Publisher : Oxford Journals
Place of publication :
Publication year : 2009
Thematic : Ecotourism
Language : English
Note
The features of many Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) have increased scuba diving tourism in these areas. Impacts caused by recreational scuba activity vary widely among different divers with differing underwater behavior. We studied diver underwater behavior, the effects on the natural environment, and the characteristics that may influence diver behavior. In all, 181 recreational divers were followed, and contacts and the effects produced were recorded. Information on diver profile and dive features was recorded. Field sampling revealed that 175 of the divers observed (96.7%) made at least one contact with the seabed, with a mean contact of 41.20+3.55 (mean+s.e.) per diver per 10 min. Flapping was the most frequent type of contact, and the main damage by this action was to raise sediment. Contact with the seabed was greater for males than for females, inexperienced divers than for experienced divers, camera or lantern (dive light) users than for non-users, and divers unaccompanied by a dive leader or who had not been briefed about avoiding seabed contact before undertaking a dive than for accompanied or briefed divers. A greater understanding of the causes of harmful behavior may be useful for stricter management, reducing diving damage and assuring the sustainability of this activity in MPAs.
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Keywords :
Encoded by : Mae Belen Llanza
