We tell people at this time it will not affect their diving experience but in years to come it could very well reach that point. The people who are testing the life within the rivers find that in the upper areas it is disastrous what is going on but by the time the rivers meander about and empty into the ocean, there's nothing coming out of the rivers at that point. Within a few years it will definitely be a different story. Local environment groups, too, are worried about the region's future. Water testing has shown mercury present at dangerous levels.
Tour operators remain fearful of the consequences of publicity.
If they're afraid of the drinking water, they're not going to come here. And that report was compiled by our South East Asia correspondent, Ginny Stein. Transcripts on this website are created by an independent transcription service. The ABC does not warrant the accuracy of the transcripts. ABC Online users are advised to listen to the audio provided on this page to verify the accuracy of the transcripts.