7 March 2002 - Diving with Dragons brochure launch
 

 ‘Diving with Dragons - A Code of Conduct for Diving into the Dragon’s Lair’ Launched

Seadragons are so popular that they attract a lot of attention, not all of it welcome.

As a consequence Dragon Search (SA) and its partner organisations, in conjunction with the South Australian Dept for Environment & Heritage (Office for Coast and Marine) and Primary Industries & Resources SA (Marine Habitat Program) have worked together to produce a SCUBA diving Code of Conduct for the observation of seadragons in the wild.

Dragon Search is a monitoring program that encourages members of the community to provide information on seadragon sightings.  In Dragon Search’s last year of surveying, seadragon sightings from the public over the next 12 months are even more important than ever.  Anyone who visits the beach can get involved.

Seadragons are found only in southern Australian coastal waters and belong to the same marine fish family as seahorses and pipefish.  There is increasing concern about the future of seadragons which are threatened by habitat destruction.  For many South Australians the graceful leafy seadragon has come to represent the spectacular but threatened diversity of life in the seas off our State’s coastline and it was recently declared South Australia’s marine emblem.

The ‘Diving with Dragons – Code of Conduct’ sets out a few simple guidelines that divers can follow to reduce their impact on these marvelous animals.

The launch is being held at 2:30pm Sunday 10 March on the lawn adjacent the Pt Noarlunga jetty.  The date and venue coincide with the annual Reef Watch Marathon Dive on Pt Noarlunga reef, which marks the beginning of Seaweek 2002 in South Australia.  Information displays from a range of other marine conservation organisations will also be present near the jetty on the day.

The Diving with Dragons - Code of Conduct asks divers to:
1) Leave seadragons where they are;
2) Look but don’t touch;
3) Respect their home range and avoid herding;
4) Avoid moving seadragons up or down in the water column;
5) Accept sea lice on seadragons in moderation;
6) Watch your feet and fins;
7) Take special care with male seadragons carrying eggs;
8) Turn the lights down when observing at night;
9) Clean up discarded fishing line found;
10) Dive right and watch your gear;
11) Respect the marine environment;
12) Remember fisheries regulations; and
13) Respect marine reserves.

An electronic copy of the 'Diving with Dragons' brochure can be found at www.reefwatch.asn.au/dscode.pdf