Regardless of what others do that I cannot do anything about, I am comfortable with the policy that picking up and handling marine life for no other purpose than your own amusement is not a good idea. I did think my friend did a good thing freeing the horn shark I mentioned, but don't try to lecture me on logic and consistency. I prefer not to pick up the critters and play with them when I'm underwater, even if the boat I rolled off of took out 200 invertibrates setting anchor. I don't get into hand-wringing about it, I just do what I can.
However, people are concerned about minimizing needless impact on marine ecosystems; it's why some dive ops in tropical areas are setting mooring bouys even when the governments deny permission to do so just so they won't continue to tear up the reef. Maybe we can have small victories.
You're right that each person has to make the call for themselves, and for me there is a difference between fishing for supper and picking up a crab to watch it wave its legs around.
Also, remember that what you do underwater is modeling for those who look up to you. You are setting an example for newbies every time you go in the water with them. What do you want to pass on to other divers who may be figuring out their own underwater behaviors?
As I said, do what you will. But if you're diving with me please don't pick up a crab and try to hand it to me.
However, people are concerned about minimizing needless impact on marine ecosystems; it's why some dive ops in tropical areas are setting mooring bouys even when the governments deny permission to do so just so they won't continue to tear up the reef. Maybe we can have small victories.
You're right that each person has to make the call for themselves, and for me there is a difference between fishing for supper and picking up a crab to watch it wave its legs around.
Also, remember that what you do underwater is modeling for those who look up to you. You are setting an example for newbies every time you go in the water with them. What do you want to pass on to other divers who may be figuring out their own underwater behaviors?
As I said, do what you will. But if you're diving with me please don't pick up a crab and try to hand it to me.
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