Scuba Diver Accessand Stressed Reef Ecosystemsin the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary

David M. Lawrence

The problemAs the popularity of scuba diving has grown,

researchers have documented increasing damage to dive sites by inexperienced and careless divers and dive operators.

Causes of damage include:Boat anchoring and groundingIncidental diver contact with reefLost or poorly secured gear

Diver-induced damage exacerbates other problems affecting coral reefs.

Possible solution: Site closureSite closureEliminates damage by divers and dive

operatorsProblems:

Equity Fair distribution of resources

Economy Scuba diving generates millions of dollars in

revenue and supports hundreds of jobs in Monroe County, Fla.

Education Loss of public connection with reef ecosystems Loss of public support for conservation efforts

Possible solution: Limit accessLimit access via a permitting or lottery

systemReduces odds of damage by divers or dive

operatorsProblems:

Equity and Economy (blend together) Lack of permits or lottery assignments may drive

safe, high quality dive operations out of business. Unfair competition (or lack thereof) between

commercial and private boats Prospective divers may be forced to choose between

diving with unsafe or substandard operators or not diving at all

Proposed policy: CertificationI propose a voluntary program certifying that

dive operators engage in best practices as well as encourage the divers they host to engage in best practices.

Pre-dive briefingsEmphasize diver skills in pre-dive briefings

Buoyancy controlProper trimProperly secured gear

Vigorous supervisionHave adequate number of divemasters

observing divers in waterEncourage divemasters to redirect problem

divers to less vulnerable portions of a dive site.

Quality gearProvide divers with up-to-date, quality gear

Weight-integrated BCDsCombined low-pressure inflators/alternate air

sourcesRetractors for hoses, lights, etc.

Policy problems and benefitsProblems

May increase cost for some dive consumersMay increase cost for dive operators forced to

hire more divemasters or upgrade rental gearBenefits

Preserves diver access to sitesPromotes economyPromotes education and environmental

awarenessImproved dive experience