Wishes during the holidays from friends includes fantastic dives and amazing moments underwater for the coming year but more than just traveling to exciting dive sites I planned and getting blasts underwater, I reaffirm my responsibility for the environment and reinforce my vows for the marine world.
There are a lot of things divers and other ocean lovers can do to help protect and preserve the beloved ocean. But there are things not to do, some simple things we can, day to day to help. Here are five things to digress for a healthier ocean, these are nothing new actually and are not hard to do.
PLASTIC
Bring canvas bags to the grocery store and say no to plastic. Plastic waste is one of the most prevalent threats to the ocean today. Look for items with less packaging and recycle as much as possible. Don’t use plastic ware or paper plates. I cringed watching food chains’ daily dumps at the land fill, so horrible. I can only wish that every local authorities shall ban use of plastics.
Last night was a victory as I refuse packing the fruits I bought in a plastic bag from a street stand. Nothing grand but if it becomes a habit being conscious everyday will eventually eliminate plastic wastes. Hopefully.
TRASH
Don’t litter. This is kind of a no brainer and most people who enjoy the outdoors in any capacity follow the “leave nothing but footprints” or, in the case of scuba divers, “leave nothing but bubbles” rule. Leave No Trace should always be our policy! I always bring a nylon trash bag during my dives to collect garbage and do a quick clean up before leaving the beach. We can do this even when we trek or hike.
CORAL
Don’t buy coral or other harvested souvenirs when traveling. Pieces of coral are most likely broken off living reefs, causing damage that can take years to rebuild. Instead, take pictures of the beautiful corals and shelled animals you encounter while diving. This makes a memory for you yet still leaves the ecosystem intact for the next diver to enjoy.
SUNSCREEN
Use care when choosing your sun protection. Many commercial sunscreens contain chemicals that wash off into the water which cause negative physiological changes in the environment, and therefore, the marine life within. But not to worry — there are plenty of “reef safe” products available to protect yourself from the sun’s damaging rays and treat any overexposure. Choose a lotion or spray with organic ingredients as possible, my favorite Sohoton cove prohibits sunscreen when you visit the Jellyfish Lagoon!
FISH
Reduce your consumption of seafood. Overfishing is a tremendous problem and demand for certain types of fish just leads to more and more being taken from the sea. Research sustainable seafoods in your area to see which ones are non-threatened species. The World Wildlife Federation publishes lists showing which seafoods are okay to consume and which to avoid. Personally, this is a struggle since I avoid meats but alternatives are at hand. Yup, choose salads instead! 🙂
As we start this year anew, we need to change our ways!
Life in the Great Beyond 
Litter is a nightmare, been diving down in Mexico and the pleasure boats constantly tossing their litter and sewage overboard. There are regulations to stop this but no one enforces them. All divers need to be responsible and where possible teach others… not always easy as some messages they do not want to hear…all about the money.
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