Comments on: Australia Part Two: Cairns and the Coral Sea

By: Jeff

Jeff — Thu, 15 Mar 2007 17:53:52 +0000

Even if you’re wearing gloves, touching a fish wipes away the slimy outer coating that protects them from bacteria. Sharks and stingrays are probably OK because they don’t have slimy scales, but there are other reasons you might want to leave them alone.

By: Anastasia L

Anastasia L — Tue, 13 Mar 2007 22:11:29 +0000

In the dive briefing, we were told NOT to touch the cod. We carry all kinds of yucky bacteria. In her defense, she was wearing gloves, and I might not have “tsk”ed too hard at a pat or two – but she was actively pulling on parts of the fish while we watched. (And also moving around using a telescoping metal stick to keep herself off the bottom, rather than correcting her buoyancy. It wasn’t pretty.)

I think the general opinion on dive boats is that it’s somewhat acceptable to touch if the critter approaches you. But still not necessarily healthy for the animal. And if the animal is moving away when you touch it, you really need to stop.

By: Ben

Ben — Tue, 13 Mar 2007 21:31:46 +0000

Are divers encouraged touch the cod? I’ve heard of places where things like that are suggested or encouraged, but I don’t know anything about the ramifications. If it’s like a petting zoo and it doesn’t bother the animal, es okay?