Which practice helps in minimizing environmental damage during a dive?

Swimming horizontally to reduce contact with the seabed is an effective practice for minimizing environmental damage during a dive. When divers maintain a horizontal position, they can avoid disturbing the fragile marine life and habitat located on the ocean floor. This method helps to prevent the stirring up of sediment, which can smother coral and other sensitive organisms. By swimming in a controlled manner, divers can glide over delicate ecosystems, thereby preserving the integrity of underwater environments and protecting biodiversity.

The other practices mentioned can potentially lead to increased environmental impact. For instance, swimming with minimal awareness of surroundings can result in unintentional contact with underwater structures or creatures, which could harm them. Rapid fin movements can create turbulence and increased sedimentation, further damaging the environment. Diving only in shallow areas may not necessarily equate to less environmental impact and could encourage divers to come into contact with sensitive ecosystems that thrive at greater depths. Therefore, maintaining a horizontal swimming position is the most effective practice for protecting underwater habitats during a dive.