Asian Diver – March 2018

FEATURE CORAL SOS

ABOVE: IYOR is launched by the International

Coral Reef Initiative (ICRI) as reefs

are facing an uphill battle against

global threats

IMAGE: Bo Eide

In relieving coral reefs of these
local threats, we are allowing them
to be more resilient to major threats
that are out of our control. The
more we learn about coral reefs, the
more we’re realising how adaptable
they are. Certain coral species can
switch out their zooxanthellae for
more heat-resistant strains to
avoid bleaching in the first place,
and reefs with high levels of
biodiversity and functional groups
(e.g., algae-eating fish) can recover
faster from bleaching. Scientists are
recognising that one of the best ways
we can help reefs battle an uncertain
future is to keep them as healthy as
possible. That means every reef user
has a vital role to play.
Reef-World is releasing the Green
Fins International Year of the
Reef 2018 campaign with the aim to
start cultivating a behaviour change
within the diving community, a positive
change that will benefit coral reefs.
Whether you have a direct connection
with the reefs as a diver, dive guide
or instructor, or you’re a couple of
steps away from the sea as a training
agency or dive equipment
manufacturer, you can all make a
difference. The campaign will cover
four simple actions that the diving
industry can take control over, allowing
reefs to be the strongest they can be.

ww.reef-world.org

REDEFINE THE DIVE

Redefine the Dive is the first Green

Fins solution of the campaign,

released from February to April

2018. It aims to demonstrate
      how dive guides are in a unique
      position to show tourists the
      majesty of the underwater
      world and help them do so in an
      environmentally-responsible
      manner. Scientific research has
      shown that a good combination of
      environmental pre-dive briefings
      and underwater corrections
      reduce the rates of diver contact
      with the reef. In order to properly
      #RedefineTheDive, divers need to
      understand the problem, and with
      that, the solutions and possible
      actions available to tackle the
      issue. The International Year of the
      Reef 2018 is a chance for divers
      and the diving industry to take the
      lead and collectively show that
      healthy oceans really do mean a
      healthy business.

REDEFINE THE DIVE

From errant fin kicks to poor

photography techniques, this action

point delivers new tips and tricks that

guides can use to redefine how their

guests dive. Dive tourists will get

a deeper understanding of what to

expect from their dive shops and

dive guides.

NO ANCHORING

Whilst the impacts of anchoring are

well known, the practice remains

pervasive in many tourism locations

around the world. Alternatives will be

clearly outlined.

NO FISH FEEDING

Fish feeding is a highly popular

tourism practice around the world, but

its impacts are felt long after that bag

of bread is emptied. Tourists will learn

the issues surrounding this practice.

HEALTHY OCEANS MEAN

A HEALTHY BUSINESS

Any business related to divers has

an inherent interest in healthy coral

reefs. Equipment manufacturers

have a unique opportunity to lead

the way into a circular economy and

protect the oceans from a plastic tide.

Different stakeholders and individuals

will be invited to pledge for coral reef

protection long-term.