These discussions frequently focus on the sustainable management of marine resources with respect to traditional fishing practices, industrial fishing licenses, land based development that impacts marine ecosystems, the aquarium and shell trade, and the growth of tourism. Rather than shy away from these most important and often challenging questions, we believe that our groups provide an ideal platform to discuss these issues. When done responsibly, snorkeling offers us one of the most benign interactions available with any wilderness environment. Guidelines for Responsible Snorkeling 1. Simply relax and move slowly .
Marine life is less threatened by a relaxed snorkeler.
Swimming slowly is not only more comfortable for you, but also is less likely to intimidate the wildlife we have all come to observe. Many creatures are extremely sensitive to vibrations in the water, and in fact depend on this sense for their survival. Quick motions of snorkelers are easily perceived as potential threats by many fish and invertebrates. No matter how strong you are, humans simply cannot outswim animals such as whales, rays, turtles, fish and squid. Although the impulse may be to pursue these animals for a closer look, this will only scare them away.