Vandalism of Philippine corals by divers

[Spoon]

Guys i am re-posting a thread from the PPD forum. its about the vandalizing of corals in one of our most popular dive sites in Anilao, Batangas. I know that this topic can be heated bec of the supposed culprits and also remember several posts in the past getting deleted becasue of certain racial concerns. i am by no means causing trouble or trying to stir the pot or even starting a flame war. take it as it is.

i for one am very disturbed but more angry at the blatant act of vandalism occuring in Philippine waters.

original thread:
http://www.scubaboard.com/showthread.php?t=125901

 

[Bruciebabe]

This is not some isolated incident out of the blue. In the Phillipines I have witnessed the attitude and skills of some divers who visit from overseas. When they descend from the diveboat they land in a cloud of debris that seconds earlier had been pristine reef. They fin along overweighted kicking the reef continuously throughout the dive and they wear gloves and so grab, pick up and generally play with everything that takes their fancy. This behaviour and attitude is not compatible with the long term health of the reef and therefore it's attractiveness as a tourist destination. Yet nothing is done about it.

 

[Mike Veitch]

Unfortunately not just in the PI

 

[Kim]

It is totally unacceptable behavior by any diver anywhere.

 

[Spoon]

This is not some isolated incident out of the blue. In the Phillipines I have witnessed the attitude and skills of some divers who visit from overseas. When they descend from the diveboat they land in a cloud of debris that seconds earlier had been pristine reef. They fin along overweighted kicking the reef continuously throughout the dive and they wear gloves and so grab, pick up and generally play with everything that takes their fancy. This behaviour and attitude is not compatible with the long term health of the reef and therefore it's attractiveness as a tourist destination. Yet nothing is done about it.

like i mentioned this is a deliberate act of vandalism. its not some newbie with poor buoyancy skills damaging the reef. whatever the case i think that more should be done about it instead of just blabbing away. if the dms turn a blind eye then they are as guilty, if the dive ops continue to patronize divers known for damaging the reef they are likewise guilty.