The ocean is a vast, breathtaking world that’s both mysterious and deeply intertwined with our planet’s health. For divers, this underwater universe offers a chance to connect with rare natural beauty and marine life – but with such a privilege comes the responsibility to protect this unique landscape. 

As awareness around ocean sustainability continues to grow, both professional and recreational ocean explorers are also becoming stewards for green diving. A recent report found that blue tourism now accounts for 50% of all global travel – so setting the right example is vital for each and every dive you enjoy.

Whether you’re a seasoned marine biologist or someone who enjoys scuba diving while on holiday, there’s some essential practices you should carry with you to help ensure the health and longevity of the magical world we all love.

Here are our top tips for protecting the ocean while diving.

Perfect your buoyancy control

Having precise control over your buoyancy is critical for avoiding accidental contact with fragile coral or stirring up sediment that can smother delicate marine creatures. Practice hovering regularly, and always do a thorough gear check before entering the water – even a dangling fin or tank gauge can leave a trail of damage behind you.

As well as focusing on not leaving any lasting trace as you move through the water, be sure to be an avid trash collector during your time underwater, too. Even small debris, like fishing lines or plastic wrappers, can entangle, choke, and kill underwater animals. Take a small mesh bag with you on every dive, and pair your exploration with a mini ocean clean-up mission – you’ll be helping to reduce the amount of rubbish in the water while also inspiring others to do the same.

Look, don’t touch

It can of course be tempting to pick up a pretty shell for closer inspection, touch a starfish, or even to attempt to interact with larger marine life species such as turtles, rays, or sharks. But resisting the urge is important as touching and disrupting the movements of marine animals can stress or harm them, and removing anything from the ecosystem – no matter how small – disrupts its delicate balance.

Instead, take pictures or log your sightings in an app like Reef Life Survey rather than risk touching or removing anything from the reef or water. Some dive tours may offer fish feeding to attract marine life to the area, but this disrupts natural behaviours and research suggests it’s actually harming the health of some species like sharks. 

Sustainable diving means observing animals on their terms. If you have to force interactions with them, it’s unlikely to result in a positive outcome for them once you’re back on dry land.

Use reef-safe sunscreen

Many sunscreens contain chemicals like oxybenzone and octinoxate, which are toxic to coral reefs and marine life. As a diver who is likely spending hours exposed to the sun, using a reef-safe sunscreen is the best way to protect both yourself and the ocean. 

Look for mineral-based sunscreens with non-nano zinc oxide, and always apply it 15-30 minutes before diving to avoid it rinsing off in the water before it has the chance to sink into your skin.

Share your adventures

The more we talk about ocean sustainability, the bigger our impact as eco-conscious divers. Your voice carries the power to speak up for underwater ecosystems and help to raise awareness around responsible ways for others to enjoy our oceans. 

Share your insights, findings, and adventures to help educate others on how they can support marine conservation, even if they don’t enter the water personally. With respect, care, and a little additional consideration, you can enjoy a sustainable dive that leaves our waters and the animals that call them home safe.

By Andy Porter from the Sustainability Reporter