National Marine Sanctuaries are unique aquatic ecosystems operated by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) that offer scuba divers the chance to make some truly spectacular descents. Ten of the thirteen sanctuaries are regarded as diver friendly by the Agency. NOAA has published guidelines for safe and responsible diving in marine sanctuaries that are meant to preserve their natural resources for future divers. Divers are encouraged to volunteer for local research projects, attend educational events, participate in advisory council meetings, and above all, observe good dive safety practices.
In a recent press release, Sanctuary Program Director Daniel Basta states, “NOAA’s national marine sanctuaries have something to offer every diver, from the most experienced to the newly certified. We hope that all divers visiting our sanctuaries will want to join efforts to help preserve and protect these special places for future generations.”
NOAA Be A Smart Diver Guidelines - The following tips are offered by NOAA to reduce the ecological impact of recreational divers:
- Sharpen Diving Skills - Divers that learn to better master their buoyancy and streamline their gear will cause less damage to natural features like coral and be less likely to be hung up in kelp or disturb historic artifacts
- Learn Proper Shipwreck Diving Techniques - Maintaining correct orientation while diving on a wreck site is critical to safe diving. Advanced training is required for dives that penetrate wrecks
- Learn to Dive in Kelp - Swim below the canopy of kelp forests and use a compass to navigate. If you become entangled in kelp, don't struggle with it. Slowly remove it or have a dive partner assist with the removal
- Respect Marine Life - View marine wildlife from a safe distance and avoid encounters or sudden movements that might disturb them. Review marine mammal viewing guidelines
- Leave Artifacts Behind - Avoid removing rocks, shells or artifacts from marine sanctuaries. These materials provide habitat for marine wildlife and could be historically significant
- Marine Debris - Following a dive trip to a marine sanctuary, take home all of your trash and that of others. Plastics and other solid wastes do not break down in the environment and cause harm to wildlife
Ocean Etiquette - The Marine Sanctuary Program offers additional information to divers interested in having responsible encounters with marine wildlife in their natural habitat. Tips include pre-trip preparation, maintaining a safe distance from wildlife, avoiding potential conflicts with pets, and cleanup of marine derbis.
Visit the NOAA Sanctuary Program Website for more information and links to download the new sanctuary diving guide. Local sanctuaries offer additional diving safety and trip information specific for their regions.
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