As an eco-friendly dive resort, we ensure that everything we do has as little impact on the environment as possible and that we educate every diver we have to ensure they do what they can to help the environment as well. All of our students and fun divers sign eco pledges and vow to dive responsibly to protect our coral reefs.
We’ve been practising responsible and sustainable tourism for ages so we’re pretty good at it now. Here are our top tips for making sure that you’re part of the solution and not part of the problem.
We use only sustainable seafood
Global fish populations are effectively being wiped out because people are eating them in much greater numbers. This is, of course, completely unsustainable, and we will end up with a dead, lifeless ocean if we carry on the way we are. So when you are shopping or eating out, help to reduce the demand for overexploited species by choosing seafood that is harvested responsibly and sustainably.
As an eco-friendly dive resort, we use less plastic
Plastic often ends up as ocean debris which hugely contributes to ocean habitat destruction. It also kills tens of thousands of marine animals each year since plastics are choking and entanglement hazards. To help reduce this you should carry a reusable water bottle, store food in reusable containers, bring your own cloth tote or other reusable bag when shopping, and recycle whenever possible. We have both reusable water bottles and tote bags available at our main office, and in our retail store, and we encourage all our staff and customers to use them. Proceeds from their sale help support our work on our artificial reef just off Sairee Beach.
We keep the beach clean
Whether you’re a diver, surfer, or just like to lounge around on the beach, a dirty beach is not inviting. The ocean doesn’t produce trash. Trash washes up because it was left behind at some point by a forgetful or ignorant human. Always clean up after yourself. When you leave the beach, take everything with you that you arrived with, and that includes cigarette butts. Explore and appreciate the ocean without interfering with wildlife or removing rocks and coral. Go even further by encouraging others to respect the marine environment or by participating in local beach cleanups which we run from our eco friendly dive resort every week.
Don’t exploit marine life
Certain products contribute to the harming of fragile coral reefs and marine populations. Avoid purchasing items such as coral jewelry, tortoiseshell hair accessories (made from hawksbill turtles), and shark products. Even reconsider buying jewellery made of shells. Shells do eventually break down and return their nutrients to the ocean. So every time we remove a shell, we’re taking a little something out of that ecosystem. Big Blue Diving does not support the sale of any product made at the detriment to our oceans and coral reefs.
We’re ocean-friendly pet owners
Read pet food labels and consider seafood sustainability when choosing a diet for your pet. Never flush cat litter, which can contain pathogens harmful to marine life. Avoid stocking your aquarium with wild-caught saltwater fish, and never release any aquarium fish into the ocean or other bodies of water, a practice that can introduce non-native species harmful to the existing ecosystem.
We support organizations that protect the ocean
Many institutions and organizations are fighting to protect ocean habitats and marine wildlife. Find a national organization and consider giving financial support or volunteering for hands-on work or advocacy. If you live near the coast, join up with a local branch or group and get involved in projects close to home. Every year we hold an event we call Swim for Sharks. We race around Koh Nang Yuan, challenging our friends and colleagues to a 3.6km swimming route, all to raise money to support Shark Guardian and their global shark conservation efforts. It’s a highlight of our year and what really sets us apart as an eco-friendly dive resort.
Influence change in your community
Research the ocean policies of public officials before you vote or contact your local representatives to let them know you support marine conservation projects. Consider only going to restaurants and grocery stores that offer only sustainable seafood, and speak up about your concerns if you spot a threatened species on the menu or at the seafood counter.
Travel responsibly
Practice responsible boating, kayaking, and other recreational activities on the water. Never throw anything overboard, and be aware of marine life in the waters around you. If you’re set on taking a cruise for your next vacation, do some research to find the most eco-friendly option.
Educate yourself about the importance of the oceans
Did you know that the oceans actually produce more oxygen than all the world’s forests? All life on Earth is intrinsically connected to the ocean and its inhabitants. The more you learn about the issues facing this vital system, the more you’ll want to help ensure its health and the more you’ll then share that knowledge to educate and inspire others.
If you want to know more about our environmental policies, procedures, our conservation internships and our conservation courses – give us a shout!
