Snorkelers Hurt Coral Reefs Unintentionally; Here's How

Coral reefs face many dangers, usually because of human activities like overfishing, pollution, letting boats on shallow waters, anchoring, and scuba diving and snorkeling. They may not mean to harm coral reefs, but standing on them and grabbing or unintentionally kicking them may break off fragments or rub off a protective layer which will allow algal infection.

Tourists typically love swimming above bright and colorful coral reefs. However, recent studies concluded that tourists are usually unaware of the damage they may be causing to corals, but educating them on the matter can go a long way towards preserving the beauty of coral reefs.

For two years, researchers Karin Jakubowski and Dr. Thomas Webler closely monitored hundreds of tourists and their behavior when snorkeling, Biosphere reported. Willing participants were asked after their excursions to report how often they think they made harmful contact with the reefs.

According to their observations, over one third unknowingly damaged the reef, and those who did made damaging contact seven times more than they believed.

Jakubowski and Webler then made a five-minute video to raise awareness of good reef etiquette which they showed to groups getting ready for their excursion. They also handed out pledges for snorkelers to sign which confirms their commitment to practice good reef etiquette.

The result is 11 percent of the educated group made damaging contact while it's 35 percent for the uneducated group. Considering that thousands of people snorkel a single reef, a 24 percent reduction is enough to make a large impact. Especially since corals this year cannot afford to take more damage because of the El Niño phenomenon, Asia One reported.

Many boat operators advise their guest to maintain a safe distance from the reef, but this is the first major study that looks whether that was effective. However, the snorkelers usually didn't pay attention. The two suggested that boat operators should require all snorkelers to watch a short video and sign pledges.

Coral researchers Jakubowski and Webler reported that most of the tourists they approached were thankful for the being informed about good reef etiquette. This proves that a little education about respectful behaviors can save coral reefs a lot of stress.