Mining Waste Threat for Coral Reef

Posted on July 25, 2025July 27, 2025 by Annabel Thomas

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Mining Waste Threat for Coral Reef

Coral reefs are among the most vital and diverse marine ecosystems on Earth, often referred to as the “rainforests of the sea.” They support over 25% of all marine species, provide food and income for millions of people, and serve as natural barriers that protect coastlines from erosion and storm surges. Despite their importance, coral reefs face a growing and often overlooked threat — pollution from mining waste.

Sedimentation from Mining Operations

One of the most direct threats posed by mining is sedimentation. Land-based mining activities often release large amounts of fine particles into nearby rivers and coastal waters. These sediments increase water turbidity, blocking sunlight that corals need to survive. Without adequate light, the symbiotic algae (zooxanthellae) living inside coral tissues cannot photosynthesise, leading to coral stress, bleaching, and eventually death.

Deep Sea Tailings Disposal (DSTP)

Some mining companies use a method called Deep Sea Tailings Placement (DSTP), in which mine waste is dumped directly into the ocean. While this practice is intended to reduce land-based pollution, it introduces toxic materials into deep-sea environments. These pollutants can eventually resurface or migrate to shallower areas, causing widespread damage to coral reefs and other marine ecosystems.

Toxic Heavy Metals

Mining waste frequently contains harmful heavy metals such as mercury, arsenic, lead, and cadmium. These substances can accumulate in coral tissues and other marine organisms, disrupting biological functions and poisoning the marine food web. In severe cases, entire reef ecosystems may become uninhabitable for fish and invertebrates.

Impact on Local Communities

The damage caused by mining waste extends beyond the marine environment. Coastal communities and fisherfolk often suffer from declining fish stocks, contaminated seafood, and reduced income from tourism. As coral reefs degrade, these areas also become more vulnerable to coastal storms due to the loss of natural wave barriers.

Protecting coral reefs from mining pollution requires urgent and coordinated action. Key measures include stricter regulation of mining operations, better waste management, continuous environmental monitoring, and the rehabilitation of damaged marine areas. Saving coral reefs is not only crucial for marine biodiversity — it is essential for the food security, livelihoods, and coastal protection of millions around the world.

By Hafid, AMD-B’s 2025 Divemaster Intern

10 Ways Divers Can Protect the Underwater Environment

Posted on June 27, 2025July 4, 2025 by Annabel Thomas

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10 Ways Divers Can Protect the Underwater Environment

The underwater world is a stunning and fragile ecosystem that needs our protection more than ever. As divers, we have a unique opportunity—and responsibility—to be stewards of the ocean. Here are ten practical ways divers can protect and preserve marine environments.

Be Ocean AWARE

Start by educating yourself. Being AWARE (Aquatic World Awareness, Responsibility, and Education) means understanding the challenges our oceans face, from coral bleaching to plastic pollution. By learning about these issues, you can make informed choices and become an advocate for change.

Take Action

Knowledge alone isn’t enough—take action. Support conservation organizations, attend beach clean-ups, and raise awareness in your community. Small actions like reducing single-use plastics or encouraging sustainable seafood choices can have a big impact when adopted widely.

Respect Wildlife

Always observe marine life from a respectful distance. Never touch, chase, or feed animals, as this can stress them, alter natural behaviour, or even cause harm. Remember, we are guests in their home.

Be a Buoyancy Expert

Poor buoyancy control is one of the main causes of reef damage. Mastering your buoyancy helps prevent accidental contact with fragile coral or stirring up sediment, which can smother marine life. Take a Peak Performance Buoyancy course if needed—it’s a game changer.

Practice Responsible Imaging

Underwater photography and videography are fantastic ways to share the beauty of the sea, but they must be done responsibly. Avoid touching or manipulating marine life for a better shot, and be mindful of your fins and gear to avoid damaging the environment.

Leave Only Bubbles, Take Only Trash

The classic diver’s motto still stands. Don’t take shells, coral, or other natural souvenirs from the ocean. Instead, take any trash you find back to the surface. Removing even one piece of marine debris can make a difference.

Become a Citizen Scientist

You can contribute to marine science by collecting valuable data on your dives. Join programs like REEF, CoralWatch, or Project AWARE’s Dive Against Debris to report sightings and conditions. Your observations help researchers monitor ocean health.

Be an Ecotourist

Choose dive operators that prioritize sustainability. Look for eco-certifications, reef-safe practices, and guides who promote environmental awareness. Support local communities and businesses that are committed to ocean conservation.

Give Back

Donate your time, money, or skills to support marine conservation projects. Whether it’s through volunteer work, fundraising, or supporting NGOs, every bit counts. Giving back strengthens the diving community’s positive impact.

Join Us

Finally, become part of a global movement of divers who are committed to protecting the underwater world. Join conservation groups, participate in clean-ups, and share your passion with others. The more voices we have, the louder our message becomes.

Diving is a privilege—and with that privilege comes responsibility. By adopting these ten practices, divers can help safeguard marine ecosystems for generations to come. Every dive is a chance to make a difference. Protect what you love: dive with purpose.

By Hafid, AMD-B’s 2025 Divemaster Intern

How Does Carbon Pollution Impact Our Ocean?

Posted on May 24, 2025May 25, 2025 by Annabel Thomas

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How Does Carbon Pollution Impact Our Ocean?

The ocean plays a vital role in absorbing carbon dioxide (CO₂) from the atmosphere, which helps regulate our planet’s climate. When CO₂ dissolves in seawater, it helps reduce the amount of this gas in the air, acting as a natural “carbon sink“. However, human activities—particularly through the burning of fossil fuels, deforestation, and industrial processes—are producing more CO₂ than ever before. As the ocean absorbs more of this excess carbon, it starts to change the water’s chemistry, leading to what we call ocean acidification.

Ocean Acidification

When the ocean takes in too much CO₂, the water becomes more acidic. This acidification affects marine life, especially those that rely on calcium carbonate to build their shells and skeletons. Corals, for instance, struggle to maintain their reefs, making them weaker and slower to grow. This weakening of entire coral reef structures can lead to a loss of biodiversity and impact the ecosystems that depend on these reefs.

Shellfish like oysters and clams also find it harder to form their shells, leading to fewer surviving offspring. Even tiny creatures like certain plankton, which are a crucial part of the food chain, can have their shells dissolve in more acidic waters. Sea urchins, which use calcium carbonate for their spines, also face challenges in these changing conditions.

Why Ocean Acidification Matters?

As ocean acidification continues, it poses a serious threat to the health of marine ecosystems. Corals, shellfish, and other sea creatures that depend on calcium carbonate are finding it harder to survive in these more acidic waters. This not only affects the animals themselves but also the larger marine environment, including the communities that rely on healthy oceans for food and livelihoods. The combined effects of ocean acidification, coral reef loss, and disrupted fisheries can have significant economic consequences, particularly for coastal communities dependent on marine resources. Reducing carbon emissions is crucial to slowing down this process and protecting the ocean’s delicate balance.

By Fahmi, AMD-B’s 2024 Divemaster Intern