David M. Lawrence. The problem As the popularity of scuba diving has grown, researchers have...
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![Page 1: David M. Lawrence. The problem As the popularity of scuba diving has grown, researchers have documented increasing damage to dive sites by inexperienced.](https://reader035.fdocuments.in/reader035/viewer/2022072016/56649ee85503460f94bf9fbe/html5/thumbnails/1.jpg)
Scuba Diver Accessand Stressed Reef Ecosystemsin the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary
David M. Lawrence
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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.
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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
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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
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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.
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Pre-dive briefingsEmphasize diver skills in pre-dive briefings
Buoyancy controlProper trimProperly secured gear
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Vigorous supervisionHave adequate number of divemasters
observing divers in waterEncourage divemasters to redirect problem
divers to less vulnerable portions of a dive site.
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Quality gearProvide divers with up-to-date, quality gear
Weight-integrated BCDsCombined low-pressure inflators/alternate air
sourcesRetractors for hoses, lights, etc.
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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