Carbon Fin Upkeep

[Not Holding My Breath]

I've got a new pair of carbons and the clear coat appears to be chipping off in very small areas approaching the tips. As far as I know I haven't made physical contact with anything and I do rinse the fins when I come home.
Is this clear coat functional? As in, is it offering some sort of protection to the carbon underneath that I should re-cover with some sort of clear coat?

Additionally, how fragile are these things (somewhat new diver) - should I be worried about someone absentmindedly stepping on them on the boat, etc?

Thanks in advance for fielding replies to my likely asinine questions.

 

[hteas]

I place mine where no one will step on them. Just being careful. The clear coat damage is probably no big deal. I don't baby mine, and they still keep working. They do have scratches on them, top and bottom, and don't seem to be coming apart. Carbon blades have gotten a lot better the last few years and seem much better at absorbing normal punishment.