According to The Diving Equipment & Marketing Association (DEMA), “there are between 2.5 and 3.5 million active scuba divers in the US, and along with snorkelers, contribute $11 billion to the US gross domestic product” ("Fast Facts: Recreational Scuba Diving and Snorkeling" 1,7). These marine enthusiasts apply their passion and skills with dive operators throughout the world. These dive operators hold certification agency recognition in high regard, and benefit greatly from that recognition. One of the larger of these certification agencies, PADI, claims “operations in over 160 countries and territories around the world, and professional members in over 190” (“Worldwide Corporate Statistics 2015” 2). While this isn’t the largest recreational industry, it is however, significant and can be used to create meaningful efforts in reef and marine conservation efforts. Preliminary research shows minimal coordination among divers, dive operators, and certification agencies, in marine conservation aside from pursuing legislation, which can expire, or undergo modifications subsequent to its passage. My research will focus on how diver operators, and certification agencies have, or can create a coordinated effort in reducing diver
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I found this article highly informative, as it got down to the basics of how divers would respond, if dive operators did implement programs to keep less experienced divers from natural reefs, and instead guided them onto artificial reefs of various origin. The results are a positive indicator for agencies, and operators to really explore these options in protecting reefs
I found this article highly informative, as it got down to the basics of how divers would respond, if dive operators did implement programs to keep less experienced divers from natural reefs, and instead guided them onto artificial reefs of various origin. The results are a positive indicator for agencies, and operators to really explore these options in protecting reefs