Hawaii Coral Reef Network's Sustainable Diving and Snorkeling Guidelines

RESPONSIBLE AND RESPECTFUL DIVING AND SNORKELING

Take only photos, leave only bubbles - do not collect shells or organisms

Observe animals exhibiting their natural behaviors rather than stimulate them to entertain

Do not feed wildlife

Do not grasp coral, stand on it, or kick up sediments

Practice neutral buoyancy and train others to do so

Keep gauges, fins and other accessories from dragging on the bottom

Handle wildlife as little as possible, if at all

Do not harass protected species, give sea turtles at least a 20-foot radius of approach; monk seals at least 100 foot radius of approach (law); dolphins at least 50 yard radius of approach; and whales 100 yard radius of approach (law)

Practice sustainable fishing techniques and obey size and catch limits

LOW IMPACT BOATING

Anchor only in sand, never in coral; use mooring pins whenever possible

Secure and dispose of all trash in proper containers on shore

Recycle at harbor or other land-based facilities

Keep boat engines properly maintained to minimize petroleum product pollution

Properly treat and lawfully dispose of sewage; use pump-out facilities at harbors

Use non-toxic cleansers for clean-up, such as Simple Green or anti-bacterial soaps

BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES FOR DIVE/SNORKEL SITES

Cooperate with other divers to reduce or rotate human numbers and vessels at dive sites

Communicate with other vessel operators to locate and share moorings

Voluntarily rotate sites that are becoming degraded, letting them "rest"

Support the establishment and usage of artificial reefs in appropriate locations to lessen the impact on existing natural sites

Obey the laws in State of Hawai'i Marine Life Conservation Districts and Fish Replenishment Areas

MARINE EDUCATION

Keep informed about the biology and population dynamics of coral reef ecosystems and impending threats

Provide a pre-dive briefing to divers to enhance their awareness and understanding of and sensitivity toward Hawai'i's coral reef ecosystem

Support staff to continue their education on the coral reef ecosystem

PRO-ACTIVE CONSERVATION

Participate in local conservation efforts (e.g., beach clean-ups and water conservation)

Use best management practices on land and sea (e.g., reduce use of fertilizers, properly dispose of toxic wastes and recycle)

Use mooring pins properly, e.g., use appropriate scoping when tying off, and assist the Coral Reef Network in maintenance through donations of time, materials and funds

Participate in projects that assess the health of the reefs, i.e., REEF, Reef Check & ReefWatchers or support such efforts with donations of time, materials and funds

Get involved in local and state government processes such as public hearings and commenting opportunities on Draft Environmental Impact Statements for projects that may affect reefs

Use your citizen power to praise the government when they have done a good job in conservation and speak out when they do something not in line with marine conservation

Know the laws and rules designed to protect the environment and report illegal activities

Support establishments that show care and respect for the ocean's inhabitants