Preferential selection of marine protected areas by the recreational scuba diving industry

Abstract

Extensive research has illuminated the diverse values of marine protected areas (MPAs), including protecting biodiversity, promoting climate change resilience, and enhancing spillover to fisheries. Comparatively less attention has been given to if and how MPAs can benefit and influence marine ecotourism. Here we use Automatic Identification System (AIS) vessel data to create a long-term, high-resolution portrait of how MPAs shape the behavior of one prominent form of marine ecotourism: scuba diving. Specifically, we explore how the spatial use patterns of scuba diving vessels are affected by MPAs in California’s Northern Channel Islands when these vessels are engaged in two use scenarios: 1) non-extractive ecotourism diving (e.g., wildlife viewing, photography) and 2) recreational scuba-based lobster fishing. Using analyses of AIS data and resource selection models, coupled with insights from vessel operator surveys, we find that scuba diving vessels preferentially selected for MPAs when engaged in ecotourism activities, and for MPA buffer zones when engaged in lobster fishing (i.e., “fishing the line”). These conclusions provide strong evidence of the benefit of MPAs for the scuba diving industry in Southern California and highlight the value of engaging the ecotourism industry in MPA management decisions. This observation is especially timely as state, national, and international bodies advance on commitments to protect 30% of coastal waters in the coming years.