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I found the discussion and the references that have been shared both enlightening and disturbing. It leads me to the often repeated advice ” Don’t let perfection become the enemy of doing good.” As I mentioned at the Coffee Chat my own observation is that the worst offenders tend to be dive guides who are prodding and moving critters in order to give customers a better view. In my case despite my talking to the guide and specifically asking them not to do this. The next group that comes to mind are divers (whether or not they are photographers) who aren’t in control of their buoyancy and make frequent damaging contact with reefs and creatures. Finally there are the rest of us who are trying our best and who unintentionally may get too close or even contact a reef or marine creature. It seems from the articles that have been posted that use of a strobe is nowhere near the top of the list of potential problems.
It strikes me that making some progress on the first two problems: intentional actions by dive guides and a lack of skills/proper training should get the highest priority. Sadly, although these problems are apparently well recognized, there are not effective ways to address them. Our discussion, and others like it, are at least a start and we can hope that others join us in bringing attention to how we all can better dive safely and respectfully.