One of the best parts of snorkeling or scuba diving is immersing yourself in the world of marine life. Being surrounded by vibrant tropical fish is an exciting experience, and this is why some divers like to feed fish with food scraps such as rice or bread to attract them closer. If you’re planning your next adventure, exploring the snorkeling spots around Similan Islands or joining a diving trip to Surin Islands offers some of the most breathtaking underwater experiences.
However, did you know that feeding fish in the ocean can actually harm both the fish and the environment? Here are some reasons why we should not feed fish:
1. Disrupts the Balance of the Ecosystem
The marine ecosystem is an underwater community, a network of life where everything is interconnected. Even seemingly small changes can significantly impact the ecosystem. When divers feed fish, the fish change their natural behavior, eventually disrupting the delicate balance of the ecosystem. This can lead to the destruction of coral reefs and other marine life that depend on the system. Many divers who feed fish may not realize the impact this has on the health of coral reefs and other marine organisms. Whether you are a dive operator or an individual diver, it is important to understand how we can all help maintain healthy reefs to preserve the beauty of the ocean for future generations.
2. Promotes Algae Overgrowth on Coral Reefs
While algae may not sound like the tastiest snack for us, it is a staple food for many fish species. By eating algae, fish not only manage their own diets but also help “garden” the coral by controlling algae growth. When fish start relying on alternative food sources (such as human-provided food), algae on reefs can grow unchecked, eventually suffocating and killing the coral.
3. Leaves Nests Vulnerable to Predators
If you’ve ever seen divers or snorkelers feeding fish, you know it can cause a frenzy. Fish rush toward the food source, competing fiercely to eat as much as they can. When solitary fish species exhibit this pack-like feeding behavior, they often leave their nests unguarded, making them vulnerable to predators.
4. Can Lead to Fish Starvation
This might sound strange, but feeding fish can actually lead to their starvation. Most marine animals have very specific bacteria in their digestive systems. When they consume inappropriate foods (like rice or bread), it can allow harmful bacteria to dominate their stomachs. This imbalance can prevent fish from digesting their natural food properly, ultimately causing them to starve — something none of us would want to happen.
5. Causes Crown-of-Thorns Starfish Outbreaks
The crown-of-thorns starfish, covered in venomous spines, is a well-known coral predator. Any diver who has seen the destruction caused by these starfish knows how devastating they can be to coral reefs when their population grows out of control.
Normally, their numbers are kept in check by fish that inadvertently consume starfish eggs while feeding on algae. However, when fish are fed by humans, they no longer need to eat algae. This allows the crown-of-thorns starfish population to surge, resulting in severe damage to coral reefs.
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