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Chapter 2- The Diving Environment The Diving Environment 63 or by removing them from their food source. Another practice to be discouraged is turning over rocks. This destroys habitat and exposes animals to predation. Spearfishers (figure 2-33) and game collectors (figure 2-34) should set good examples by taking only enough game for a meal. Filling your freezer, giving game away, or helping someone else get their limit are not consistent with conservation. When the limit on something is 10, it doesn’t mean you should strive to take 10; it means that under no circumstances should you ever take more than 10. Take less if less meets your immediate needs. Have respect for local laws and regulations, and for life. There are many sources of reading material to improve your conservation education. These include diving publications, newspapers, books, magazines, and the Internet. Obtain solid information to form opinions to better inform and influence others. These materials are available online, at libraries, marine laboratories, and public aquariums. Other options include enrolling in college or university courses and attending events such as conservation group meetings. SUMMARY This section has briefly described some of the conditions a diver may encounter in and around the underwater environment. We have also discussed how to avoid most of the associated problems by following a few simple rules. For oral toxins, avoid eating unknown species (fish or shellfish), check with local authorities for the safety of any species new to you, and do not eat shellfish collected from an area which has recently suffered a “red tide.” For parenteral toxins (the “stingers”), always wear protective clothing while diving, wear gloves even in the tropics, and watch where you place your feet and hands while underwater. For predators, do not enter waters where sharks or other predators are known to frequent. If you find yourself in the presence of predators, leave the water. Do not feed or molest predators. Most importantly, know your diving area (figure 2-35). FIGURE 2-34. COLLECTING GAME REQUIRES GOOD BASIC SKILLS AND A KNOWLEDGE OF THE ANIMALS’ HABITS. FIGURE 2-35. MARINE PARK SIGNS USUALLY CONTAIN INFORMATION THAT IS HELPFUL WHEN DIVE PLANNING.


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