So what causes divers to use compressors, to take what to many people would seem to be reckless and irresponsible risks with their lives? Over time many factors on land and in the sea have contributed to the shallow fringing reefs near the coastal villages being destroyed. But bills need to be paid, and the collectors know that somewhere out there beyond the reef crest, down the drop off, the fish are still there.

The buyers market is hungry for stock, and orders need to be filled. Until the advent of compressors, these deeper zones on the reef were seen as relatively safe havens for fish to live and breed. Without controls, these former no-take zones are now being plundered. But the expanding buyers market will continue to demand more ‘product’. The poor collectors have neither the skills nor the finances to look for alternatives, or to argue their case for higher prices and better equipment. These are simple folk, and the almost universal debt spirals they find themselves in are a sad testimony to their lack of business skills, and to the way in which business people have been willing to exploit them.

Neither MAC nor LINI condones or supports the use of compressors for diving. This is underlined, and the dangers are explained when LINI conducts dive safety training for the collectors. All basic dive principles are covered during the training, and the effects of deep diving on the body are explained. The collectors have limited or no formal education, but they all find the section on decompression sickness fascinating. They all know it happens, but are genuinely interested to hear the explanation of why so many of their friends have become paralysed or have died. They now also know that, although in the case of an emergency there is probably little they can do.

LINI looks forward to a time when all responsible buyers will provide their collectors with SCUBA training and reliable equipment, as already happens in countries such as the US and Australia. The hobbyists and other end buyers need to be made more aware of these issues, in the hope that they will think more carefully when buying stock for their aquariums. Too many human lives have already been lost, and too many poor families now suffer because their only breadwinner is now crippled as a result of compressor diving.

“Help to save the lives of fishermen by making informed choices when choosing your fish!”

“A sensible, informed choice of species for your aquarium not only means reduced mortalities among the fish that are collected, enhanced protection of the reefs, but also helps to protect the lives of the people who collect them”

- In memory of Gede Subandi Adnyana-Komang Sukanama-Nengah Sumantra -