Divers can help protect the marine environment by doing which of the following?

Maintaining neutral buoyancy and securing equipment is crucial for protecting the marine environment while diving. When a diver achieves neutral buoyancy, they are able to hover effortlessly in the water column, which minimizes the risk of disturbing the seafloor or accidentally damaging delicate marine ecosystems, such as coral reefs. Securing equipment also ensures that gear does not drag along the bottom or become entangled in sensitive habitats, further reducing the potential for ecological harm.

In contrast, using only electric equipment does not inherently contribute to environmental protection, as the impact of marine activities depends more on how divers engage with their surroundings than on the technology of their tools. Limiting dives to shallow waters might restrict the areas divers can explore but is not a comprehensive strategy for protecting the marine environment. Taking photographs of marine life can help promote awareness and conservation efforts, but it does not directly prevent damage to the ecosystem as effectively as maintaining proper buoyancy and securing equipment does. Therefore, option B reflects the most effective and immediate way divers can directly contribute to environmental conservation while participating in water activities.