MgicTwnger

With the growing popularity of recreational diving, including wreck diving, there is a lot of controversy about the effect of this activity on the wrecks themselves. I’d like to discuss some of the arguments on both sides.

Because wrecks are in an unprotected environment they are all subject to natural deterioration. Currents, salt and marine life all have their effect. Human activity adds to the toll, sometimes disastrously. Things like anchoring on the wreck itself obviously should be avoided, but some seemingly harmless activities can cause damage. Bubbles released within a wreck can dislodge rust and sediment, pulling oneself along can cause structural damage, and so forth. Good operators and divers are mindful of this but any visit to a wreck affects it. Any attempt to restrict public access to popular dive sites invariably results in a debate between the dive industry on one side, the government and conservationists on the other, with divers left to wonder who, if anyone, is right.

Before modern laws and practices it was common for divers to get as many “trophies” as they could. Pretty much anything was fair game. Subsequent divers could not enjoy the objects and they were usually stored in someone’s home, away from public view. On the other hand, objects, especially small or delicate ones, left in situ will deteriorate and may be lost altogether.

Lastly, wrecks are the products of disasters often involving loss of life, or older vessels which are intentionally sunk to become reefs and/or dive attractions. Some are actually tombs. They all have a history and many people feel they should be left alone.

I wish there were some easy answers to these questions. I can only tell you how I dive:

I only dive with operators and other divers committed to preserving the wrecks in their “natural” state.
I never take trophies of any kind.
I believe wrecks are historical artifacts and should be seen, appreciated, and treated with respect.

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I am not the one who needs mental help. I just need to vent.

glynneco

I couldn't agree more. The point for me was made on land. Out west is the Petrified Forest National Park. They have a picture of an area that is littered with bits of petrified wood. It looks like someone droppea load of gravel. Now? It's barren except for the the few pieces too big to carry. Point well made with a simple photograph. Take pics and memories and leave only bubbles.

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Is that the bottom of the quarry or is the vis just really bad today?