Recreational diving either with SCUBA equipment or
a simple snorkel and mask is widely available to Floridians and
tourists both in fresh and saltwater. In a state as populous
as Florida that also has so many tourists visiting to enjoy our
resources, maintaining safe and sustainable diving opportunities
must be a shared responsibility. The Florida Fish and
Wildlife Conservation Commission, as well as numerous other
government agencies at all levels, work hard to do there
part. As a diver, we encourage you to abide by and encourage
the following conservation considerations:
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"Take only photos, leave only bubbles." Never
litter in or around the water. Plastics and other debris
cause havoc with fish, marine mammals and reptiles, including
causing life threatening entanglement problems, and causing
them to eat indigestible or toxic materials. Not to mention
that one of the main reasons for diving is to enjoy the serenity
and beauty of nature--we can find plenty of trash top side.
When possible help out by removing any trash you find.
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Never anchor on or over living coral, and never
collect or touch it. The oils in your skin and simple contact
with a flipper or glove can cause the delicate polyps that are the
colonial animals forming coral structures to die.
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Don't approach or feed manatees, dolphins, whales,
sea turtles or other air breathing animals. Wild animals
should not be treated as pets and interfering with their daily
routines can be disruptive and harmful.
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Please don't feed the fish; it destroys their
natural feeding habits, and you might be injured by some of the
larger predators like sharks and baracuda.
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Consult tide and navigation charts to ensure you
have adequate clearance and avoid shallow waters that your boat
motor will stir up.
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Don't power through rooted aquatic vegetation, it
is a vital portion of our fisheries habitat. Be aware of your
wake and it's impact along the shore, on other boaters and on
man-made structures.
Some useful links:
Persons with Disabilities