice matters.
Respect Marine Protected Areas(MPA) and Marine Reserves
MPAs and marine reserves are designated zones where human activity is restricted to allow marine life and coral reefs to recover. Some are completely no-take zones, while others allow limited activities like regulated diving and snorkelling.
Supporting these areas means:
- Choosing dive operators who follow MPA guidelines
- Following local rules about where and how to dive
- Reporting illegal activities like fishing in no-take zones
Marine reserves exist for a reason, they help coral reef recovery projects by giving reefs time to heal.
Choose Eco-Conscious Dive Operators
Not all dive centres prioritise conservation. Some anchor boats directly onto reefs, while others fail to educate divers on responsible practices. Picking an operator that values coral reef management makes a huge difference.
Look for businesses that:
- Use mooring buoys instead of anchoring on reefs
- Employ guides trained in marine conservation
- Educate divers about reef-safe practices
- Support coral reef restoration projects
One great example is Green Fins, an initiative that works with dive centres to improve sustainability. If a shop is Green Fins certified, it’s a solid sign they care about reef protection.
Use Reef-Safe Sunscreen and Personal Care Products
Many sunscreens contain chemicals like oxybenzone and octinoxate, which contribute to coral bleaching. Even tiny amounts can cause damage, and it washes off divers every time they enter the water. The fix? Switch to mineral-based sunscreens that use zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. These are safer for reefs and still protect against UV rays.
Other harmful products include shampoos, lotions and insect repellents. If it’s going on your skin and into the sea, check the label.
Master Your Buoyancy
Poor buoyancy control is one of the biggest threats to reefs from divers during dives. A single fin kick can break delicate coral that took decades to grow. Good buoyancy control means adjusting weights properly, practising neutral buoyancy and always being aware of fin position and what’s around you.
Numerous times I’ve seen divers kicking reef structures, by accident of course, but this doesn’t make up for the damage that is done. This is why buoyancy training is essential, it prevents unintentional damage and also makes diving more enjoyable. With the added benefit of usually giving you more time underwater, the more control you are in whilst being relaxed, the less air you will use. It’s a no-brainer!
Don’t Touch or Take Anything
The ocean isn’t a souvenir shop. Every shell, rock, or bit of coral plays a role in the marine ecosystem. Removing them disrupts the balance, and touching marine life can harm both the diver and the animal. It can be tempting to take a pretty shell as a souvenir of your trip, but you don’t know what is relying on that shell for shelter, not to mention if there is anything dangerous living inside. Cone snails, which are among the most venomous creatures in the ocean are often found in beautiful shells that would make the perfect souvenir. So I think we can agree that it’s best to leave things where they are and maybe just grab one from the sand on the beach instead. Hopefully this acts as a good warning to be respectful of the ecosystem, not just for the health of it, but for yourself as well!
With so many people having underwater cameras now it’s not uncommon for people to want selfies with things like starfish that don’t pose any threat and can be incredibly beautiful. They may seem like stationary objects on the ocean floor but they are complex living creatures that are highly sensitive to external stimuli. Picking up a starfish for a photo can cause them great stress which can lead to them expelling vital fluids. Even small interactions can have big consequences.
The rule is simple: look, but don’t touch.
Sometimes it is inevitable that we need to steady ourselves in the current to inspect or document something. For this the general practice is one or two fingers together, into the sand or onto a rocky surface, minimising contact and making sure to inspect the area beforehand to ensure we don’t put ourselves or anything else in danger. Of course, if it can be avoided, follow the rule above. Look, but don’t touch.
Support Coral Reef Restoration Projects
Coral reef rebuilding efforts are happening worldwide, from the Great Barrier Reef to the Caribbean. These projects involve growing coral in nurseries and transplanting them onto damaged reefs.
Divers can support coral reef restoration by:
- Volunteering with coral conservation programmes
- Donating to reef restoration initiatives
- Participating in citizen science projects that monitor coral health
One example is the Coral Restoration Foundation in Florida, where divers help plant new coral colonies. It’s hands-on conservation at its best.
Reduce Plastic Waste and Pollution
Plastic pollution is a massive threat to reefs. Discarded fishing nets, plastic bags and microplastics all contribute to reef degradation.
Divers can help by:
- Bringing reusable water bottles and bags
- Picking up plastic waste when diving
- Supporting companies that reduce plastic packaging
Even choosing reef-safe cosmetics and cleaning products makes a difference. Everything that washes down the drain eventually finds its way to the sea.
Why Coral Reef Protection Matters
The importance of coral reefs in marine ecosystems cannot be overstated. They support more than 25% of marine species, act as natural storm barriers and contribute billions to global economies through tourism and fishing. Losing them would be catastrophic.
Every diver has a responsibility to help protect these underwater habitats. By making thoughtful choices, diving responsibly and supporting reef management efforts, we can all contribute to saving coral reefs.
FAQs
How can divers help protect coral reefs?
Divers can protect coral reefs by using reef-safe products, choosing responsible dive operators, respecting marine protected areas and mastering buoyancy control.
Are marine protected areas effective?
Yes, MPAs and marine reserves provide safe zones where coral reefs can recover from human impact. They have been shown to increase biodiversity and coral cover.
What is coral reef restoration?
Coral reef restoration involves growing and transplanting coral to rebuild damaged reefs. Many organisations offer opportunities for divers to get involved.
Is it okay to touch coral while diving?
No. Corals are living organisms and touching them can cause damage, stress, or even death. Good buoyancy control helps divers avoid accidental contact.
Why is reef-safe sunscreen important?
Chemical sunscreens contribute to coral bleaching. Switching to mineral-based options protects both the diver and the reef.