Think you’re a pretty good diver? A new study might say otherwise — and a lack of awareness may be taking a toll on already-stressed reefs. New research, led by Dr. Bing Lin (earth.abloom), observed more than 400 divers in the Philippines and Indonesia over 300 hours. On average, a diver bumps the reef once every four minutes, with 41% of those bumps causing observable damage to coral. Around 75% of divers rated themselves “better than average,” yet the majority of coral damage was unintentional. Divers simply weren’t aware they were bumping coral or kicking up sediment. Coral reefs are already under enormous pressure from warming oceans, acidification, pollution, and more. Every additional impact, even minor unintentional damage, compounds on an already-stressed ecosystem. Improving buoyancy control and situational awareness is one of the few things we can actually control. Next time you dive, practice with your buddy — and dive guides, don’t hesitate to offer tips! Read the full a...