9 Things Divers Can Do to Save the Ocean

1. Reduce Your Carbon Footprint

Reduce the effects of climate crisis on the ocean by leaving the car at home when erver you can and by being conscious of your energy use at home and work. For example turn of lights, TV, Laptop etc. if not using it. Take the stairs, not the elevator; that’s good for your physical training aswell and can lead to lower air consumption when diving. Reduce travelling by plane to your next diving-adventure – check out spots in front of your door. You will find amazing things there! And use carpooling with your divebuddys – no need for everyones car to get there!

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2. Take Care of Marine Life every single Dive

It is simple: Do not disturbe marine life. Look, enjoy, but do not touch! This is one of the fundamental scuba diving rules. Touching or picking up corals, fish and other marine animals can damage or even kill these creatures, as well be dangerous for your self. So keep your distance - not only with your hands, but also with your fins!

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3. Keep Your Environment Clean

Wheter while sunbathing on the beach or during a dive underwater, it is your responsponsibility to leave the place at least as clean as you found it. So take your garbage with you! And even better: take the garbage with you from those who have not complied with this rule. If you find old fishing lines, fishing nets, plastic (bottles), batteries etc. while diving, take it to the surface and dispose of them there properly. An exception are glass bottles, as they do not harm the sea, but underwater often serve as a shelter for crabs and other small animals.

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4. Use Fewer Plastic Products

Plastics that end up in the ocean kill tens of thousands of marine animals every year and are a major problem concerning habitat destruction. To limit the impact plastics have on the pollution of the ocean, use fewer plastic products. For example, simply start with bringing your own reusable bag when shopping and by glass instead of one way plastic bottles. Try to recycle as much as possible and dispose of the rest properly.

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5. Choose sustainable food - especially when it comes to seafood

The oceans have suffered from massive overfishing for years and we know it. Add to that the steadily increasing loss of habitat and still unsustainable fishing. Unfortunately, we divers know pictures of coral reefs destroyed by fishing with dynamite, or lunar landscapes without life caused by trawls only too well. But not only the fishermen are to blame, but also we as consumers, since the constant demand for fish can often only be served with such practices. It is therefore important to pay attention to which fish lands on the plate and how it was fished when shopping and eating out. In Austria it is actually very simple: buy local fish, it certainly does not come from the sea.

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6. Do not buy products for which marine life is exploited

Jewelry made of corals, fish oil products, hairbrushes made of tortoiseshell, cosmetic articles made of shark or whale fat, surimi, shark powder - all these are things that you should definitely not buy if you care about the sea and its inhabitants. Fuck shark products!

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7. Support Organizations Working to Protect the Ocean

Many institutes and organizations are fighting to protect ocean habitats and marine wildlife. Find a organization you can trust and consider giving financial support if you can. Or support them actively. In Austria for example support Sea Shepherd Austria.

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8. Travel the Ocean Responsibly

As divers we often want to see special places far from shore. I know. Still, remember what I mentioned in 1. There are so many places to explore in front of your door - it not always has to be the divesite on the other side of the world.

But yes, I am also longing for distant diving spots in the middle of the sea. So, if you plan your next expedition with a dive boat, make sure to find an eco-friendly option and a company that follows environmental protection rules and respects nature protection zones.

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9. Educate Yourself and Influence Change

All life on earth is connected to the sea and its inhabitants. The more you become aware of the threat to this vital system, the more you will want to help ensure its health. Share your knowledge with others and educate them about the state of the oceans.