If you're a scuba diver, you will have interaction with a huge variety of aquatic life and underwater organisms. Some of them will be curious about you and some will flee at the sound of your bubbles. All scuba divers share a common responsibility to protect and conserve the nature that attracts us and there are two ways that you can interact with the delicate and sensitive aquatic sea life. Passive interaction implies that you will not cause disturbance or harm, perhaps making underwater photography, whereas active interaction suggests that you may be involved in feeding, chasing and physical contact with the environment.

When you interact passively with aquatic life, you're less likely to experience aggressive behaviour by marine animals. Nearly all injuries involving aquatic animals result from human carelessness and it takes little understanding and care to avoid most potential problems. You're more likely to suffer from an unpleasant encounter with an nonaggression organism such as a puncture wound from sea urchins or cuts and scrapes from barnacles and coral. To avoid such incidents, try not to touch anything and wear an exposure suit to protect you from accidental contact. If you're not familiar with an organism it's best to leave it alone and the old adage says - If it's very pretty or very ugly ... don't touch it.

Please Note: This information is meant as a guide for scuba divers and does not replace proper training and a Scuba Certification