'Stingray City'- Managing the Impact of Underwater Tourism in the Cayman Islands

Abstract

Recreational diving and snorkelling are increasingly popular leisure activities, with potentially adverse consequences for coral reefs and other types of marine life. This case study presents observations of the impact and management of visitors viewing a single animal species, the Southern Stingray (Dasyatis americana) congregating at a specific location (nicknamed 'Stingray City') off the coast of Grand Cayman in the western Caribbean. It is estimated that the stingrays now receive 80,000 to 100,000 visitors per year, and on a busy day more than 500 divers and snorkellers can be observed in the water stroking and feeding the rays. The stingray population is beginning to show major behavioural changes such as the development of shoaling behaviour, skin abrasion from handling, and altered feeding habits. It is also possible that some behavioural modifications are being learnt and transmitted to new generations of rays. Concern is expressed about the effect of consistently high levels of visitation upon the stingray population, and it is suggested that there is an urgent need for long term monitoring with possible restriction of visitor numbers.