The biggest threat to coral reefs: Prices on Under Water cameras

[Garrobo]

I took a camera with me on one night dive but the pictures were all white-washed out. Since and before that I just keep the pictures in my head. There are plenty of pictures on the internet for free so now and then I send some of them if one of my friends or relatives bothers me about sending them some pictures. They wouldn't know the difference.

 

[mjh]

During my "research" I have spoken to several well known and popular dive operations, in several parts of the world. All would like some Guidelines they could point to and say "we abide by the following...sanctioned by XYZ Certification Agencies".

The fact is most in the dive industry live on tips. They need happy divers/photogs. Many less than eco-friendly divers have expectations of seeing puffed up puffers and hard to find animals out in the open. One story related was a fan with pygmy seahorses was moved by a dive op to a spot with less current so their new diver/photogs could get their "must have" shot. When the other ops found out they moved it back and all critters are doing fine.

The point is if we divers get behind reasonable Guidelines the pressure will be off dive guides to do things that make them money today but they admit could be problematic in the future.

 

[DennisS]

Explain to them, that most people consider other peoples dive pictures, the equivalent of home movies of their kids and pets. They really don't need to document everything that every other tourist on the dive boat has previously photographed. Sell a high quality CD of the 50 most popular shots for $10

 

[jridg]

I started diving with photo gear about six years ago - I don't bring it every time - but my own experience in Cozumel is that the divemaster's watch the photo takers more closely due to the increased risk of impact on the reef. They know that the reef is their life blood and take great pains to ensure you don't touch it at all......

 

[editmojo]

String nailed it. Our presence with or without a camera effects everything. The infrastructure associated with any dove operation will leave a mark, from the pollution of the boat to the shore based activities. Can and should we minimize the impact? Yes, of course.

One of the main reasons I dive is to become more aware of this amazing planet we cohabit with every other creature. As responsible divers it is our job to raise the awareness of unconscious divers as to the impact they have. I thinks that's the OPs main piont.

I'm not a treehugger but I will miss seafood when it's gone.

 

[Papa Steve]

My .02 . .
You have several options:
Outlaw or drastically limit diving in affected areas.
Hire SCUBA police to patrol the reefs
Change people's basic nature.
The choices above are options that either are impossible or options most on this board would not want to see happen.

There are people out there who damage the reefs, they know they're damaging the reefs, and just don't care. You're not going to change these people.
There are people out there who damage the reefs, they know they're damaging the reefs, but they don't understand or believe the degree of their impact. You can try and educate these people. You will change some, the rest you will push into the group mentioned above.
There are people out there who are damaging the reefs and they don't have a clue they're damaging the reefs. You can try and educate these people. You will change some, the rest you will push to the first group above.

An ongoing education campaign through the training agencies, trade rags, vendors, resorts, etc can make some impact and it is something that should be done. But at the end of the day you'll still have two camps . .those who care and those who don't. And at that point it's a heart problem, not a head problem. And there's just not a whole lot you can do at that point without making the sport something you probably don't want it to be.

 

[ryssyr]

I agree with many of your points. I dove camera free for over 20yrs but have become addicted to the aluminum housed monster. While I think there are many bigger threats to the reefs than divers with cameras I do think diving photogs need to set the standard for excellent buoyancy and being reef friendly. At our website we have the following posted on our Conservation Page: Aquablue Dreams

Our Guidelines to Nature Photography

1. Always try to minimize our impact on the subject.
2. We will not move, handle, coax or prod any animal to capture a "better" photo.
3. We will not move, handle or disturb any coral or other structure to get a "better" photo of a subject.
4. We will be very conscious of our buoyancy in an attempt to avoid coming in contact with the reef or bottom.
5. Only one finger on the reef (dead section) to capture a photo.* If this is not possible than we will forgo the picture.
6. If we see a fellow diver harming the reef or its creatures intentionally or by accident we will no longer keep silent. We will try, with as much tact as possible, to raise the subject of protecting that which we have all come to SEE!
7. We will let guides know that we do not look for them to manipulate in any way the creatures and settings we have come to capture in pixels.

In fact I am researching trying to get something like the above adopted by the major training agencies and dive operations. I don't want to hijack the thread but my research with some major players shows all agree something should be done but all feel it has to start within the community itself. Then the dive ops and agencies can sign on without looking like they are trying to be the reef police.

If this is something you are interested in getting involved in feel free to PM me. I am starting to look for ideas of how to get folks organized to support some Guidelines for Diving Photographers.

I think every DM should highlight the above points in the pre-dive briefing for both camera divers as well as non-camera divers. Thats a great list!

On the many many overseas dives I have been on (as well as local ones) the pre-dive briefing has been too short and many skip the serious reminder to be careful and aware of your surroundings. The exception to this was the last time I was in Roatan. The DMs took reef care extremely seriously and were on top of the divers who were banging around.

I think a lot of vacation divers just dont get enough buoyancy practice and are rusty, which can lead to some damage or just a gap in situational awareness. I dont think anyone means to harm things, and some dont realize whats happening unless you point it out. I've taken pics of other divers to show them what their trim looks like and its surprising to them when they see what they look like.

 

[mjh]

Papa Steve,

I don't disagree with you. You are right that even if I had my way there will always be two "groups". My goal is to try to make the "don't care" group as small as possible.

Of course there are many factors/groups/behaviors that effect the oceans more than divers with cameras but even a mouse can eat a elephant one bite at a time.

 

[NudeDiver]

Localities should just implement a $200/dive camera tax, to be collected from the dive operator from each diver who brings a camera on board the boat. The DM running the entry/exit can monitor the divers as they enter and exit the water for camera equipment and make sure they paid the appropriate tax.

Can solve this pesky low cost problem in a hurry.

 

[J.R.]

What are ya'll smokin'??? I almost always have a camera with me... touch it... there WILL be a war...