What must divers avoid when the substrate has various living organisms?

When considering the impact divers have on the marine environment, it is essential to avoid trampling living organisms on the substrate. This behavior can cause considerable damage to sensitive ecosystems, such as coral reefs, seagrasses, and other underwater habitats. Many organisms rely on these environments for shelter, food, and breeding grounds. By avoiding trampling, divers ensure that these habitats can thrive and continue to support diverse marine life.

Maintaining buoyancy control is also vital for divers, but it primarily relates to safety and effective navigation rather than directly harming living organisms. Therefore, the act of trampling encompasses a broader environmental responsibility and promotes sustainable diving practices that preserve underwater ecosystems. In essence, by not trampling on these delicate environments, divers contribute to the overall health of marine habitats and the organisms that inhabit them.