Currently it is known that coral reefs have been disappearing over the last few years, this due to different factors that are mostly anthropocentric, we have climate change as the main factor, pollution of land debris and tourist activity that has been increasing, and that even though it is not the main factor that causes the degradation of these ecosystems, it does have a direct influence on their loss (Carlos et al., 2009). Let's remember that from a biological point of view, coral reefs are considered one of the most complex and important ecosystems on the planet, since they serve as food and shelter for many species (INVEMAR, 2009).

Diving tourism is carried out by tourists interested in carrying out this practice in the main areas of coral reefs due to their beauty and the endless number of marine species that can be appreciated, also snorkeling enters this practice. People select the place where their dive to appreciate the reefs according to the quality of the experience offered by the service providers. It is estimated that around the world 30 million people depend on corals, for food, coastal protection, construction materials and income derived from tourism, in addition to coral reefs they provide services and goods with an approximate value on 600 million dollars a year worldwide. As a result of the practice of autonomous diving, corals can suffer injuries, fractures and suffocation that leads to their death, this is caused by the direct contact of the divers either intentionally or accidentally with the fins, hands, arms, tanks of oxygen among other artifacts of the diving equipment. No matter how minimal the contact or blow to the coral, and even if it does not fracture it, it removes the layer of tissue that protects it and makes it more vulnerable and more exposed to diseases and other harmful organisms. When tourists lift the sediment, these with their movements or fins are suspended in the water and can fall directly on the corals and they are energetic when trying to eliminate them and replace the protective tissue, in addition to reducing the area susceptible to colonization. by the corals. Another problem caused by dive tourism is the change in the behavior of the species that are close to the corals, they can cause stress or illness due to the fact that the food to take many of the photographs that we see where many come together different species of fish Every year around 1.5 million people are certified to dive, although they have a certification does not mean that their practices in coral reefs are done correctly without damaging them (Castro Triana & Pereira Chaves, 2016).

In order to mitigate this global problem and protect coral reefs, environmental education is necessary for different groups, for people living on the coasts near these ecosystems, for divers upon receiving their certification, as well as for those who provide them, Likewise, to the service providers that make tours to these areas, that the number of divers immersed in a certain area is minimal, and that they constantly monitor that all carry an adequate diving activity and is regulated by the corresponding authorities (Powell, 2005). We must subtract negative factors that are causing the loss of coral reefs, there are already many factors that are damaging them, we are in time to save them and avoid an invaluable biological loss. Society, government, researchers and service providers must unite in this battle against time and its consequences.

Cited bibliography

ADDIN Mendeley Bibliography CSL_BIBLIOGRAPHY Carlos, L., Botello, S., Nacional, U., & De México, A. (2009). Enrique Propin Frejomil **. Cuadernos de Turismo, N^o, 24, 207–227.

Castro Triana, L. A., & Pereira Chaves, J. M. (2016). Tourist activity in coral reefs of the Natural National Park Corals of Rosario and San Bernardo, Colombia. UNED Research Journal, 8(1), 17–26. https://doi.org/10.22458/urj.v8i1.1217

INVEMAR. (2009). Informe del Estado de los ambientes y recursos marinos y costeros en Colombia. Serie de Publicaciones Periódicas, 8.

Powell, M. (2005). INSTITUCIONES CONTRIBUYENTES.