1Be kind to the coral, it is extremely sensitive and it’s growth rate is measured in years, not days and weeks.  Remember that even the lightest touch with hands, fins or other dive and snorkel equipment can damage sensitive coral polyps.  Snorkelers should wear buoyancy control or snorkel vests to allow gear adjustments without standing on the coral.  This is also why as divers we need to become masters at buoyancy control and should invest in training course like Peak Performance Buoyancy.

2It's illegal to harvest coral in Florida.

3Avoid contact with the ocean bottom; properly weighted divers should practice proper buoyancy control. Sandy areas that appear barren may support new growth if left undisturbed.  But if you have to make contact with the bottom, make sure that it is a sandy area and not the coral itself.

4Please don't feed the fish; it destroys their natural feeding habits, and avoids any potential injury to you or the marine life.  Change that desire to feed the fish into a Fish Identification Course and submit your findings to REEF (Reef Environmental Education Foundation).

5If you dive or snorkel on your own, be aware of reef mooring buoys to use instead of anchoring a boat; many dive and snorkel sites are located within the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, and anchoring in these Sanctuary Preservation Areas (SPA) is prohibited.

6If you can without causing more damage remove any foreign objects from the reef that is damaging the coral or marine ecosystem.