How to Interact with Marine Life Responsibly

From October to December, Lara Kalisch dedicates much of her time to scanning a long, narrow beach for signs of recent sea turtle nesting in the sand.

As a biologist at Six Senses Zil Pasyon, a luxury resort in the Seychelles, part of Kalisch's role is to relocate sea turtle nests to safer beaches on the island. While generations of turtles have successfully laid eggs here, erosion and rising sea levels have made this area increasingly perilous.

The task is lengthy and meticulous. She must position the eggs precisely as the mother turtle did, ensuring not to rotate or flip them. If done properly, this increases the hatchlings' chances of survival.

Frequently, she involves resort guests, providing training on how to protect sea turtles, especially during nesting season. She believes this empowers them to be better advocates for turtles and marine life overall.

“We have a unique chance to engage with the community and collaborate with guests from around the globe to raise awareness about the importance of marine life conservation,” Kalisch remarked. “Our interactions here focus on sustainability and how individual actions can genuinely benefit the turtles. When people see the turtles and their eggs, they develop a fondness for them and are inspired to protect them.”

Kalisch noted that while not all travelers can connect with her team, there are numerous ways that everyone can contribute to ocean protection and navigate these fragile ecosystems responsibly during their travels. Here are a few tips that she and other wildlife experts encourage travelers to remember.

Leave coral and shells behind

Although it might be tempting to take home shell jewelry or coral souvenirs to remember your trip, Kalisch emphasized the importance of avoiding these purchases.

The demand for shells can lead to the degradation of marine ecosystems, harming local biodiversity. Moreover, regions like the Galápagos and Costa Rica have strict laws and international agreements to safeguard their coastlines and marine life. Purchasing these items not only undermines conservation efforts but is also illegal.

You may be surprised to learn that biologists advise leaving all shells where you find them. Shells serve essential roles for various animals, such as providing homes for hermit crabs and shelter for small fish. Therefore, even if you come across an empty shell, it’s best not to take it—it plays a crucial role in the ecosystem.

Likewise, Liane Fulford, a biologist at WiseOceans, a marine conservation organization, emphasizes the importance of not touching or standing on coral. Coral reefs are among the planet’s most diverse ecosystems, occupying less than 1 percent of the ocean (primarily in tropical regions near the equator) while supporting a quarter of all marine life. These reefs are also highly susceptible to damage. Additionally, it’s not only the act of taking coral that is harmful; what we wear in the water can also contribute to the problem.

Opt for reef-safe sunscreen

“Coral is the foundation of marine life—without it, there would be no oceanic ecosystem,” states Dr. Susanne Etti, global environmental impact manager at Intrepid Travel. “Coral reefs are under significant threat worldwide, suffering from rising ocean temperatures, overfishing, land-based pollution, and chemicals from sunscreen that swimmers and beachgoers introduce into the ocean daily, as well as through wastewater after showering at home.”

Etti further explained that over 14,000 tons of sunscreen enter coral reefs each year, contributing to coral bleaching. These chemicals also impair coral growth and reproduction, adversely affecting the health of marine organisms as a whole.

Generally, opt for a natural sunscreen (organic, non-toxic, biodegradable, etc.) that employs physical sunblocks like titanium or zinc oxide, rather than chemical options containing ingredients such as oxybenzone and octinoxate.

Observe from Mytour, but don’t interfere

In nature, it's crucial to appreciate the environment as it exists naturally, rather than altering it by your presence.

Keep a respectful distance from all animals you encounter—getting too close can lead to stress or provoke defensive reactions. Avoid calling out to them, whistling, or trying to capture their attention, as noise can be disruptive and cause anxiety. Do not touch or chase animals, and never remove them from their natural habitat.

Likewise, it's crucial to refrain from feeding wildlife. Doing so not only exposes animals to unhealthy food but can also lead them to associate humans with food, increasing the risk of dangerous encounters.

Participate in activities and volunteer with sustainable organizations

When planning a snorkeling or scuba diving trip, select a provider committed to responsible practices. Look for tour operators who follow guidelines from organizations like the Olive Ridley Project, World Cetacean Alliance, or Whale and Dolphin Conservation, which prioritize ethical and sustainable wildlife interactions.

You might also consider volunteering with ocean conservation organizations during your travels. Groups like the Ocean Conservancy often organize beach cleanups.

“The International Coastal Cleanup is the largest global initiative for cleaning beaches and waterways: since 1986, nearly 18 million volunteers worldwide have gathered over 400 million pounds of trash, and all you need to participate is a smartphone,” said Allison Schutes, senior director of Conservation Cleanups at Ocean Conservancy. “While traveling, take a moment to tidy up a local beach, waterway, or park, and utilize Ocean Conservancy’s Clean Swell app to log data on every item you collect. This information is valuable to scientists, advocates, and governments in developing solutions for the ocean plastic crisis.”

Similarly, organizations like WiseOceans conduct coral restoration projects at various hotels, including Four Seasons properties in locations like Mauritius, Bora Bora, and the Seychelles, inviting guests to get involved. These projects entail collecting coral fragments, securing them with rope, and suspending them from a metal table in the water, allowing the coral to absorb nutrients without being damaged by rolling on the seabed or washing ashore. Once the fragments mature, teams can replant them on the ocean floor to continue their growth.

If volunteering isn’t an option for you, consider supporting marine life protection organizations through donations. Kalisch organizes symbolic turtle sponsorships, allowing individuals to “adopt” a turtle for $50. Whenever she encounters that turtle, she sends a photo to its sponsors. WiseOceans offers a similar program where guests can support a coral piece and receive updates on its growth via regular emails. Financial contributions assist in funding research, conservation efforts, and educational programs that promote awareness about responsible interactions with marine life.