9 Ways You Can Reduce Your Environmental Impact On Catalina Island

It’s quite noticeable when you first dock or land on Catalina: the water around the island is remarkably more clear and pristine than the waters around the mainland. Island living comes with some requirements; respecting and caring for the land and water all around us is a top priority. At Catalina Divers Supply, marine conservation is at the heart of all that we do. While so much of scuba diving and traveling includes fun and entertainment, it is so important to be aware and respectful of the ecosystems all around you. This is especially true on Catalina Island. Our divers supply partners with many environmental organizations, including PADI AWARE, to help support global efforts to combat ocean pollution and to protect marine environments.

Catalina’s waters are home to famous kelp forests and an abundance of gorgeous sea life. How can you help to keep the ocean healthy—even when you’re on an island getaway? Read on to learn 9 ways that you can reduce your environmental impact on Catalina Island.

1.) Be a better diver. When you master your buoyancy control, you are mastering the very most important skill that an eco-conscious diver could have. Reduce your environmental impact through better buoyancy. Proper finning techniques can propel you forward without too much disturbance to the environment around you. Better buoyancy means that you can avoid accidentally kicking up sand, bumping into fragile marine life, or tangling in the kelp forests. Classes and instructors at Catalina Divers Supply can help with these skills.

2.) Do not disturb. When you’re scuba diving or snorkeling, it is essential that you leave everything as you found it. This includes refraining from touching sea animals; this can disrupt natural behaviors of the marine life. Collecting shells, rocks, plants, or any kind of sea life isn’t good for the environment either. The Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) around Catalina have a no-take rule that serves to reduce the environmental impact of humans on the marine ecosystem.

3.) Pack like a pro. When you’re bringing along snacks, meals, or drinks for your dive day, be mindful of the waste you might create. Opt for things like reusable water bottles, food containers, and coffee cups. Each year, 32% of the plastic produced ends up in the ocean. Catalina Divers Supply wants to help ensure that Catalina’s waters stay pristine; in our dive shop, we offer a range of ocean-friendly and eco-conscious products, gear, and accessories. Selling items that are designed to reduce plastic waste and support sustainability helps to minimize environmental impact.

4.) Stay in line. When you’re scuba diving, it is so wise to maintain a streamlined profile. Be sure to secure all of your gear so that no hoses, gauges, or cameras are dangling. When equipment has loose parts, it can accidentally snag on kelp or bump into sea life. The pros at Catalina Divers Supply can help you with securing your gear so that you can have an enjoyable, eco-friendly dive.

5.) Keep it clean. One of the best ways to reduce your environmental impact is to join a conservation effort like a beach sweep or an underwater clean up. If you plan ahead, you can join Catalina Divers Supply for the annual Avalon Harbor Underwater Cleanup where we remove all kinds of marine debris from our local harbor. This helps to enhance the health of Catalina’s marine habitats, and it raises awareness about the negative impacts of ocean pollution.

6.) Become a student. Getting educated about the local ecosystem where you’re diving is one of the best things you can do for the environment. Learning helps you to become familiar with local species; it also helps foster an understanding of the delicate balance of Catalina’s ecosystem. MPAs like the Casino Dive Park allow species to thrive in protected environments. Check out this blog on what you’ll see while snorkeling at Catalina Island to learn more.

7.) See something? Say something. If you’re going to be a steward of the ocean, you’ll need to report any environmental violations that you witness. Whether it’s someone fishing in a no-take zone, kayakers damaging kelp, or another diver taking keepsakes from the MPAs, be sure to report it to the proper authorities. Environmental laws are in place to help species to recover and stay strong.

8.) Be reef-safe. In recent years, reef safe sunscreen has become the standard in sun protection when it comes to reducing environmental impact. Chemicals like oxybenzone and octinoxate can damage marine life; opting for mineral-based sunscreens is way better for the ocean. 

9.) Dive with the best. Catalina Divers Supply is not only an eco-conscious diver operator; it’s a company with decades of experience. We are helping to make a difference in the preservation of our gorgeous marine areas all around Catalina. Reach out to Catalina Divers Supply today to book your next dive or to join the Avalon Harbor Underwater Cleanup on Feb. 21, 2026.