Chapter 10- Other Diving Specialties
Other Diving Specialties
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ment in the future. Collecting photographs of shells is an
excellent way to combine two very popular underwater
activities.
A form of underwater collecting that is quite enjoyable
but less well known than the gathering of shells,
artifacts, and bottles, is accumulation of various types of
algae (aquatic plants). The algae is pressed onto paper
and dried to form attractive displays that are good for
decorations and gifts. There are many types of plants, and
finding them and preserving attractive pressings can be a
source of many years of pleasure. Since algae is plentiful
and since only small samples are needed for pressings,
conservation is not a problem. If you would like to have a
unique, enjoyable hobby, consider algae collecting.
Some people like to dive to collect living creatures
for aquariums. It can be a great source of enjoyment to
have a little of the underwater world in your home for
continuous enjoyment. Conservation, obedience to laws
and regulations, and ethical practices in the taking of
animals are all required for the diver who pursues this
interest. Nets are often used to catch small fish, but determined
collectors frequently use a suction gun, called a
“slurp gun” to pull small fish from cracks and crevices
without harming them. Education in aquarium maintenance
is mandatory, but this learning process is usually
part of the fun for divers who collect animals for home
aquariums.
Divers will collect just about anything they can carry,
including rocks and coral. No matter what you collect,
always consider your responsibility to the environment
and to the diving community. If you want to take
coral, for example, be aware that the growth of coral is
extremely slow. With this in mind, you should seek pieces
which have been broken by natural causes rather than
adding to the destruction of the environment, particularly
in areas which are heavily dived. Enjoy your collecting,
but always be able to do so in good conscience. Note: In
many areas, the taking of coral, whether dead or alive, is
illegal.
CHOICES, CHOICES
We told you there were many things to do underwater
and that diving had something special to offer to
everyone, and we haven’t even mentioned the excitement
of ice diving, cavern diving, cave diving, river diving,
drysuit diving, etc. Some people like to specialize in just
one area, while others like to become proficient in several
or in as many as they can. What a wonderful situation
it is to have so many exciting and rewarding activities
available.
When you are trained to do what you are interested
in doing, you will have more fun, be safer, and have
a better chance of ensuring success. That’s what
underwater specialties are all about.