Dive Operators Research Articles

Releasing a dataset of 3D models of artificial reefs from the northern red-sea for 3D printing and virtual reality applications

Artificial reefs are anthropogenic structures that are submerged in purpose to mimic some of the attributes of natural reefs. Here we describe our workflow for 3D mapping of artificial reefs, particularly shipwrecks, and release a dataset containing two 3D models of some of the most epic dive sites in Israel. Our goal is to share our 3D models and protocol with the general public and to enable the scientific and recreational community to document artificial reefs in 3D and use the models in 3D visualization and printing applications. We envision that the models will be used by divers and 3D printing enthusiasts, dive operators, Non-Governmental Organizations, and government agencies dealing with underwater monitoring and marine spatial planning.

UNDERSTANDING THE DIVE GUIDES ROLES IN MALAYSIA: A MALAYSIAN SCUBA DIVER PERSPECTIVE

Abstract: Scuba diving is a growingly popular recreational activity throughout the globe, providing tourists with a more dynamic experience during their holiday. While there is an increasing interest in scuba diving and tourism, which encompass a wide range of topics, there is limited knowledge about the expectations regarding the role of scuba dive guides from the perspective of scuba divers. Thus, this paper aims to explore the expected roles that should be played by scuba dive guides from the perspective of scuba divers. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 13 Malaysian scuba divers. Following thematic analysis, seven roles have been identified: Dive Site Experts, Navigators, Spotters, Underwater Conservationists, Product Informants, Diver Experience Mediators, and Diving Ambassadors. The findings are expected to have substantial implications for researchers, diving business operators, and tourism marketers. Keywords: Scuba Dive Guides; Dive Guides Roles; Tour Guides: Scuba Dive Operator; Malaysia Scuba Diving

Examining the Influence of Organizational Culture and Asset Management on the Valuation of the Diving Industry in Indonesia

Background: In Indonesia, the diving industry has experienced a surge in PADI certifications due to the multitude of diving locations. However, the sector grapples with instability. Existing research has underscored the significance of organizational culture and company assets in business valuation, revealing specific issues in these domains. This study endeavors to assess their impact on the valuation of the diving industry in Indonesia. Objective: Our primary objective is to investigate how organizational culture and company assets influence the valuation of diving businesses in Indonesia. We aim to provide actionable insights to industry management, presenting a model for enhancing valuations through the development of corporate assets and organizational culture. Method: We adopted a quantitative research approach, focusing on dive operators as our unit of analysis and the management of these operators as our observation unit. Our sample consisted of 50 respondents, and we collected primary data through questionnaires. This research employed a cross-sectional design and used causality research techniques, employing the Partial Least Square (PLS) method. Our Findings: Our research substantiates the influence of both organizational culture and company assets on the valuation of Indonesia's diving industry. Notably, the impact of company assets surpasses that of organizational culture in elevating business valuations. This discovery offers a promising alternative for industry management, emphasizing the development of tangible assets and organizational stability and control for success in this dynamic sector. Conclusion: Our study underscores the importance of prioritizing the development of tangible company assets in the diving industry in Indonesia. Additionally, it highlights the need for management to focus on enhancing organizational stability and control within the organization as a strategy for improving business valuations.

<i>Corrigendum to</i>: Community-driven shark monitoring for informed decision making: a case study from Fiji

<sec> Context Globally, more than 121 million people enjoy nature-based marine tourism, making it one of the largest marine industries. Ocean degradation threatens this industry and management has not kept pace to ensure long-term sustainability. In response, some individuals within the industry are taking it upon themselves to monitor the ocean and provide the data needed to assist management decisions. Fiji is one such place. </sec> <sec> Aims Between 2012 and 2016, 39 Fijian dive operators, in collaboration with eOceans, conducted the Great Fiji Shark Count to document sharks on their dives. </sec> <sec> Methods Using 146 304 shark observations from 30668 dives, we document spatial and temporal patterns of 11 shark species at 592 sites. </sec> <sec> Key results Sharks were observed on 13 846 dives (45% of recorded dives) at 441 (74%) sites. Generally, our results matched those from other more limited surveys, including from baited remote underwater video systems. We found high variability in shark presence, species richness, and relative abundance through space and time. One trend was surprising: the most common species, Whitetip Reef Shark, decreased over the study period at eastern sites and increased at western sites; the cause is currently unknown. </sec> <sec> Conclusions Our results can guide management and conservation needs, future scientific questions, and provide a baseline for future assessments. </sec> <sec> Implications This study demonstrates the value of longitudinal observation data that includes absences for describing marine fauna, and confirms the capacity of stakeholders to document the ocean. It also points the direction for broadscale participatory science methodologies to track the ocean. </sec>

Scuba Diving As Sustainability Economic Marine Ecotourism

Diving ecotourism is a form of adventure tourism that has high economic value in marine ecosystems, especially coral reef ecosystems, contributing at least 4 billion USD annually in the Southeast Asian region. In particular, diving tourism worth more than 150 million USD has contributed significant income and employment to many islands and coastal communities in Southeast Asian countries. Another research have a plan that blue economy become base of scuba diving eco-tourism as economic concern and use community-based ecotourism (CBET) within the developing market dynamics of the blue economy. Many coastal communities around the world are strongly dependent on the need to find a balance between protecting marine biodiversity and maintaining a sustainable and direct access to ecosystem services. Healthy coastal ecosystems support livelihoods and provide protection from natural hazards, coastal erosion and rising sea levels, particularly in small island developing states. The blue economy discourse has made considerable inroads towards bridging the gap between livelihoods and ocean health. Although different actors involved in marine and ocean governance are using the blue economy term in competing and often conflicting ways, the wider consensus is that economies and human wellbeing rely on healthy eco-systems. Scuba diving tourists can help fund marine conservation initiatives and research. Some dive operators, for example, contribute a percentage of their income to marine conservation groups or engage in citizen science pro-grams that collect data on marine ecosystems. Scuba diving tourism can help safeguard marine habitats and encourage sustainable practices by funding research and conservation activities. Overall, scuba diving tourism provides a one-of-a-kind opportunity to enjoy the beauty and diversity of marine ecosystems while also offering considerable economic benefits and aiding marine conservation.

ADVENTURE TOURISM RISK, ENVIRONMENTAL IMAGE, AND REVISIT INTENTION: AN EMPIRICAL STUDY OF UNDERWATER CAVE DIVING TOURISM IN BUTON ISLAND, INDONESIA

Purpose - Most previous research on tourism analysis,, focuses more on recreational tourism. This study aims to analyze risk perception by using adventure tourism risk, that is; equipment, physical, psychological, social, and financial risks, and their effects on environmental image and revisit intention. Design - This study adopts the perceptions of tourists who used the services of three dive operators from January to March 2022: Rock n Roll Diver, Sulawesi Dive Trek, and Wasage Divers. Methodology - The research data was collected from 98 respondents, namely tourists who did cave diving tours in Buton Island, Indonesia. Approach - The hypothesis test is conducted using the Partial Least Squared (PLS) approach, and this test structurally accounts for both direct and indirect effects. Findings - The results of the study provide information that adventure risk, include; risk of equipment, physical, psychological, social and financial affects environmental image and revisit intention, either directly or indirectly. Environmental image affects revisit intention and environmental image have a mediating effect adventure risk to revisit intention. Originality of the research - This study tries to build a causal relationship between adventure tourism risk, and destination image, especially environmental image and its effect on revisit intention in underwater cave diving tourism in Buton Island, Indonesia.. Originality of the research is equipment, physical, psychological, social, and financial risks, and their effects on environmental image and revisit intention that to be focused on underwater cave diving tourism.

Distribution of the reef manta ray Mobula alfredi and the oceanic manta ray Mobula birostris in the Philippines: a collaborative effort for conservation.

Little is known about manta ray population size, structure and connectivity in the Philippines. In collaboration with dive operators, non-governmental organizations and authorities, sightings of manta rays were collated into a single national database. Using in-water photographs and videos gathered through citizen science and dedicated research efforts, this study compiled sightings between 2004 and 2020, showing 22 separate sites throughout the archipelago with manta rays present. A total of 392 individual reef manta rays (Mobula alfredi) and 107 oceanic manta rays (Mobula birostris) were identified from the collected footage. Four specific sites in the provinces of Masbate and Palawan together hosted 89% of all identified individuals and accounted for 95% of sightings, highlighting these areas are key aggregation sites. This study also reports the movements of M. birostris within the Philippines, based on photo-identification of three individuals moving 150 km between Cebu and Masbate. Despite the growing number of recreational divers in Daanbantayan and San Jacinto, an 80% decline in M. birostris sightings was observed at these sites. To ensure effective future conservation, it is recommended that efforts focus on the identification and protection of manta ray hotspots and migratory corridors, the creation of a sustainable tourism framework and, most important, the implementation of mitigation strategies to reduce fisheries interactions.

Immersive reflections: the new diver’s changing conceptualization of the marine environment

ABSTRACT Scuba diving is a popular recreational and ecotourism activity. Dive certification organizations, tdive operators, and resorts are embracing marine environmental awareness and action. This study explores how 81new scuba dive students create meaning of their relationship to the marine environment and how that might be shaped by their dive experiences. Emerging divers possess: (a) positive Nature Relatedness and marine Place-Attachment that did not significantly change through the dive experience, and (b) differences in how they conceptualized the marine environment throughout the dive training and dive experience. New dive students draw upon social constructs to embed their understanding of the marine environment, transforming it from a physical space to an oceanscape imbued with meaning. These findings can inform dive certification organizations and their partner dive operators and resorts about how to further promote marine conservation through understanding that the cognitive impact of learning to dive goes beyond attaining a certification card.

Using recreational divers to inform more efficient conservation management within a MPA - A case study from the Cape Peninsula, South Africa

In South Africa, recreational scuba diving is a popular coastal activity, which is largely carried out within Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). MPAs act as the basis for marine conservation in the country, operating as the primary tool for the management of the country's marine resources. Effective management of MPAs depends on the uptake of voluntary guidelines, including Codes of Conduct by recreational users, such as the scuba diving community. With a focus on the MPA of Table Mountain National Park (TMNP), this paper aims to determine the value that Cape divers attach to the marine environment in which they dive, their understanding of the role of the TMNP MPA, and their knowledge and attitudes regarding its management. A semi-structured questionnaire with responses from around 30% of the local diving community showed that while users attached a high value to the MPA in which they dive, they presented a lack of knowledge around the regulations and conditions involved with diving within the MPA. This is associated with poor dissemination of user information and general awareness. In-depth interviews with dive operators and management personnel of the MPA indicated a disconnect between the different levels of management, operators and users. Based on this research, we propose alternative and additional management strategies for recreational scuba diving that would contribute to the success of the TMNP MPA including increased collaboration with the dive community for citizen science activities, improved stakeholder engagement and better access to information on management regulations and expectations.

Starling murmuration optimizer: A novel bio-inspired algorithm for global and engineering optimization

This paper presents a novel bio-inspired algorithm inspired by starlings’ behaviors during their stunning murmuration named starling murmuration optimizer (SMO) to solve complex and engineering optimization problems as the most appropriate application of metaheuristic algorithms. The SMO introduces a dynamic multi-flock construction and three new search strategies, separating, diving, and whirling. The separating search strategy aims to enhance the population diversity and local optima avoidance using a new separating operator based on the quantum harmonic oscillator. The diving search strategy aims to explore the search space sufficiently by a new quantum random dive operator, whereas the whirling search strategy exploits the vicinity of promising regions using a new operator called cohesion force. The SMO strikes a balance between exploration and exploitation by selecting either a diving strategy or a whirling strategy based on the flocks’ quality. The SMO was tested using various benchmark functions with dimensions 30, 50, 100. The experimental results prove that the SMO is more competitive than other state-of-the-art algorithms regarding solution quality and convergence rate. Then, the SMO is applied to solve several mechanical engineering problems in which results demonstrate that it can provide more accurate solutions. A statistical analysis shows that SMO is superior to the other contenders.

Community-driven shark monitoring for informed decision making: a case study from Fiji

Context Globally, more than 121 million people enjoy nature-based marine tourism, making it one of the largest marine industries. Ocean degradation threatens this industry and management has not kept pace to ensure long-term sustainability. In response, some individuals within the industry are taking it upon themselves to monitor the ocean and provide the data needed to assist management decisions. Fiji is one such place. Aims Between 2012 and 2016, 39 Fijian dive operators, in collaboration with eOceans, conducted the Great Fiji Shark Count to document sharks on their dives. Methods Using 146 304 shark observations from 30 668 dives, we document spatial and temporal patterns of 11 shark species at 592 sites. Key results Sharks were observed on 13 846 dives (45% of recorded dives) at 441 (74%) sites. Generally, our results matched those from other more limited surveys, including from baited remote underwater video systems. We found high variability in shark presence, species richness, and relative abundance through space and time. One trend was surprising: the most common species, Whitetip Reef Shark, decreased over the study period at eastern sites and increased at western sites; the cause is currently unknown. Conclusions Our results can guide management and conservation needs, future scientific questions, and provide a baseline for future assessments. Implications This study demonstrates the value of longitudinal observation data that includes absences for describing marine fauna, and confirms the capacity of stakeholders to document the ocean. It also points the direction for broadscale participatory science methodologies to track the ocean.

Economic impact and conservation potential of shark-diving tourism in the Azores Islands

Shark-diving tourism is an emerging industry in the Azores Islands. However, this industry directly competes with fishing, as both exploiting the same highly migratory shark species. This study quantifies the commercial value of the Azorean shark-diving industry based on a survey of dive tourists and local dive operators and the potential of this industry to further generate funds for implementation of direct conservation actions. The economic contribution of the shark-diving industry to the regional economy of the Azores in 2019 was estimated to be just over USD $ 1 Million. The results of a spiked censored interval data model of contingent valuation indicated that implementation of an extra conservation fee per dive trip, to be paid by dive tourists, could potentially yield over USD $ 103,000 per year to be used for management and enforcement of a proposed MPA for sharks around the dive sites. Our analysis suggests that the emerging shark-diving industry in the Azores Islands has potential to grow throughout the Macaronesian archipelago, thereby increasing tax revenues and the number of jobs and income to Azorean local communities, potentially promoting conservation and sustainable use of the shark populations. However, expansion of this industry into a robust contributor to the archipelago’s economy would require a concomitant strengthening of industry regulation, and support by the government, to protect businesses and investments. This could be partially obtained through improving in fisheries management, implementation of a functional MPA and adequate enforcement.

Understanding the Variables That Influence Scuba Diver Behavior on Coral Reefs in Seychelles

Determining the fundamental causes of scuba diver contact with coral reefs is vitally important for the marine tourism sector. This information can provide management authorities and dive operators with methods to promote and demonstrate sustainable dive practices in order to reduce physical interaction by divers on coral reefs. This study provides an insight into what variables influence physical contact by scuba divers on coral reefs around Praslin Island, Seychelles. Underwater behavior was studied from 205 divers to identify what factors significantly influence contacts on coral reefs at dive sites. Male divers contacted the reef twice as much as female ones (0.25 ± 0.04 vs. 0.12 ± 0.02 contacts min–1). Photographers contacted the reef significantly more than those divers without cameras (0.30 ± 0.06 vs. 0.10 ± 0.02 contacts min–1), as did diving at midday versus in the morning (0.46 ± 0.13 vs. 0.16 ± 0.02 contacts min–1). Diver age had a significant effect on contact rates, with the 41–50 age category responsible for the highest amount contacts (0.31 ± 0.07 contacts min–1). Dive operators need to be extra vigilant with these high-risk divers, utilizing a combination of damage prevention methods for camera users, providing closer supervision for older divers and reminding divers about ecofriendly dive techniques who are completing more than one dive that day.

Close encounters of the worst kind: reforms needed to curb coral reef damage by recreational divers

Intentional and unintentional physical contact between scuba divers and the seabed is made by most divers and multiple times per dive, which often results in damage to corals and other marine life. Current efforts to reduce reef contacts (e.g., voluntary dive operator recognition programs and voluntary dive standards) can be effective, but lack sufficient incentive structures for long-term compliance. In their current capacity, these programs fail to reduce reef contacts to tolerable levels. Regulatory policies can facilitate pervasive and permanent shifts in human behavior, but have been underutilized to change unsustainable underwater norms. Most coral reefs open to recreational diving lie within territorial waters of individual countries, and many already have existing forms of protection with legislation that can be easily modified. Successful policy precedents in Marine Protected Areas (e.g., bans on underwater glove use) and elsewhere (e.g., anti-smoking laws in public spaces and legislation enforcing seat belt use) demonstrate the largely untapped potential of using effective governance to change destructive diving norms for good. To reduce intentional reef contacts, policy-makers can enact regulations in MPAs directly banning all contact between divers and the seabed. To reduce unintentional contacts, policy-makers can create policy safeguards that preempt such occurrences (e.g., requiring divers to keep a certain distance from the seabed). Crucially, such policies will need accompanying formal and informal enforcement measures that are equitable, effective, and efficient to motivate compliance and effect lasting behavior change. Having a robust, well-enforced, regulatory framework to tackle both types of reef contacts lends credence to the efforts of existing conservation programs, and is key to permanently changing divers’ underwater attitudes and fostering sustainable scuba diving behavior to the benefit of all.

Quantifying the distribution and site fidelity of a rare, non-commercial elasmobranch using local ecological knowledge

Fishery catch records offer limited data to assess the status of rare, non-commercial species, including some sharks. Despite marine megafauna creating an important source of revenue though tourism, basic spatial information required to create conservation strategies is not available for many of these species. A cost-effective approach to assess the distribution of rare, non-commercial species is required to manage resources and inform conservation strategies in data-deficient areas. This study provides new information on the distribution and abundance of the zebra shark in southern Africa and examines if local ecological knowledge can be used to identify spatial and temporal trends of rare, non-commercial elasmobranchs. Trends identified from fisher interviews at two locations were compared to those collected using structured dive surveys. Both fisher interviews and structured surveys identified similar hotspot areas and temporal changes in the zebra shark population. Photographs of zebra sharks taken by researchers, dive operators, and recreational scuba divers between Pomene and Sodwana Bay were used to identify and provide information on the size, sex and movement of individuals. A combination of geo-located data gathered from one hundred interviews conducted with fishers at four different locations within Mozambique and sightings information from scuba divers were used in a species distribution model to determine the relative importance of environmental predictors and identify further areas of suitable habitat. Sea surface temperature was the most important factor in the coldest months, with distance from shore most limiting habitat suitability at other times of year. This approach could be applied in data-deficient regions to highlight areas of interest, prioritise research activities and inform conservation actions for rare, non-commercial marine megafauna.

Challenges and conservation potential of shark-diving tourism in the Macaronesian archipelagos

Macaronesia is formed by some of most isolated oceanic islands of the Atlantic Ocean. This region is typically heavily exploited by fisheries; however, in recent years, marine wildlife tourism has become popular and a shark-diving industry has emerged, potentially presenting an alternative for the sustainable use of sharks. Combining a literature review with interviews with dive operators conducting shark encounters in the Macaronesian archipelagos, we provide an overview of the challenges and conservation potential of shark-diving tourism for these territories. Owing to the regular presence of important shark species for tourism and the growth of the scuba-diving industry, shark-diving has potential to expand over the region. Yet, the overlap between European industrial fishing pressure and shark populations, coupled with the unregulated recreational and artisanal fishing sector in the Canary Islands and Cape Verde, may jeopardize the sustainability of the shark-diving industry. However, the economic benefits for local communities directly and indirectly produced by shark-diving tourism suggest local benefits, fostering stronger shark conservation in Macaronesia.

Effects of Food Provisioning on the Daily Ration and Dive Site Use of Great Hammerhead Sharks, Sphyrna mokarran

Wildlife provisioning is popular, economically valuable, and a rapidly growing part of marine tourism, with great potential to benefit conservation. However, it remains controversial due to limited understanding of its implications on the behavior and ecology of target species. In this study, we modeled how various abiotic and biotic factors influenced great hammerhead sharks’ (Sphyrna mokarran) use of a recreational dive site in Bimini, the Bahamas, where shark-feeding has been conducted since 2012. Further, we calculated bioenergetic models to estimate their daily ration and examined if individual sharks fulfilled their daily energetic requirements from food uptake during dives. Between December 2016 and May 2017, we collected data during 104 provisioning dives in collaboration with a local dive operator. Twenty-eight individual great hammerhead sharks were observed, 11 were philopatric (i.e., identified at the dive site in previous years), and 17 were new (i.e., identified at the dive site for the first time during this study) individuals. On average, four sharks were observed daily, occasionally up to nine individuals, with some individuals spending more than 2 h attending each dive, consuming up to 4.75 kg of provisioned food per dive and returning repeatedly throughout the study period. When we grouped sharks based on their previous experience of the dive site (i.e., philopatric vs. new sharks), we found significantly higher attendance indices, i.e., the number of attended dives divided by the total number dives, and longer presence times during dives in philopatric sharks and different responses toward the number of boats and conspecifics between the two groups. Overall, great hammerhead sharks increased their bait uptake during longer dives and when more boats were present at the dive site. Finally, nine of 12 provisioned great hammerhead sharks were regularly able to fuel their daily energetic requirements from provisioned food alone, with two sharks doing so on 77.8% of all dives. Our study provides insights into how large-bodied marine predators react toward wildlife tourism associated provisioning and allows further discussion about daily energy uptake during provisioning dives, its potential impacts on the ecological role of the target species and associated management measures.

Perspectives on the impact of external risks on the future of dive tourism at a high latitude reef complex in the Indian Ocean Region

ABSTRACT South Africa's marine environment is rich in fauna and flora, and renowned for its pristine coral reefs. Yet, with various risks continuing to threaten the future of marine tourism in the Blue Economy, for how long can scuba diving tourism remain a popular marine recreational activity in the region? By means of a case study approach, this article aims to identify the range of domestic and international external risks impacting on dive tourism at a dive tourism hotspot at the iSimangaliso Wetland Park (iWP) in northern KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Results suggest that dive operators perceive external risks to be a significant threat to the future of their dive operations. Most pertinent are risks where domestic crime, political instability, depressed economic activity, access to dive tourism hotspots, and restrictive government regulations have impacted the dive tourism industry in the region.

Participatory monitoring of marine biological invaders: a novel program to include citizen scientists

Voluntary participation of citizens scientists has become a valuable tool for scientific research, but rarely applied for detection of non-native species in marine environments. This study was conducted in the Rio de Janeiro state, southeastern Brazil, at sites used for the SCUBA diving. The awareness activity was directed at dive centres before dives, addressing themes such as marine biodiversity, rocky reefs, biological invasions and citizen science. After the briefing, divers were invited to record occurrences of the invasive Tubastraea spp. on a wet note slate that were left under the responsibility of the dive centers, usually visible on the boat. This study showed a high level (100%) of credibility for data provided by volunteers, new records (N = 39) for the invasive species that had not previously been mentioned in published articles, and that the approach used is efficient in its spatial and temporal aspects. The successful development of citizen-based monitoring programs depends on the approximation of the academic community and the commitment of dive operators. The diver plays a critical role within this process, providing valuable information, which can be used to confirm the engagement of common citizens and also to track the spread of non-native marine species.

STRATEGI BAURAN PEMASARAN OCTOPUS DIVE PENIDA DALAM MENINGKATKAN KUNJUNGAN WISATAWAN

Octopus Dive Penida is one of the first local dive centers in Nusa Penida that provides international diving facilities (PADI, ADSI,SSI) with professional instructors. This study discusses the marketing strategy adopted by Octopus Dive. The sample of this research is tourists who have visited and used the services of diving / snorkeling in Octopus Dive Penida. The sample selection technique used purposive sampling with 168 respondents. The technique of collecting data is done in several ways, discussing, observing, interviewing, questionnaires, documentation, and literature study. The data analysis technique was done by quantitative descriptive analysis and SWOT analysis. Resulting in a marketing SWOT strategy from variable marketing mix 7 P that is, SO (Strengths – Opportunities) strategy is doing Brand Positioning as a quality dive operator, doing good relations with the community and improving the quality of Human Resources. WO (Weakness -Opportunities) strategy is to expand business / office locations, educate tourists, re-conduct price analysis and participate in international and national events. ST (Strenghts -Threats) strategy is to innovate services / services for tourists, create dive tourism package programs that don't exist in other dive operators. WT (Weakness -Threats) strategy is to conduct a site analysis to complement offices and innovations in market price adjustments.