Logo image
Back
Managing the Impacts of SCUBA Divers on Thailand's Coral Reefs
Journal article   Peer reviewed

Managing the Impacts of SCUBA Divers on Thailand's Coral Reefs

S Worachananant, R W (Bill) Carter, M Hockings and Pasinee Reopanichkul
Journal of Sustainable Tourism, Vol.16(6), pp.645-663
2008
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/09669580802159677
url
https://doi.org/10.1080/09669580802159677View
Published Version

Abstract

coral reef education environmental impact management response SCUBA divers Surin Marine National Park
While dive tourism enjoys continued growth worldwide, concern exists that it is contributing to the degradation of coral communities, biologically and aesthetically. This study examined the effect of SCUBA diver contacts with coral and other substrates. Ninety-three percent of divers made contact with substrata during a 10-minute observation period with an average of 97 contacts per hour of diving. Two-thirds of the divers caused some coral damage by breaking fragments from fragile coral forms with an average of 19 breakages per hour of diving. Fin damage was the major type of damage. Underwater photographers caused less damage per contact than non-photographers; as did male divers, compared with females. Diver-induced damage decreases with increasing number of logged dives and attendance at pre-dive briefings. Park managers can help reduce impact by identifying and directing use to sites that are resistant to damage, matching diver competence and site preferences, and alerting operators to dive conditions. Minimising impact requires dive operators to be proactive in promoting minimal impact diving behaviour. This includes selecting sites that match diver expectations and experience, and providing pre-dive briefings in the context of diver activities and physical capacity, and site susceptibility to impact and current strength.

Details

Metrics

3 File views/ downloads
742 Record Views
Logo image