Protecting Our Waters Above and Below

Diving businesses depend heavily on the quality and sustainability of the diving environments they offer their clients: Ecology affects their economy. Therefore, divers and diving businesses all have a vested interest in preserving these environments. This article provides guidance on how diving businesses can develop and implement ecologically sound and sustainable management practices.
AN EASY APPROACH
There are four key areas that require attention if a diving business is to operate in an ecologically sound and sustainable way.
1. Ecological awareness: What is at risk and why?
2. Activities: How can the diving business conduct its activities in an environmentally sustainable way?
3. Staff: How can staff be made more aware about the importance of the environment? How can they be better trained to monitor and improve the overall sustainability of their diving operations?
4. Your clients: How can customers and clients be made fellow protectors of the ecology by promulgating responsible diving practices?
There are four key areas that require attention if a diving business is to operate in an ecologically sound and sustainable way.
1. Ecological awareness: What is at risk and why?
2. Activities: How can the diving business conduct its activities in an environmentally sustainable way?
3. Staff: How can staff be made more aware about the importance of the environment? How can they be better trained to monitor and improve the overall sustainability of their diving operations?
4. Your clients: How can customers and clients be made fellow protectors of the ecology by promulgating responsible diving practices?
ECOLOGICAL AWARENESS
An ecosystem is a physical environment and the variety of life it sustains. Ecological awareness, in simple terms, is a genuine understanding of, and concern towards, the importance of preserving and prudently using these physical environments – including the natural resources they provide and life they support. With greater awareness comes greater appreciation: This can shape the behavior of people and influence it in a positive way. In the case of diving, there are several studies which show a direct relationship between ecological awareness and proper underwater behavior amongst divers (Medio, Ormond, & Pearson, 1997; Musa, Seng, Thirumoorthi, & Abessi, 2011). However, to raise awareness, for example among the clients of a diving business, one must first pinpoint the present, relevant issues; contextualize them; and identify what implications they have.
An ecosystem is a physical environment and the variety of life it sustains. Ecological awareness, in simple terms, is a genuine understanding of, and concern towards, the importance of preserving and prudently using these physical environments – including the natural resources they provide and life they support. With greater awareness comes greater appreciation: This can shape the behavior of people and influence it in a positive way. In the case of diving, there are several studies which show a direct relationship between ecological awareness and proper underwater behavior amongst divers (Medio, Ormond, & Pearson, 1997; Musa, Seng, Thirumoorthi, & Abessi, 2011). However, to raise awareness, for example among the clients of a diving business, one must first pinpoint the present, relevant issues; contextualize them; and identify what implications they have.
RELEVANT ECOLOGICAL ISSUES
Generally speaking, it can be said that all ecosystems are under threat. Typically, those environments in which one tends to dive the most (e.g., a local dam or quarry), or those which are well-known to the public (e.g. coral reefs) receive the most attention. However, all aquatic ecosystems are affected – whether marine or freshwater: Marine environments include tropical coral reefs, seamounts, coralliferous habitats, intertidal rocky shores, and even artificial reefs such as wrecks; freshwater and brackish systems are made up of inland quarries and dams, lakes, caves, rivers and estuaries. These environments are all threatened by similar factors, but in varying degrees.
Ecosystems are vulnerable to a variety of threats: Their essential substrates of air, water and sediment may be modified or damaged in various ways, including:
Generally speaking, it can be said that all ecosystems are under threat. Typically, those environments in which one tends to dive the most (e.g., a local dam or quarry), or those which are well-known to the public (e.g. coral reefs) receive the most attention. However, all aquatic ecosystems are affected – whether marine or freshwater: Marine environments include tropical coral reefs, seamounts, coralliferous habitats, intertidal rocky shores, and even artificial reefs such as wrecks; freshwater and brackish systems are made up of inland quarries and dams, lakes, caves, rivers and estuaries. These environments are all threatened by similar factors, but in varying degrees.
Ecosystems are vulnerable to a variety of threats: Their essential substrates of air, water and sediment may be modified or damaged in various ways, including:
- Climate change and consequent changes in air and water temperature;
- Ocean acidification because of increasing levels of carbon dioxide reducing the pH by saturating calcium carbonate buffering systems in the water;
- Eutrophication by the addition of nitrogen compounds to the water, with hazardous algae blooms; exhaustion of dissolved oxygen by artificially enhanced biomass production; poisoning of water and aquatic life forms; and reduced visibility in the water;
- Pollution from industrial effluent and gas discharges; sewerage works; littering; release of toxic chemicals into the air, water or sediment; and esthetic destruction of the environment;
- Hard and soft engineering interventions -- such as the construction of roads, groins and nourishment, leading to various effects ranging from the physical removal of habitats, to alterations of natural drainage patterns, sediment and water movement;
- Extraction of resources – whether organic (such as harvesting or fishing), or inorganic (such as sediment mining), all of which can change the topography of a place and remove habitat; and
- Diving – resulting in disturbance of sediment through trampling; pollution of water due to sunscreen oil slicks; and air pollution from boating, air-compressing, electricity-generation, driving or even flying-related carbon emissions.
IMPLICATIONS OF THESE ISSUES
The degradation or loss of water ecosystems can have devastating effects. Divers and diving businesses can beseverely impacted by the results, some of which follow hereafter.
The degradation or loss of water ecosystems can have devastating effects. Divers and diving businesses can beseverely impacted by the results, some of which follow hereafter.
- Health hazards – pollution or toxins in the air and water;
- Physical hazards – unstable substrates;
- Esthetic impact – loss of natural beauty of the environment, making it less attractive to visitors;
- Imposed preservation – including mandatory closure of dive sites due to safety and health reasons, or to allow ecosystem recovery;
- Desolation and deprivation of the ecosystem –
- Short term loss of aquatic recourses – water and food; loss of economic support due to a reduction in tourism and recreational activities; etc., and
- Long term loss of resources and quality of life to future generations.
ACTIVITIES
Various top-down measures can improve awareness and responsibility, and promote sustainability in diving activities and operations. Local governments, governmental agencies, certifying agencies, tourism organisations, research entities, small enterprises, NGOs and private citizens can all drive responsible business activities. Campaigns can take various forms, but the ultimate purpose is to support environmentally-sustainable and eco-friendly practices in diving businesses. Some initiatives are based on education and monitoring programmes. Others focus on recognition or certification for good practices, encouraging diving businesses to adhere to a set of criteria. The common principles for basic actions to enhance business responsibility follow.
Various top-down measures can improve awareness and responsibility, and promote sustainability in diving activities and operations. Local governments, governmental agencies, certifying agencies, tourism organisations, research entities, small enterprises, NGOs and private citizens can all drive responsible business activities. Campaigns can take various forms, but the ultimate purpose is to support environmentally-sustainable and eco-friendly practices in diving businesses. Some initiatives are based on education and monitoring programmes. Others focus on recognition or certification for good practices, encouraging diving businesses to adhere to a set of criteria. The common principles for basic actions to enhance business responsibility follow.
- Proper training and education: This starts with basic diving skill training, particularly buoyancy control. Some experimental work has shown that learning skills in buoyancy imparts a sense of independence from the substrate; this reduces the risk of contact for the diver and the environment. Formal, thorough training to internationally accepted standards by professional certifying agencies provide superior outcomes. Finally, the diving business should commit towards both receiving and providing environmental education as part of their training programs, and to create and adopt codes of conduct and best practice;
- Reducing the carbon footprint: simple measures can be employed, such as using four stroke instead of two-stroke engines and switching to methane-, diesel-, electric-, or solar power rather than petroleum;
- Active promotion of environmental awareness: establishing a culture of awareness, top-down, from staff to clients - this will be discussed later in detail;
- Reducing pollution and litter: recycling if possible; providing an adequate number of litter bins; reducing or avoiding the use of heavy chemicals for cleaning and maintenance; regularly inspecting operating boats for oil or fuel leaks; and properly disposing of waste, such as toxic waste and engine oil;
- Actively protecting dive sites: not using anchors; engaging in cleanup or litter removal initiatives; formal dive site monitoring and reporting; and of course by properly managing dive groups -- including both size and conduct;
- Prohibiting the sale of endangered species as food or as souvenirs, e.g., reef fish, corals, mollusks, etc.;
- Promoting sustainable businesses, by collaborating with local businesses, e.g., responsible aquaculture and the sale of sustainably harvested seafood resources; and
- Partnering with local authorities and governance bodies, by means of the knowledgeable implementation and enforcement of rules and regulations; by creating and adopting codes of practice; and by means of peer-based self-governance for the best achievement possible of sustainability goals. Conservation goals should be understood as a shared responsibility by adopting effective means of reporting and acting on reports of illegal activities. Collaborations can extend to NGOs and institutions, some of which freely offer support, guidelines, and monitoring of the success of eco-friendly initiatives. Others, such as public schools, offer opportunities to educate future generations, and stimulate their interest in diving and related environmental matters.
STAFF
Staff constitutes a critical link between the client, the environment, and the diving business; their role is fundamental. So, businesses need to train and inform their staff properly so that they are aware of their environmental responsibility, and are more capable of imparting this
awareness to their clients. The eco-friendly standards and practices which follow represent ways in which staff can minimise the destruction of the diving environment.
Staff constitutes a critical link between the client, the environment, and the diving business; their role is fundamental. So, businesses need to train and inform their staff properly so that they are aware of their environmental responsibility, and are more capable of imparting this
awareness to their clients. The eco-friendly standards and practices which follow represent ways in which staff can minimise the destruction of the diving environment.
- Dive training: Staff should have exemplary diving skills, especially buoyancy control, whether they are trained locally or employed after receiving training elsewhere. Both appropriate qualification and competence should be confirmed before engaging staff in duties that impact the environment;
- Environmental education: Depending on the resources available to the dive business, staff may attend courses on marine or freshwater ecology and conservation; receive relevant local updates or refreshers if they already have basic knowledge; and receive free learning material from the dive centers, NGOs, institutions, etc.;
- Active promotion of environmental awareness: Whether itinerant (i.e., seasonal staff and outsiders) or resident staff, all should be well aware of the rules, regulations, codes of practice, penalties, fines and disciplinary consequences of illegal, irresponsible or negligent actions. The working environment should be fully understood -- from the dive shop to boarding stations, marinas and harbors. It also includes ensuring that the staff adopt and enforce whatever code of conduct is being applied at the dive business and dive sites;
- Client-relations training: Staff should be competent to provide a thorough pre-dive briefing, and know how to interact with clients on the surface and underwater by providing guidance, timely intervention to avoid negative impact, and providing first aid;
- Managing infractions and violations: systems should be in place for dealing with misconduct of staff as well as clients. Complaints or reports of egregious behaviour should we dealt with promptly and appropriately. This may include corrective training ; disciplinary action; dismissal; or even criminal prosecution;
- Motivation & empowerment: inappropriate employment practices, such as employing illegal workers or underpaying professional staff is both demeaning and ultimately self-defeating; ultimately, it has negative repercussions on the business, clients and the environment. Keeping staff motivated and empowered is critical to a successful diving business. Following Labor or practices is only the minimum, however. Whilst many dive locations do have a high turnover of itinerant staff, it is worth investing through continuous education, training, updates, rewards, and active participation in conservation (for example litter removal campaigns or reef monitoring campaigns) and education (for example school campaigns); and
- Role models: The person responsible for the dive business also needs to be a role model to the staff. In turn, staff can then be a role model for the clients. Staff should embrace the philosophy of the business. Small things can make a big difference, such as agreeing not to spearfish or to actively recycle waste.
YOUR CLIENTS
Dive businesses and staff often underestimate the positive impact they can have on their clients. By following some basic steps they may foster long-lasting environmental awareness. This will not only have a positive effect on the environment, but will also improve the sustainability of the diving business, environmentally, socially and economically. Simple measures, such as eco-labels, can establish positive branding of the diving business and can be used as a powerful marketing tool. Diving businesses and staff have various responsibilities to create or increase awareness of ecological issues among clients. Some of these are explained below.
Dive businesses and staff often underestimate the positive impact they can have on their clients. By following some basic steps they may foster long-lasting environmental awareness. This will not only have a positive effect on the environment, but will also improve the sustainability of the diving business, environmentally, socially and economically. Simple measures, such as eco-labels, can establish positive branding of the diving business and can be used as a powerful marketing tool. Diving businesses and staff have various responsibilities to create or increase awareness of ecological issues among clients. Some of these are explained below.
- Transparency & visibility: Displaying all rules, regulations, codes of conduct, and the philosophy of the diving business clearly – for displaying codes of conduct in marine protected areas, and listing eco-certification protocols where these are being followed (for example Green Fins in South-East Asia);
- Education & briefing: Whether the business trains divers or only leads dives, by effectively teaching, verifying, and praising critical dive skills – like buoyancy control – divers and dive sites are protected. Ongoing education should be offered through verbal communication of rules, codes of conduct, and key ecological aspects of relevant dive sites. This info is normally a part of the pre-dive briefing, which means that it takes on additional significance: Apart from being a requirement by dive training and certification agencies, this is also a critical preparatory phase for the dive from a conservation perspective. Accordingly, it should not be rushed nor unduly prolonged. Providing pre-dive briefings is a skill and an art-form – it should be well prepared, well-rehearsed and well presented;
- Intervention & correction: Inexperience, inattentiveness, carelessness and recklessness each require different corrective actions. These may include suspending further diving activities until the necessary skills have been mastered; awareness has been assured; egregious actions been addressed; and willful misconduct been disciplined appropriately. Politely correcting divers underwater, in the presence of other divers, is often a powerful incentive for long-term changes in divers' ways;
- Eco-friendly marketing: By overtly promoting the environmental-friendly, eco-sensitive ethos, the client who arrives is more likely to share the values of the diving business. Organizing activities at various nearby sites, with smaller dives groups, also reduces pressures on any given dive sites, and promotes other eco-friendly industries in the immediate area, such as sustainably fished seafood restaurants;
- Personal involvement and ownership: by means of various initiatives, ranging from monitoring to membership, and from clean-ups to clubs, divers may be encouraged to join and participate in eco-friendly groups or recognized NGOs, Citizen Science, and knowledge exchange;
- Role modelling: Dive businesses and staff should lead by example to encourage the same behavior in their clients. People are more likely to follow actions that are consistent with instructions; and
- Comments & critique: Asking clients for feedback can be constructive for businesses and staff. Data collected from clients, for example through brief surveys, can provide details on staff behavior, satisfaction, complaints and requests that can lead to the improvement of the business.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Diving businesses have a unique opportunity for conservation and preservation of the environment. By following an EASY approach, the various key areas can be addressed effectively: (1) Ecological awareness; (2) Activities; (3) Staff responsibilities; and (4) Your clients – EASY. Everything starts with awareness, and awareness starts with education. There are many benefits to embracing eco-friendly philosophies, including securing the sustainability of the diving business itself: Without healthy and functioning ecosystems, dive sites cannot attract tourism, and cannot sustain the livelihoods of people who depend on the diving industry. Our ecology is everyone’s responsibility.
Diving businesses have a unique opportunity for conservation and preservation of the environment. By following an EASY approach, the various key areas can be addressed effectively: (1) Ecological awareness; (2) Activities; (3) Staff responsibilities; and (4) Your clients – EASY. Everything starts with awareness, and awareness starts with education. There are many benefits to embracing eco-friendly philosophies, including securing the sustainability of the diving business itself: Without healthy and functioning ecosystems, dive sites cannot attract tourism, and cannot sustain the livelihoods of people who depend on the diving industry. Our ecology is everyone’s responsibility.
REFERENCES
1. Barker, N.H.L. & Roberts, C.M. 2004. Scuba diver behaviour and the management of diving impacts on coral reefs. Biological Conservation, 120:481–489.
2. Camp, E. & Fraser, D. 2012. Influence of conservation education dive briefings as a management tool on the timing and nature of recreational SCUBA diving impacts on coral reefs. Ocean and Coastal Management, 61:30–37.
3. Davis, D. & Tisdell, C. 1995. Recreational scuba-diving and carrying capacity in marine protected areas. Ocean and Coastal Management, 26:19–40.
4. Di Franco, A., Baiata, P., Milazzo, M. & Tomasello, A. 2009. SCUBA diver behaviour and its effects on the biota of a Mediterranean marine protected area. Environmental Conservation, 36:32–40.
5. Fitzsimmons, C. 2008. Why dive? And why here? A study of recreational diver enjoyment at a Fijian ecotourist resort. Tourism in Marine Environments, 5:159–173.
6. Garrod, B. & Gössling, S. 2008. New frontiers in marine tourism: diving experiences, sustainability, management. Amsterdam: Elsevier.
7. Hawkins, J.P. & Roberts, C.M. 1993. Effects of recreational scuba diving on coral reefs: Trampling of reef flat communities. Journal of Applied Ecology, 30:25–30.
8. Hawkins, J.P., Roberts, C.M., Kooistra, D., et al. 2005. Sustainability of scuba diving tourism on coral reefs of Saba. Coastal Management, 33:373–387.
9. Heyman, W.D., Carr, L.M. & Lobel, P.S. 2010. Diver ecotourism and disturbance to reef fish spawning aggregations: It is better to be disturbed than to be dead. Marine Ecology Progress Series, 419:201–210.
10. Hillmer-Pegram, K.C. 2014. Understanding the resilience of dive tourism to complex change. Tourism Geographies, 16(4):598–614.
11. Hoegh-Guldberg, O. & Mumby, P.J. et al. 2007. Coral reefs under rapid climate change and ocean acidification. Science, 318:1737–1742.
12. Howard, J.L. 1999. How do scuba diving operators in Vanuatu attempt to minimise their impact on the environment? Pacific Tourism Review, 3:61–69.
13. Hunt, C.V., Harvey, J.J., Miller, A., et al. 2013. The Green Fins approach for monitoring and promoting environmentally sustainable scuba diving operations in South East Asia. Ocean & Coastal Management, 78:35–44.
14. Johansen, K.M. & Koster, R.L. 2012. Forming scuba diving environmental codes of conduct: What entrylevel divers are taught in their first certification course. Tourism in Marine Environments, 8:61–76.
15. Luna, B., Pérez, V. & Sánchez-lizaso, J. 2009. Benthic impacts of recreational divers in a Mediterranean Marine Protected Area. ICES Journal of Marine Science, 66:517–523.
16. Medio, D., Ormond, R.F.G. & Pearson, M. 1997. Effect of briefings on rates of damage to corals by scuba divers. Biological Conservation, 79:91–95.
17. Moscardo, G. 1999. Supporting ecologically sustainable tourism on the Great Barrier Reef: The importance of visitor research. In Molly, J. & Davies, J. (eds.). CAUTHE National Research Conference. Canberra: Bureau of Tourism Research.
18. Mota, L. & Frausto, O. 2014. The use of scuba diving tourism for Marine Protected Area management. International Journal of Social, Education, Economics and Management Engineering, 8(10):3171–3176.
19. Musa, G. & Dimmock, K. Scuba diving tourism. Abingdon, Oxon: Routledge.
20. Musa, G., Seng, W.T., Thirumoorthi, T. & Abessi, M. 2011. The influence of scuba divers’ personality, experience, and demographic profile on their underwater behaviour. Tourism in Marine Environments, 7:1–14.
21. Ong, T.F. & Musa, G. 2012. Examining the influences of experience, personality and attitude on SCUBA divers’ underwater behaviour: A structural equation model. Tourism Management. Advance online publication. doi: 10.1016/j.tourman.2012.02.007.
22. Ong, T.F. & Musa, G. 2012. SCUBA divers’ underwater responsible behaviour: can environmental concern and divers’ attitude make a difference? Current Issues in Tourism, 15:329-351.
23. Pepe, S.L. 2010. Caution diver below! A case for enhanced environmental education and policies to raise awareness of sustainable scuba diving (Master’s thesis). [Online]. Available at: http://gradworks.umi.com/1481084.pdf [Accessed: 1 August 2017].
24. Roche, R.C. & Harvey, C.V. et al. 2016. Recreational diving impacts on coral reefs and the adoption of environmentally responsible practices within the SCUBA diving industry. Environmental Management, 58(1):107-116.
25. Rouphael, A.B. & Inglis, G.J. 1997. Impacts of recreational scuba diving at sites with different
topographies. Biological Conservation, 82:329–336.
26. Rouphael, A.B. & Inglis, G.J. 2001. Take only photographs and leave only footprints? An experimental study of the impacts of underwater photographers on coral reef dive sites. Biological Conservation, 100:281–287.
27. Scott-Ireton, D. 2008. Teaching ‘heritage awareness’ rather than ‘skills’ to sport diving community. Marine Archaeology, 3:119–120.
28. Sorice, M.G., Oh, C.O. & Ditton, R.B. 2007. Managing scuba divers to meet ecological goals for coral reef conservation. Ambio, 36:316–322.
29. Szuster, B.W., Needham, M.D. & Mcclure, B.P. 2001. Scuba diver perceptions and evaluations of crowding underwater. Tourism in Marine Environments, 7:153–165.
30. Thapa, B., Graefe, A.R. & Meyer, L.A. 2005. Moderator and mediator effects of scuba diving specialisation on marine-based environmental knowledge behaviour contingency. Journal of Environmental Education, 37:53–67.
31. Townsend, C. 2000. The effects of environmental education on the behaviour of scuba divers: A case study from the British Virgin Island (Unpublished master’s thesis). University of Greenwich: UK.
32. Whatmough, S., Van Putten, I. & Chin, A. 2011. From hunters to nature observers: A record of 53 years of diver attitude towards sharks and rays and marine protected areas. Marine and Freshwater Research, 62:755–763.
33. Wongthong, P. & Harvey, N. 2014. Integrated coastal management and sustainable tourism: a case study of the reef-based SCUBA dive industry from Thailand. Ocean and Coastal Management, 95:138–146.
Useful links to visit
www.bobsummit.com
www.greenbubbles.eu
www.greenfins.net
www.greenglobe.com
www.nauigreendiver.org
www.projectaware.org
www.projectbaseline.org
www.reefcheck.org
www.reef-world.
1. Barker, N.H.L. & Roberts, C.M. 2004. Scuba diver behaviour and the management of diving impacts on coral reefs. Biological Conservation, 120:481–489.
2. Camp, E. & Fraser, D. 2012. Influence of conservation education dive briefings as a management tool on the timing and nature of recreational SCUBA diving impacts on coral reefs. Ocean and Coastal Management, 61:30–37.
3. Davis, D. & Tisdell, C. 1995. Recreational scuba-diving and carrying capacity in marine protected areas. Ocean and Coastal Management, 26:19–40.
4. Di Franco, A., Baiata, P., Milazzo, M. & Tomasello, A. 2009. SCUBA diver behaviour and its effects on the biota of a Mediterranean marine protected area. Environmental Conservation, 36:32–40.
5. Fitzsimmons, C. 2008. Why dive? And why here? A study of recreational diver enjoyment at a Fijian ecotourist resort. Tourism in Marine Environments, 5:159–173.
6. Garrod, B. & Gössling, S. 2008. New frontiers in marine tourism: diving experiences, sustainability, management. Amsterdam: Elsevier.
7. Hawkins, J.P. & Roberts, C.M. 1993. Effects of recreational scuba diving on coral reefs: Trampling of reef flat communities. Journal of Applied Ecology, 30:25–30.
8. Hawkins, J.P., Roberts, C.M., Kooistra, D., et al. 2005. Sustainability of scuba diving tourism on coral reefs of Saba. Coastal Management, 33:373–387.
9. Heyman, W.D., Carr, L.M. & Lobel, P.S. 2010. Diver ecotourism and disturbance to reef fish spawning aggregations: It is better to be disturbed than to be dead. Marine Ecology Progress Series, 419:201–210.
10. Hillmer-Pegram, K.C. 2014. Understanding the resilience of dive tourism to complex change. Tourism Geographies, 16(4):598–614.
11. Hoegh-Guldberg, O. & Mumby, P.J. et al. 2007. Coral reefs under rapid climate change and ocean acidification. Science, 318:1737–1742.
12. Howard, J.L. 1999. How do scuba diving operators in Vanuatu attempt to minimise their impact on the environment? Pacific Tourism Review, 3:61–69.
13. Hunt, C.V., Harvey, J.J., Miller, A., et al. 2013. The Green Fins approach for monitoring and promoting environmentally sustainable scuba diving operations in South East Asia. Ocean & Coastal Management, 78:35–44.
14. Johansen, K.M. & Koster, R.L. 2012. Forming scuba diving environmental codes of conduct: What entrylevel divers are taught in their first certification course. Tourism in Marine Environments, 8:61–76.
15. Luna, B., Pérez, V. & Sánchez-lizaso, J. 2009. Benthic impacts of recreational divers in a Mediterranean Marine Protected Area. ICES Journal of Marine Science, 66:517–523.
16. Medio, D., Ormond, R.F.G. & Pearson, M. 1997. Effect of briefings on rates of damage to corals by scuba divers. Biological Conservation, 79:91–95.
17. Moscardo, G. 1999. Supporting ecologically sustainable tourism on the Great Barrier Reef: The importance of visitor research. In Molly, J. & Davies, J. (eds.). CAUTHE National Research Conference. Canberra: Bureau of Tourism Research.
18. Mota, L. & Frausto, O. 2014. The use of scuba diving tourism for Marine Protected Area management. International Journal of Social, Education, Economics and Management Engineering, 8(10):3171–3176.
19. Musa, G. & Dimmock, K. Scuba diving tourism. Abingdon, Oxon: Routledge.
20. Musa, G., Seng, W.T., Thirumoorthi, T. & Abessi, M. 2011. The influence of scuba divers’ personality, experience, and demographic profile on their underwater behaviour. Tourism in Marine Environments, 7:1–14.
21. Ong, T.F. & Musa, G. 2012. Examining the influences of experience, personality and attitude on SCUBA divers’ underwater behaviour: A structural equation model. Tourism Management. Advance online publication. doi: 10.1016/j.tourman.2012.02.007.
22. Ong, T.F. & Musa, G. 2012. SCUBA divers’ underwater responsible behaviour: can environmental concern and divers’ attitude make a difference? Current Issues in Tourism, 15:329-351.
23. Pepe, S.L. 2010. Caution diver below! A case for enhanced environmental education and policies to raise awareness of sustainable scuba diving (Master’s thesis). [Online]. Available at: http://gradworks.umi.com/1481084.pdf [Accessed: 1 August 2017].
24. Roche, R.C. & Harvey, C.V. et al. 2016. Recreational diving impacts on coral reefs and the adoption of environmentally responsible practices within the SCUBA diving industry. Environmental Management, 58(1):107-116.
25. Rouphael, A.B. & Inglis, G.J. 1997. Impacts of recreational scuba diving at sites with different
topographies. Biological Conservation, 82:329–336.
26. Rouphael, A.B. & Inglis, G.J. 2001. Take only photographs and leave only footprints? An experimental study of the impacts of underwater photographers on coral reef dive sites. Biological Conservation, 100:281–287.
27. Scott-Ireton, D. 2008. Teaching ‘heritage awareness’ rather than ‘skills’ to sport diving community. Marine Archaeology, 3:119–120.
28. Sorice, M.G., Oh, C.O. & Ditton, R.B. 2007. Managing scuba divers to meet ecological goals for coral reef conservation. Ambio, 36:316–322.
29. Szuster, B.W., Needham, M.D. & Mcclure, B.P. 2001. Scuba diver perceptions and evaluations of crowding underwater. Tourism in Marine Environments, 7:153–165.
30. Thapa, B., Graefe, A.R. & Meyer, L.A. 2005. Moderator and mediator effects of scuba diving specialisation on marine-based environmental knowledge behaviour contingency. Journal of Environmental Education, 37:53–67.
31. Townsend, C. 2000. The effects of environmental education on the behaviour of scuba divers: A case study from the British Virgin Island (Unpublished master’s thesis). University of Greenwich: UK.
32. Whatmough, S., Van Putten, I. & Chin, A. 2011. From hunters to nature observers: A record of 53 years of diver attitude towards sharks and rays and marine protected areas. Marine and Freshwater Research, 62:755–763.
33. Wongthong, P. & Harvey, N. 2014. Integrated coastal management and sustainable tourism: a case study of the reef-based SCUBA dive industry from Thailand. Ocean and Coastal Management, 95:138–146.
Useful links to visit
www.bobsummit.com
www.greenbubbles.eu
www.greenfins.net
www.greenglobe.com
www.nauigreendiver.org
www.projectaware.org
www.projectbaseline.org
www.reefcheck.org
www.reef-world.
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January
February
Group Fitness at the PoolHow to Rescue a Distressed diver at the SurfaceHow to manage Near-DrowningNo Sit-ups no problem How to manage MalariaHow to manage Oxygen Deficiency (Hypoxia)What to do when confronted by a sharkHow to manage Scombroid PoisoningHow to perform a Deep Diver RescueHow to perform One-rescuer CPRHow to perform a Neurological Assessment
March
DAN’s Quick Guide to Properly Disinfecting Dive GearCOVID-19 : Prevention Recommendations for our Diving CommunityGermophobia? - Just give it a reasonable thoughtScuba Equipment care – Rinsing and cleaning diving equipmentCOVID-19 and DAN MembershipFurther limitations imposed on travels and considerations on diving activitiesDAN Membership COVID-19 FAQsLancet COVID-19 South African Testing SitesCOVID-19 No Panic Help GuideGetting Decompression Sickness while FreedivingDown in the DumpsCardiovascular Disease and DivingDelayed Off-GassingDiving after Dental surgeryDiving with Multiple MedicationsPygmy Seahorses: Life AquaticAfrica DustCOVID-19 Myth BustersScuba Units Are Not Suitable Substitutes for VentilatorsDisinfection of Scuba Equipment and COVID-19Physioball Stability Exercises
April
COVID-19 AdvisoryScuba Equipment Care - Drying & Storing Your GearTransporting Diving Lights & BatteriesHow to Pivot Your Message During a CrisisTourism Relief FundCOVID-19 Business Support ReviewDiving After COVID-19: What We Know TodayEUBS-ECHM Position Statement on Diving ActivitiesPart 2: COVID-19 Business Support ReviewPress Release
May
Diving in the Era of COVID-19Dive Operations and COVID-19: Prepping for ReturnCOVID-19 & Diving Activities: 10 Safety RecommendationsCOVID-19: Surface Survival TimesThe Philippines at its FinestThe Logistics of ExplorationThe Art of the Underwater SelfieShooter: Douglas SeifertFAQs Answered: Disinfecting Scuba EquipmentStock your First-Aid KitResearch and OutreachCovid-19 ResearchOut of the BlueEffects of Aspirin on DivingThe New Pointy end of DivingDiving and Hepatitis CCaissons, Compressed-Air work and Deep TunnellingPreparing to Dive in the New NormalNew Health Declaration Form Sample Addressing C-19 IssuesDiving After COVID 19: What Divers Need to Know
June
Travel Smarter: PRE-TRIP VACCINATIONSAttention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder and DivingCOVID-19: Updated First Aid Training Recommendations From DANDiving with a Purpose in National Marine SanctuariesStay Positive Through the PandemicFor the Dive Operator: How to Protect Your Staff & ClientsStudying Deep reefs and Deep diversAsking the Right QuestionsLung squeeze under cold diving conditions
July
Dive DeprivationVolunteer Fish Surveys: Engage DiversDAN Member Profile: Mehgan Heaney-GrierTravel Smarter: Don’t Cancel, Reschedule InsteadDive Boat Fire SafetyRay of HopePartner ExercisesDiving at AltitudeAluminium ExposureHip FracturesAcoustic NeuromaGuidelines for Lifelong Medical Fitness to DiveNew Dive Medical Forms
August
Women in Diving: Lauren Arthur, Conservationist & Natural History Story TellerWomen in Diving: Dr Sara Andreotti White Shark ResearcherTiming ExerciseWomen in Diving: The Salty Wanderer, Charlie WarlandWomen in Diving: Beth Neale, Aqua soul of freedivingWomen in Diving: Diving and spearfishing Diva, Jean HattinghWomen in Diving: Zandile Ndhlovu, The Black Mermaid
September
October
Freediving For ScienceStep Exercises with CardioFluorescence Imaging help Identify Coral BleachingChildren and DivingThe Watchman device and divingScuba Diving and Factor V Leiden gene mutationNitrogen Narcosis at shallow depthsOil and Particulates: Safe levels in Breathing Air at depthDive Principles for Coping with COVID-19The Importance of a Predive Safety CheckTalya Davidoff: the 'Plattelandse Meisie' Freediver
2019
February
April
May
DAN Press ReleaseYour Dive Computer: Tips and tricks - PART 1Your Dive Computer: Tips and tricks - PART 2Aural HygieneDCS AheadHow Divers Can Help with coral conservationRed Tide and shellfish poisoningDiving after Kidney DonationDiving with hypertrophic cardiomyopathyEmergency Underwater Oxygen Recompression
June
July
September
October
November
Exercise drills with DowelsHeart-rate TrainingCultivating ConservationTRavel Smarter : Evaluating an unfamiliar Dive operatorChallenging the Frontiers of Decompression ResearchTravel Smarter: Plan for Medical EmergenciesWhen should I call my Doctor?DAN Student Medical Expense CoverageAdvice, Support and a LifelineWetsuits and heat stressDiving after Chiropractic adjustments
2018
April
Flying after pool diving FAQLung squeeze while freediving FAQDiving after Bariatric surgery FAQMarine injuries FAQVasovagal Syncope unpredictable FAQIncident report procedure FAQDiving after knee surgery FAQDiving when in RemissionDive with orbital Implant FAQInert gas washout FAQOxygen ears FAQPost Decompression sicknessChildren and diving. The real concerns.Diving after SurgeryPhysiology of Decompresssion sickness FAQDiving and regular exerciseGordon Hiles - I am an Underwater Cameraman and Film MakerScuba Air QualityBreath-hold diving. Part 3: The Science Bit!Compensation Legislation and the Recreational DiverCape Town DivingFive pro tips for capturing better images in cold waterThe Boat Left Without You: Now What?
May
When things go wrongEmergency Planning: Why Do We Need It?Breath-hold diving: Running on reserve -Part 5 Learning to RebreatheSweet Dreams: When Can I Resume Diving Post Anaesthesia?Investing in the future of reefsTo lie or not to lie?THE STORY OF A RASH AFTER A DIVEFirst Aid KitsTaravana: Fact or Falacy?
June
Oxygen Unit MaintenanceKnow Your Oxygen-Delivery Masks 1Know Your Oxygen-Delivery Masks 2Emergency Oxygen unitsInjuries due to exposure - HypothermiaInjuries due to exposure - Altitude sicknessInjuries due to Exposure - Dehydration and other concernsHow to plan for your dive tripThe Future of Dive MedicinePlastic is Killing our ocean
September
Return to DivingDiagnoses: Pulmonary blebSide effects of Rectogesic ointmentDiving with ChemotherapyReplacing dive computers and BCDsCustomize Your First-Aid KitPlan for medical emergenciesHow the dive Reflex protects the brain and heartDry suits and skin BendsAltitude sickness and DCSScuba Diving and Life Expectancy
2017
March
April
Incident Insight: TriageA Field Guide to Minor MishapsSnorkels: Pros & ConsTime & RecoveryMedication & Drug UseDiving with CancerNitrox FAQCOPD FAQHyperbaric Chamber FAQJet Lag FAQHydration FAQAnticoagulant Medication FAQFluid in the Ear FAQEye Surgery FAQElderly Divers FAQNitrogen FAQHealth Concerns FAQMotion Sickness FAQMicronuclei FAQ
June
August
2016
February
March
Breath-Hold Diving & ScubaReturn to Diving After DCITiming Exercise & DivingHot Tubs After DivingSubcutaneous EmphysemaIn-Water RecompressionDiving at AltitudeFlying After DivingDiving After FlyingThe Risks of Diabetes & DivingFlu-like Symptoms Following a DiveHand & Foot EdemaFrontal HeadachesBladder DiscomfortLatex AllergiesRemember to BreatheProper Position for Emergency CareAches & PainsCell Phones While DrivingSurfers Ear Ear Ventilation TubesDealing with Ear ProblemsDiving with Existing Ear InjuriesPerforated Ear DrumENT SurgeryUnpluggedCochlear ImplantsPortuguese Man-of-WarJellyfish StingsLionfish, Scorpionfish & Stonefish EnvenomationsStingray Envenomation Coral Cuts, Scrapes and RashesSpeeding & Driving Behaviour
June
Newsflash! Low Pressure Hose DeteriorationItching & rash go away & come back!7 Things we did not know about the oceanMigraine HeadacheAttention Deficit Disorder Cerebral Vascular AccidentEpilepsyCerebral PalsyHistory of SeizuresMultiple Sclerosis Head TraumaBreast Cancer & Fitness to Dive IssuesLocal Allergic ReactionsSea LiceHow ocean pollution affects humans Dive Fatality & Lobster Mini-Season StatisticsPregnancy & DivingReturn to Diving After Giving BirthBreast Implants & DivingMenstruation During Diving ActivitiesOral Birth ControlBreast FeedingPremenstrual SyndromeOsteoporosisThe Aftermath of Diving IncidentsCompensation Legislation & the Recreational DiverNoise-Induced Hearing LossLegal MattersThe Nature of Liability & DivingDAN Legal NetworkWaivers, Children & Solo DivingHealthy, but overweight!Taking Medication while Scuba DivingGetting Fit for the Dive SeasonBone Considerations in Young DiversAsthma and Scuba DivingHepatitisDiving with HyperglycemiaShoulder PainDiving After Spinal Back Surgery
August
Hazard Identification & Risk AssessmentCaring For Your People Caring For Your FacilitiesCaring For Your BusinessScuba Air Quality Part 1Scuba Air Quality Part 2Chamber Maintenance Part 1Chamber Maintenance Part 2The Aging Diver Propeller SafetyRelease The PressureDon't Get LostMore Water, Less Bubbles13 Ways to Run Out of Air & How Not To7 Mistakes Divers Make & How To Avoid ThemSafety Is In The AirHow Good Is Your Emergency Plan
2015
January
March
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