Environmentally aware diving on the Costa Brava

As another step towards consolidating the balance between underwater and diving activities on the Costa Brava and the conservation of the marine environment, new educational materials have been produced aimed at discovering, promoting and conserving aquatic and fishing habitats.

This initiative, led by the Association of Diving Centres on the Costa Brava is being introduced in September, one of the best months to enjoy scuba diving and snorkelling in the waters of the Costa Brava, exploring another dimension under the sea and discovering the unexpected treasures hidden there.

The Neptune grass meadows, walls of multicoloured sea fans, rocky nooks and crannies that are home to a rich and complex array of marine life, such as fish, octopuses, starfish, nudibranchs… an entire natural world waiting to be discovered but which also needs to be preserved and protected. Fostering respect for the natural environment among sea users will ensure the future of recreational activities like these, as well as the local economies and fishing industry.

Anyone wanting to go diving in protected marine areas must, therefore, take great care to avoid harming to this fragile ecosystem, in particular being careful not to cause any damage through contact with flippers, the body, hands or diving equipment. Hence the importance of diving and snorkelling eco-guides.

Educational toolkits with waterproof information cards for diving centres

As part of the campaign developed by the association, all local diving centres have been provided with educational toolkits containing a variety of materials aimed at establishing common quality standards with regard to underwater eco-guiding,, as well as promoting aquatic activities that encourage the discovery and interpretation of the marine environment.

In addition to informative videos about the various underwater habitats that we can discover when snorkelling or diving, a variety of waterproof species identification cards have also been produced as an illustrated guide to marine habitats, which are particularly tailored towards children and young people, as well as fact sheets about different habitats and a guide that can be used by guides and instructors.

The overall aim is to minimise the impact of diving activity on marine habitats, promote good practices among professionals and users and ensure the preservation of the seabed, of fishing interests and the coexistence of the various activities – extractive, contemplative, recreational and informative – that take place along the Costa Brava coast. The project is co-funded by the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF).