Diving and Snorkeling Responsibly
Decades of visitors scuba diving on Thailand's islands and reefs have had far greater negative effects on marine life than any tsunami. All divers needs to be aware of, and consequently minimize, their impact on the environment.
Touch nothing, stand only on sand: As fascinating as something you see may be, resist the urge to handle it, and never stand on anything that isn't sand. Coral is extremely fragile, urchins are as painful as they look, and although sharks may be no threat to divers, you can appreciate the foolishness of grabbing one's tail. Other dangers to both you and the environment are less obvious: eels live within holes in rocks and reef; turtles are reptiles that require air to breathe, and even some dive instructors are guilty of "hitching a ride" on them, causing the turtles to expend precious air. Furthermore, don't feed fish human food—feeding them bread, peas, or even M&Ms may be entertaining, but it rewards aggressive fish to the detriment of species diversity.
Secure diving equipment, maintain level buoyancy: Divers should make sure equipment is securely fastened or stored, so that no items are lost or scrape against coral. Divers should also maintain level buoyancy to prevent inadvertent brushes with coral, as well as to save air. Snorkelers who need to remove their masks should pull them down around their necks rather than up on their foreheads. Masks can fall off and quickly sink, and a mask on the forehead is considered a symbol of distress.
Check your pockets, no butts: Minimize underwater pollution when snorkeling by checking your pockets before jumping into the water. Conscientious divers can clip a stuff sack to their BCDs to pocket random trash they encounter. Lastly, if you smoke, don't flick cigarette butts into the water.
Protect yourself and nature: Sunscreen is a must anytime you are exposed to Thailand's tropical sun. Snorkeling unprotected is a guaranteed skin disaster (and painful obstacle to the rest of your holiday); however, sunblock, when dissolving into the water from hundreds of visitors each day, is bound to take its toll on the marine environment. You can limit the amount of sunscreen you must slather on by covering your back with a Lycra rash guard or a short- or long-sleeve shirt while snorkeling.
Follow the credo, "Leave only footprints, take only memories." Try to minimize your impact on this ecosystem in which you are only a visitor.
