10 Steps To Better Eco-Diving In Kelp Forests By Jean-Michel Cousteau

Step 1 - Become comfortable in the water. Learn the basic skills of diving well enough to be completely at ease. You'll be safer, enjoy more of what you're seeing and be less prone to panic.

Step 2 - Plan your dive well.
Dive planning is a cornerstone of basic diving technique, not just the skill of experienced divers. Know the unique characteristics of a dive site in advance so that you do not become disoriented, or even lost. If currents or visibility change unexpectedly, you may be swept onto a reef or into kelp, injuring yourself and marine life if you are not prepared.

Step 3 - Learn to control your buoyancy.
Mastering the art of buoyancy control means your dives will be less strenuous and less environmentally damaging. You'll have more time and air to enjoy the underwater scenery.

Step 4 - Streamline your equipment.
All equipment should be streamlined so the kelp has as few points as possible to snag on. Once all straps are adjusted, excess material can be trimmed, cut, taped or in some cases reversed, so the excess is on the inside and not flapping around. Keeping gear to a minimum and close to your body also reduces the effort of diving.

Step 5 - Learn how to descend and ascend in the kelp.
If you are in the kelp canopy and need to descend, deflate your BC and dry suit (if wearing one) and slowly make a couple of 360 degree turns while your hands push the kelp away. This will make an open area in the kelp. Descend feet first. When underwater, if you prefer to descend head first, lift your arms up over your head, turn, and swim. Similarly, if you need to ascend through the kelp canopy, make a slow ascent while turning 360 degrees and pushing the kelp away, creating an open area at the surface.

Step 6 - Swim below the kelp canopy at the surface, navigating with your compass.
If you accidentally surface within the canopy and need to swim across the kelp, extend both of your arms over the kelp in front of you and push the kelp down carefully while doing a dolphin kick. This will pop you up and over the kelp and allow you to move slowly across and out of the canopy.

Step 7 - Do not thrash around or make sudden movements if entangled in kelp. This will only make your situation worse. Reach around or over yourself and remove the kelp. Have your buddy assist with gently untangling the kelp.

Step 8 - Touch or take nothing.
Your slightest touch can disturb or destroy many residents of the kelp ecosystem. Kelp forests are finely tuned ecosystems inhabited by creatures performing many services that keep the ecosystem functioning. Removing even the most insignificant-appearing stone can disrupt this fragile system. You're a guest in this ocean home. Respect it as you would your own.

Step 9 - Think about what your photo or video can do to help the oceans.
Whenever you dive, you impact the undersea environment, and when you take photos or video footage, you bring away a piece of the spirit of the sea. Make your picture as important to the sea as it is to you. You can do this by sharing your experiences with others and by explaining to people how the kelp bed ecosystem functions. If your photos or video are good enough you may want to make presentations to local schools or community service organizations.

Step 10 - Be an ambassador of the environment.
Divers are a privileged minority who know the glory of the undersea world. In addition to communicating the beauty and wonder of the kelp bed, use your position and knowledge to promote responsible management of these valuable ecosystems. Support local marine protected areas and our National Marine Sanctuaries.