Most people are aware how easily coral reefs and the associated marine life can be damaged. Many of the more popular snorkel and dive sites are National Park areas with day use mooring bouy systems installed. Use these moorings as prescribed and if none are available anchor only in a designated area. Never take anything from a National Park area, the slogan “take only pictures, leave only bubbles” is good advice.

When snorkeling or diving do not touch the coral, not only can you cause injury to yourself but the coral will be damaged even though it may not appear so.

The colourful reef fish can be inquisitive and you will observe some people feeding them. Although this is an enjoyable activity some marine biologists believe it is ultimately harmful to the fish. It changes their natural behaviour making them dependent and the types of scraps they are fed cause them to become unhealthy.