Responsible Reef Practices While Snorkeling

Practices that you can do to help sustain the Great Barrier Reef for generations to come

• Practice at first over sand patches and away from the coral:

• Get comfortable with buoyancy control and fining techniques.

• Be mindful of where your fins are to avoid accidentally hitting the reef or stirring up sand.

• Snorkel carefully near the Reef:

• Move slowly and deliberately in the water, relax and take your time – to remain horizontal in the water, and refrain from standing up.

• Do not snorkel into areas where the water is less than one metre deep.

• Do not touch the walls of semi-confined areas (for example, small swim throughs and overhangs), never squeeze through a small area.

• Use rest stations or other flotation aids (for example, float lines, swimming noodles, and flotation vests) if you need to rest while snorkeling.

• Do not lean on, hold onto, or touch any part of the reef or moving animals when taking underwater photographs.

• Be mindful of all marine life:

• Avoid making sudden or loud noises underwater.

• Avoid chasing or attempting to ride or grab free-swimming animals (such as turtles, whales, and sea snakes). Avoid blocking their path or making them change direction.

• Do not touching or relocating any animals or plants.

• Stay more than one metre away from giant clams.

• Do not feed the fish.

• Do not collect any shells or ‘souvenirs’.

Thanks to New Horizon

Kathy Dowsett

www.kirkscubagear.com