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Impacts of Recreational SCUBA Diving on a Natural Area in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

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Listed:
  • Natalia Balzaretti Merino

    (Arts, Education and Humanities Department, Centro Universitario de la Costa, Universidad de Guadalajara, 48280 Puerto Vallarta, Jal., Mexico)

  • Myrna Leticia Bravo-Olivas

    (Biological Sciences Department, Centro Universitario de la Costa, Universidad de Guadalajara, 48280 Puerto Vallarta, Jal., Mexico)

  • Rosa María Chávez-Dagostino

    (Biological Sciences Department, Centro Universitario de la Costa, Universidad de Guadalajara, 48280 Puerto Vallarta, Jal., Mexico)

  • Pedro Medina-Rosas

    (Biological Sciences Department, Centro Universitario de la Costa, Universidad de Guadalajara, 48280 Puerto Vallarta, Jal., Mexico)

Abstract

Despite the protection status of the marine area in Los Arcos, it has experienced reef deterioration associated with tourism activities. Therefore, this study aimed to analyze SCUBA divers’ impacts by quantifying and typifying their contact with the seabed, and to determine if the diving leader’s performance is related to the behavior of the divers being guided. The number and type of impacts on the seabed were counted and categorized as intentional and non-intentional. A total of 9811 contacts were made by 101 divers. The highest frequency type of non-intentional contact identified was “lifting sediment”, following by non-intentional—fins. The “hands” intentional contact type was found to occur most often. The highest frequency of total contacts per diver was “very high” (31.7%). By analyzing the profile of the divers related to their certification level, number of dives, SCUBA center attended, and leader, it was possible to establish a relationship between the number of contacts made by the leader and the number of contacts made by the divers guided by each leader. Our findings suggest the need for a joint approach of key players toward good practices to highlight the important role of diving leaders on their clients’ behavior, and thus preserve the ecological and aesthetic qualities of the dive site.

Suggested Citation

  • Natalia Balzaretti Merino & Myrna Leticia Bravo-Olivas & Rosa María Chávez-Dagostino & Pedro Medina-Rosas, 2021. "Impacts of Recreational SCUBA Diving on a Natural Area in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(11), pages 1-17, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:13:y:2021:i:11:p:6249-:d:567196
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Ong, Tah Fatt & Musa, Ghazali, 2012. "Examining the influences of experience, personality and attitude on SCUBA divers' underwater behaviour: A structural equation model," Tourism Management, Elsevier, vol. 33(6), pages 1521-1534.
    2. Giglio, Vinicius J. & Luiz, Osmar J. & Schiavetti, Alexandre, 2015. "Marine life preferences and perceptions among recreational divers in Brazilian coral reefs," Tourism Management, Elsevier, vol. 51(C), pages 49-57.
    3. Dimmock, Kay & Musa, Ghazali, 2015. "Scuba Diving Tourism System: A framework for collaborative management and sustainability," Marine Policy, Elsevier, vol. 54(C), pages 52-58.
    4. Rangel, M.O. & Pita, C.B. & Gonçalves, J.M.S. & Oliveira, F. & Costa, C. & Erzini, K., 2014. "Developing self-guided scuba dive routes in the Algarve (Portugal) and analysing visitors' perceptions," Marine Policy, Elsevier, vol. 45(C), pages 194-203.
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    1. Jun-Yin So & Ying Kwok & Christie Lai & Hei-Wut Fong & Lee-Yan Pang, 2023. "Underwater Impact and Intention–Behaviour Gap of Scuba Divers on Coral Communities in Hong Kong SAR, China," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(5), pages 1-17, February.

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