Every diver has an investment in preserving the world's reefs. Today, human beings are the dominant life form on earth. As such, the stewardship of its life is a sacred trust. You may not be able to do anything about others who fail to respect the sanctity of life, but you can do what's right, feel good about yourself, and join in solidarity with all those that love the earth and the miracle of life. Here are some tips:

• Don't touch anything. Many aquatic organisms, such as corals, are covered with a mucus that protects them from infection. Touching aquatic creatures can wipe away their protective coating and leave them open to disease. While you may have difficulty avoiding accidental contact with marine organisms (especially when you're just beginning), it's a goal worth striving for.
• Practice buoyancy control. The most common reason divers touch corals and other marine organisms is poor buoyancy control.
• Be realistic about your abilities. Don't try to dive on delicate sites if you don't feel that your buoyancy control is up to it. If you're in doubt, consult with the dive master, explain to him or her about your concerns -- he or she is going to have a lot more respect for you than if you get down there and start grabbing hold of everything.
• Don't chase or harass marine animals. Just the presence of divers in the water is enough to alter the behavior of some creatures. Don't make it worse by purposely harassing them. Remember that you're a visitor to their world. Don't start racking up a lot of bad underwater karma.