But that is still very localised in the scheme of things. I know what you mean in terms of quantities of bread and I'm sure in some cases it's vast. But are we talking behavoural changes here or environmental impact? Two very different things. I see overfeeding issues in freshwater systems on a regular basis, but they are enclosed. That is environmental impact. Marine systems are far more dynamic covering 1,000's of square miles. The localised effect is unlikely to disturb offshore reef systems and is more of a behavoural issue. Reefs, particularly coral reefs are very sensitive to environmental change such as sea level changes, bleaching and physical damage through dynamite fishing for example. Sri Lanka and the Maldives being examples. Overfishing and poor fishery management can have severe impacts on reef systems. Some parts of the Caribbean being exmples. We have perfect examples of that on our doorstep. Fish feeding, in my opinion is a negligable part of that. The above are the real issues. Dare I say the impact of snorkelling and scuba is sometimes a factor on heavily used reefs. Poor buoyancy control and stray SPG's and fins can do significant damage to reefs. Thankfully, these are minor mishaps in general.

Some of the work I do is educating on environmental issues such as these but in freshwater situations. Future generation biologists and environmentalist often get interested in these things by throwing a bit of bread in the water and watching fish and ducks scrummage for it. As previously stated, people throwing a loaf of bread in to the water followed by the bag is not acceptable. A slice is a different story and enjoyable for many.

Darren