Do you touch?

[sharkattack]

YES YOU DO!! YOU PULLED THIS POOR FROG FISH OFF THIS REEF AND PLAYED WITH HIM!!!! Proof!!

But I am just as guilty as I pulled this Octo out from a hole in a rock. Pretty bad I know! He did get his vengence by sticking his tenticles into my face, reg, and mask.

 

[PhotoTJ]

If a Sea Lion touches me first, yes. Usually I try not to, unless I'm taking game.

 

[sharkattack]

I said yes to touching animals I love the frog fish!

And the spiney puffers

 

[cascbagrl]

and wolfees

 

[sharkattack]

and wolfees

And hermit buddies

 

[cascbagrl]

good god is there anything we don't touch

 

[sharkattack]

The reef!. . . . We are very good about that.

 

[mislav]

Personally, I feel bad if i stir up the bottom!

That's a very good point. We're all guilty if this since we were all beginners at some point.

I choose what to touch or interact with underwater, but I'm certain I've caused some damage by unintentionally stirring up the silt off the sea floor. Since the dive one, every time I touch the bottom with my fins I look back if I wounded some poor critter or not. I know, it's probably in vain, but I feel better doing it anyway.

 

[ehuber]

It is within the scope of human nature to be curious, so I cannot deny a temptation to play... but it is also within human nature to beg forgiveness rather than permission. This is why touching is inherently dangerous, so although gentle "interaction" with marine life is not so horrible it is the example that the educated set that makes the difference. All those touching life --most particularly the instructors-- had better be clarifying their position on the dives, so the newbies aren't learning bad habits.

You may think this is too strict, but that student 40ft away may not think at all... and learn a lifetime of selfish behavior from you regardless of your motives. An instructor who is sloppy about this is probably sloppy about some other important issues as well.