We've started to really notice other divers' behaviors, and it bothers me. I'd love to see a respectful discussion on whether this is an acceptable practice.
We've seen divers picking up marine life (sea cucumbers and starfish, for example) to look under them, along with rocks and shells and using a tickle stick to literally comb through sea grass. Now, granted, if you have seen something and you are trying to get a better look, I understand that. But just picking marine life up to look underneath it? It seems like such an affront to being a good steward of our oceans, and most disturbingly, I've mostly seen this with highly experienced divers and dive masters. I also understand the appeal, though, as a divemaster doing just this found the only pom pom crab we've ever seen. It also kind of feels like cheating.
Thoughts?
We've seen divers picking up marine life (sea cucumbers and starfish, for example) to look under them, along with rocks and shells and using a tickle stick to literally comb through sea grass. Now, granted, if you have seen something and you are trying to get a better look, I understand that. But just picking marine life up to look underneath it? It seems like such an affront to being a good steward of our oceans, and most disturbingly, I've mostly seen this with highly experienced divers and dive masters. I also understand the appeal, though, as a divemaster doing just this found the only pom pom crab we've ever seen. It also kind of feels like cheating.
Thoughts?