Scuba diving to see coral is an interesting experience chosen by many tourists in recent years. What could be more interesting than exploring the "brilliant forest" under the sea with coral reefs and extremely strange, colorful fish. Vietnam's sea has many coral areas that live and develop into a population such as: Phu Quoc, Cat Ba or Quang Nam... so these sea areas are all attractive destinations for tourists who love diving.
However, the sad reality is that coral reefs in some places are gradually decreasing in both quantity and quality due to the impact of tourism activities. Coral reefs are not only beautiful scenery but also provide shelter and food for many species of fish and marine animals. Not only that, coral reefs also support humans by acting as a coastal protection belt, preventing big waves, storms, and floods. They are also a source of livelihood for generations of fishermen, for travel companies, providing coral diving tours and more broadly, the tourism industry of countries and the world.
Because of this special importance, everyone when traveling needs to be aware of protecting the coral habitat. However, you will be surprised to know that the smallest actions when participating in your travel will also contribute to protecting this animal species.
Choose eco-tours or volunteer tours
The trend of green tourism and eco-tourism has been growing strongly in recent years as tourists are increasingly aware of environmental protection and sustainable tourism. In addition, volunteer tourism activities have gradually become popular when combining sightseeing, relaxation, exploration with charity and volunteer activities to protect the environment. Some tourist areas in Vietnam have had activities to clean up waste at sea, notably: Da Nang, Quang Nam, Kien Giang, Ninh Thuan...
Volunteer tourism with diving and garbage collection activities in Vinh Hy Bay - Ninh Thuan
So, when traveling this summer, choose and support companies that organize eco-tours and volunteer tours. The experienced tour guides on these trips will have a lot of "interesting" things to share with you, from environmental pollution, seawater warming, climate change to how human fishing activities are rapidly weakening coral reefs.
Ecotourism joins in supporting sea turtles to lay eggs in Con Dao
Find out more about the upcoming sea area
Due to the urgency and overload, many destinations have now updated information and guided tourists on codes of conduct to be able to travel in an environmentally friendly way. In some island countries famous for their coral ecosystems, tourists often have to sign commitments to comply with regulations when participating in tourism activities and face huge fines if they violate. Or typically in Cu Lao Cham - Quang Nam, this small island has implemented a policy of not using plastic bags for many years and requires tourists to visit the island to also comply with the rules to protect the marine environment here.
Therefore, before traveling, take some time to check the destination's tourism websites to be fully informed about sustainable tourism initiatives, volunteer activities, regulations and commitments to environmental protection.
Reduce plastic waste when traveling
When packing for a trip, remember to bring essential items for yourself such as: personal water bottles, reusable bags, toiletries... to minimize the amount of disposable plastic waste that you buy on the street or use at the hotel.
Choose to use "Plastic-Free" items
Because most of these single-use plastic wastes are dumped into the oceans and seriously harm marine life. Therefore, not littering when traveling and limiting the amount of plastic waste you use is a very simple way to protect the coral reef habitat.
Use environmentally friendly cosmetics
The most typical cosmetic when going on a beach trip is sunscreen! Many sunscreens contain substances that are harmful to the marine environment and corals, such as oxybenzone, avobenzone or octinoxate. These substances are often found in chemical sunscreens and will cause "bleaching" of corals as well as directly affect the skin and shells of other marine creatures.
It is estimated that each year, Hawaiian beach resorts are exposed to about 2.7 tons of sunscreen released into the water by diving and swimming activities. Therefore, Hawaii (USA) and the Pacific island nation of Palau are the first two places to tighten regulations on sunscreen containing banned substances. You will even be fined up to 1,000 USD and prosecuted if you intentionally carry, trade and use sunscreen containing banned substances in Palau. Therefore, choose to use physical sunscreens that do not contain banned substances to significantly contribute to the protection of coral reefs in the places you visit.
Coral reefs are being "bleached" by the effects of sunscreen.
In addition, limiting the use of shampoo or shower gel in bathing areas on the beach is also a small but extremely essential action to avoid polluting water sources at beaches.
Refuse coral products
One of the reasons why corals are harvested is to make souvenirs for tourists, or for the aquarium trade. In fact, many people do not know that corals are living creatures and the increased demand has promoted the destruction of this ecosystem.
Refuse coral products
Not only corals, but tourists also buy fish, starfish or natural products that threaten these species. Be a responsible tourist by refusing souvenirs made from coral or marine life. When these items cannot be consumed, exploitation will also decrease rapidly.
Do not touch the coral
Finally, when diving or snorkeling, avoid even the slightest impact on the natural environment. Typically, do not touch or step on coral reefs. Scientists advise tourists and divers to keep their distance from coral because simply using scuba tanks or searching for shells can stir up sediment and suffocate coral.
Even dead or faded corals should not be touched as they are often home to other marine life. You should stop at a distance of 20-30 cm to look at or take pictures of coral reefs.
Boats can also cause serious damage to coral reefs in shallow water. If you are using a private boat, protect the coral by using a mooring line or only anchoring in sandy areas.
