Scuba Diving Marine Life and Environment 2

Question 1

What does the 'look but don't touch' principle in scuba diving mean?

Accepted Answer

Observe marine life and reef without physical contact to minimize environmental impact

Answer

The look but don't touch principle means divers should be passive observers — observing marine life without physical contact to protect both the animal and the diver.

Question 2

Why are divers advised not to feed fish or marine life?

Accepted Answer

Feeding disrupts natural behavior, diet, and ecological balance

Answer

Feeding fish alters their natural foraging behavior, changes aggression patterns, can introduce inappropriate food, and disrupts the ecological relationships of the reef.

Question 3

What is the significance of thermoclines for scuba divers?

Accepted Answer

They are boundaries between water layers of different temperatures affecting visibility and buoyancy

Answer

A thermocline is a layer where water temperature drops sharply; crossing one can reduce visibility, affect wetsuit performance, and require buoyancy adjustment.

Question 4

Which US federal law protects sea turtles, dolphins, and marine mammals encountered while diving?

Accepted Answer

Marine Mammal Protection Act and Endangered Species Act

Answer

The Marine Mammal Protection Act and Endangered Species Act make it illegal to harass, harm, pursue, hunt, capture, or kill protected marine species in US waters.

Question 5

What is the purpose of a marine protected area (MPA) for scuba divers?

Accepted Answer

Conserve biodiversity by restricting harmful activities such as fishing or collecting

Answer

MPAs are designated zones where extractive activities like fishing and collecting are restricted or banned to protect marine ecosystems and biodiversity.

Scuba Diving Practice Test

Scuba Diving Practice Test

Scuba Diving Marine Life and Environment 2