RESPONSIBLE REEF DIVING: THE DIVEQUEST PHILOSOPHY

RESPONSIBLE REEF DIVING: THE DIVEQUEST PHILOSOPHY

Divequest is strongly committed to the principles of marine protection and conservation. Many of the dive sites visited on Divequest holidays are in marine parks and as such have stringent conservation rules. With the ever-increasing number of divers exploring the marvels of our underwater world it is more important than ever to ensure that the superb coral reefs that you are about to explore and the superb marine life which you are about to discover are conserved for future generations of divers to appreciate.

The complex web of life that makes up our marine ecosystem is delicate in its structure and easily damaged or torn apart by man's unthinking behaviour. It is our responsibility to care for, protect and preserve this precious and fragile habitat. We ask that our clients support marine conservation wherever they travel. Please read and follow carefully the Divequest Philosophy for Responsible Reef Diving.

" Ensure you are correctly weighted and therefore maintain neutral buoyancy before approaching coral reefs.

" Control finning; silt and sand stirred by careless finning can kill fragile sponges and corals.

" Avoid all contact with living coral; living corals can be easily damaged by even the slightest touch from the hand, or by careless fin movements. Gauge consoles, lights, cameras or any other dangling equipment can strike the corals causing disease, damage and ultimately death. Underwater photographers need to pay particular attention: the quest for great images should not be at the expense of the reef!

" Do not remove shells or corals from the reef, even if they are dead, They are still part of the ecosystem, providing homes and habitats for other creatures.

" Take care when diving in caves or under overhangs; trapped air bubbles damage the delicate structures of corals and sponges.

" Never feed the fish; not only can this encourage aggressive behaviour but it also disrupts the natural balance of the food chain and consequently affects the whole reef ecology.

" Never buy from shops which sell marine life or artefacts as souvenirs.