Dan Chruscinski - June 03, 2024

Man-Made Fish Habitats: A Hidden Danger for Public Safety Divers

The Unseen Threat Lurking Beneath the Surface

Fish habitats, while intended to enhance marine life, pose significant risks for public safety divers. These structures, often constructed from PVC pipes, rebar, or scrap materials, can create a maze of entanglement hazards in low-visibility conditions. The dangers are real: disorientation, equipment snags, and potentially life-threatening situations.

While there is no official count of man-made habitats due to variations in definitions and reporting, it's estimated that tens of thousands exist worldwide, with over 3,000 permitted artificial reefs in the United States alone [NOAA Fisheries]. These structures are often placed at varying depths across lakes, ponds, rivers, and even public beach areas, making them difficult to anticipate and navigate [Atlantic Coastal Fish Habitat Partnership].

A Nationwide Concern

These habitats are not just a local issue. They are widespread across the U.S. and come in various shapes and sizes [Schmidt Ocean Institute]. The consequences of encountering them unprepared can be dire, as evidenced by real-life scenarios where divers have become entangled and required rescue [Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission].

Proactive Preparation is Key

The best way to mitigate the risks posed by man-made fish habitats is through proactive planning and training:

Partner with Local Organizations: Collaborate with waterway owners, fishing clubs, and relevant agencies like the Atlantic Coastal Fish Habitat Partnership and the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources to gather information about the location and types of fish habitats present [South Carolina Department of Natural Resources].
Conduct Sonar Surveys: Utilize sonar technology to map out the underwater landscape, identifying potential hazards before a dive. This is especially crucial in areas with unpermitted structures, which may not be officially documented.
Specialized Public Safety Diving Training: Engage in realistic training scenarios that simulate entanglement in fish habitats. This prepares divers to react effectively in real-life situations, increasing their chances of a successful rescue.

Dive Right In Scuba: Your Partner in Public Safety Diving

At Dive Right In Scuba, we understand the unique challenges faced by public safety divers. We offer specialized public safety diving training courses designed to equip your team with the skills and knowledge needed to safely navigate underwater environments, including those with man-made fish habitats. Our training covers:

Hazard Identification: Recognizing different types of fish habitats and their potential risks. This includes understanding how the material, size, and complexity of the habitat can influence entanglement risks. For example, divers should be aware that large, sprawling structures made from rebar or loose materials pose a greater entanglement hazard than smaller, well-organized habitats constructed from PVC pipes.
Entanglement Prevention: Techniques for avoiding entanglement and safely navigating around obstacles. Divers should be trained in proper buoyancy control and maneuvering techniques to minimize contact with habitats. This includes maintaining neutral buoyancy to avoid snagging on protruding elements and practicing controlled fin kicks to navigate tight spaces. Divers should also be familiar with different cutting tools and their safe use underwater in case entanglement occurs.
Emergency Procedures: Protocols for self-rescue and assisting entangled divers. Divers should understand how to remain calm and assess the situation in the event of entanglement. Training should cover techniques for self-release from basic snags, such as carefully backing out of loops or using a cutting tool to sever minor tethers. Divers should also be trained in buddy system protocols for rescuing entangled partners, including communication signals and safe disentanglement methods.