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SEPG 2141 - Date Awarded 2003
Diving ecotourism: friend or foe for Bonaire’s coral reefs?
Isabelle M. Côté and Maria C. Uyarra
Abstract
Coral reefs are popular with ecotourists, but the impact of divers on reefs has been cause for concern. In this study, we assessed the damage to corals caused by divers seeking small charismatic fish such as seahorses and frogfishes. These cryptic fish are closely associated with the reef substratum, thus bringing divers into close proximity to coral. We found that when in the vicinity of frogfish and seahorses, divers made unintentional contact coral significantly more often and for longer periods than when further away from such species. This change in diver behaviour resulted in an increased frequency of coral breakage and scarring at seahorse/frogfish sites than at ecologically equivalent control sites. However, the spatial extent of damage appears limited. Beyond 1-2 m from the seahorse or frogfish, coral breakage and scarring rate decreased to levels similar to those of control sites. This fact, combined with the remarkably low rate of diver contacts with the reef, coral scarring and breakage away from such points of interest and the economic benefits of diving for the Bonairian economy, suggests that diving ecotourism on this island may be sustainable given current levels.
Full report: SEPG2141
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