Any diver will tell you that being underwater, surrounded by a kaleidoscope of biodiversity, is an incredible experience. However, our underwater adventures can have a negative impact on these fragile ecosystems and threaten their long-term survival. As divers, we have a responsibility to preserve the marine life we encounter, not only for others to enjoy but also for their intrinsic value.
In this guide, discover some of the steps you can take to be a sustainable diver and a few of the eco-friendly diving practices we should all be following. By choosing to be an ally of our oceans and actively participating in their protection, you’ll be enhancing the health of marine life and the economic benefits that sustainable diving can bring to local communities.
Want to plan an eco-conscious dive vacation? Discover some of the world's best eco-friendly dive resorts here.
Guide to eco-friendly diving
Understanding the environmental impacts of diving
While most divers head underwater with the best intentions, research conducted by Southern Cross University in 2014 showed that heavily dived underwater sites often have reduced coral cover and/or an increasing dominance of more resilient coral species. Over time, this can negatively impact species diversity and make the reefs less able to survive severe weather events and outbreaks of disease.
Poorly managed dive excursions can result in structural damage to corals, either by divers and their fins, the release of anchors and/or boats grounding on reefs. Dive activities can also lead to a decrease in water quality and the raising of particulate material into the water column as sediment is disturbed. This might be during stabilisation for underwater photography or by fins scraping along the ocean floor.
A decrease in water quality in and around popular dive sites may also result from the leaching of wastewater and/or toxic substances that contribute to water pollution and detrimental nutrient enrichment. If corals are damaged at a rate faster than they can recover, the long-term impact will be reef degradation and loss.
Guide to eco-friendly diving
Sustainable diving
Sustainable or eco-friendly diving is all about being aware of the potential impacts of scuba diving and making a concerted effort to leave marine environments in a better condition than you found them. This means not touching or feeding marine life and not disturbing the delicate balance of the ecosystem. It also means using biodegradable, reef-safe sunscreens that won’t degrade the water quality.
As a diver, improving your buoyancy control is one of the simplest ways you can avoid damaging coral reefs and marine ecosystems. When you have your buoyancy under control, you are less likely to have collisions with the coral or accidentally knock gorgonian fans with your fins. It may take a little bit of time to hone your buoyancy control but it will have a positive impact on the marine ecosystems you visit in the future.
Most importantly, opt to dive with operators who are committed to sustainable diving practices and put marine life before profits. Avoid dive shops, resorts or liveaboards that encourage the handling of marine life or feeding to attract large pelagic species. While it can be tempting to reach out and touch, this can damage the protective mucus layer of marine animals and lead to infections.
Look for eco-friendly dive resorts that avoid single-use plastics that may end up clogging our waterways and always dispose of waste/recycling in the most sustainable manner possible. At all times, practice Leave No Trace principles and take only memories (and photos) of your dives with you. Some dive operators will clearly state on their website exactly what they are doing to preserve the marine environments in which they work. But if not, don’t be afraid to ask questions.
Guide to eco-friendly diving
Support marine conservation efforts
If you want to take it one step further and help protect marine life outside of your recreational diving activities, look for marine conservation organisations to support. Check to see if there are groups in your local community that are participating in clean-up dives or helping to remove invasive marine species.
Wherever possible, support the creation of marine protected areas and spread awareness about conservation issues impacting our oceans with your family and friends. If you’re feeling philanthropic, consider donating money to marine conservation causes or volunteer your time to support ocean research projects. Project AWARE and Green Fins are two organisations that are dedicated to preserving oceans and marine life, and both welcome community support.
Guide to eco-friendly diving
FAQs
How can you dive sustainably?
Being an eco-friendly diver means using reef-safe sunscreen and biodegradable products when in ocean environments and practicing Leave No Trace principles. Collect any trash you see underwater and dispose of it responsibly, and avoid using single-use plastics and non-recyclable products in your day-to-day life.
As part of your ongoing dive education, hone your buoyancy skills so you are less likely to damage marine ecosystems and never touch marine life, no matter how close it comes to you. Only ever dive with eco-friendly dive resorts, liveaboards and schools that are committed to preserving our marine environments.
What is eco-friendly diving?
Eco-friendly diving is an approach to underwater exploration that focuses on preserving marine ecosystems. This is not only so that future generations can enjoy them, but also to ensure local communities that rely on dive tourism have a sustainable future. Marine ecosystems should also be preserved for their intrinsic value, independent of the benefits they bring to humans.
Where are the best places to go for an eco-friendly dive vacation?
There are countless dive resorts, schools and liveaboards around the world that are committed to sustainable diving, so it is possible to have an eco-friendly dive holiday in numerous destinations. But one that stands apart is Raja Ampat in Indonesia where more than 11,540 square kilometres of ocean have been designated within locally-managed marine protected areas.
Sipadan Island is another good choice, with this incredible Malaysian dive destination implementing a permit system to limit the number of divers on the reefs. After implementing a ban on single-use plastics in 2022, the Caribbean Island of Bonaire is also doing its bit to reduce pollution in our oceans and preserve local marine ecosystems.
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