What Is Reef Diving?
Quadri Abdur April 17th, 2023 Posted In: Articles Tags: SCUBA
What Is Reef SCUBA Diving?
One of the most captivating sights in the ocean is a dive among vibrant reefs teaming with marine life. You can’t wait to finally go underwater. Tropical coral reefs, which are home to 25% of marine species, fascinate and excite snorkelers and divers. Stepping off the diving boat into the pristine, warm seas of the tropics is a dream come true.
In the water with you, there are colorful tropical fish that seem curious about your presence. You’re about to descend to a sea of vibrant color stretching as far as the eye can see. There is a difference between these fish and the ones you saw in aquariums earlier. There’s no glass between you and them; this is their territory. You observe a turtle gliding gracefully underneath you; it doesn’t appear to be bothered by anything. You have entered the exciting world of reef diving.
Reef Diving Insights
Scuba divers spend much of their time exploring coral reefs and do it mostly in the warm seas of the tropics. Coral reefs, teeming with vibrant marine life, never fail to amaze visitors. Fantastic reefs may be found in many different places. And for many people, seeing one of these “underwater cities” is the pinnacle of a dive or snorkeling vacation.
In the Asia-Pacific region, there is a region known as the Coral Triangle, which is home to the world’s most diversified coral reefs. Coral reefs are not just a sight to see, but also a valuable resource that requires ongoing protection against the effects of modern civilization.
While we recognize the existence of cold-water reefs, our focus is on reefs found in warmer waters. Many divers desire to join the ranks of expert open water and deep divers but are restricted to a maximum depth of 60 feet/18 meters. The truth is that the Open Water Diver can access some of the world’s top diving spots.
What’s more, algae are essential to the survival of most coral species, yet corals can’t thrive without sunshine. Most corals can only be found at depths of less than 100 feet (or 30 meters), although certain species may grow as deep as 450 feet (or 135 meters) and black corals can grow as deep as 150 feet (45 meters). Sometimes the densest areas are found at depths of less than 60 feet (18 meters).
What Is A Coral Reef?
A reef consists of both live species and the skeletal remains of extinct ones. You may call it living skin. Coral reefs host hundreds of species and are among the most varied ecosystems on Earth. Coral reefs, which take up just 0.2% of the seas, are essential because they provide a home for 30% of marine organisms.
The coral reef ecosystem is made up of billions of tiny living things known as polyps. In contrast to their relatives the jellyfish and anemones, the polyps that build coral reefs leave behind a mineral skeleton. The average size of these organisms is between 1 mm (.04 inches) and 3 mm (.11 inches). However, they have only a few layers of tissue, a mouth, and tentacles, making them the simplest of organisms. They secrete a calcium carbonate shell, which is colored by the algae they eat. Also, they will make their home in this protective sphere, and hide there when they feel threatened.
Shallow corals get their energy from plankton and photosynthesis from the sun. Both people and marine life depend critically on coral reefs, and divers and snorkelers enjoy them for the spectacular array of marine life and vivid colors. The Coral Triangle, the Great Barrier Reef, and the reef systems of Mesoamerica are home to the vast majority of the world’s coral reefs.
Prominent Reef Systems
Coral reefs may be found all over the terrain around tropical continents and islands. Reefs can be either barrier reefs, fringe reefs, or an atoll. The Great Barrier Reef in Australia and the reef system in Mesoamerica are the two biggest reefs in the world and the ones most often discussed in the media. There are several smaller barrier and fringe reefs in both of these reef systems.
The Belize Barrier Reef is part of the larger Mesoamerican Reef. A barrier reef is found beyond the coast of the land it is connected to. The reef’s edge lies atop a cliff that plunges hundreds of feet below the surface of the continent. The lagoon is a shallow region located behind the reef that reaches out to the coast. The reef protects the shoreline, even if it may be hundreds or kilometers distant. A fringe reef is distinguished by its attachment or close attachment to the mainland.
In contrast to a barrier reef, the fringe does not have a continental border, and any lagoon present is rather small. It’s safe to assume that each reef you visit on a shore or boat dive is a fringe reef. They’re the most prevalent type of reef. The atoll reef is the rarest type of reef.
An atoll consists of a group of islands surrounded by a reef that has taken the shape of an oval or a circle. Since the island’s sinking due to shifting sea levels, a developing coral ring forms around its perimeter. Typically, a narrow passageway leads out to the open ocean from the lagoon-like interior of the ring.
Reef Diving in The Coral Triangle
Although coral reefs may be found in tropical areas all over the world, the most thriving reefs and highest species variety can be found in a region called the coral triangle. The Pacific Ocean’s Coral Triangle includes the islands of Bali in Indonesia, the Philippines, and the Solomon Islands.
With over 2,000 known fish species and an estimated 600 reef-building coral species, this area constitutes the most diversified marine environment known to science. Raja Ampat, located in eastern Indonesia, is often regarded as having the world’s highest coral diversity.
As the geographic center of the coral triangle, it is high on the bucket lists of many scuba divers since it is home to some of the world’s best diving. The Philippines, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, Fiji, and the Solomon Islands all have great diving because of their proximity to the Pacific.
Artificial Reefs
The artificial reef is yet another type of reef that defies scientific theory. Boats have been lost at sea ever since humans began traveling to and across the globe. When left on the bottom, a wide variety of marine organisms quickly colonize the area.
Floating seaweed, algae, and other forms of aquatic life may also stumble across these sunken vessels. It’s also possible for coral larvae to establish a colony there. Even if it takes decades for the coral colonies to grow large enough to give refuge for young fish, the vessel can do so in the meanwhile.
As coral grows over the wreckage, divers will be able to see a beautiful fusion of manmade and natural structures. Many people who support the use of artificial reefs argue that they are not artificial in any way. Although the foundation was likely introduced by humans, the reef itself was constructed entirely by Mother Nature.
Conservation Coral Reefs
Many factors, like rising sea temperatures, water pollution, excessive fishing, and ocean acidification, threaten this unique ecosystem. But there is a lot we can do to protect these reefs. Evidence suggests that reefs and fish populations can both benefit considerably from the establishment of marine protected reserves. There have been several successful implementations of similar programs at local levels. Consider this when you choose to try out reef diving in order to continue to protect the reefs!
Coral reefs rely on clean water, therefore reducing pollution is also crucial. They can absorb more solar energy for photosynthesis and so maintain their health. When exposed to increased water temperatures, healthy corals have proven to be more resilient and able to survive.
