SCUBA diver behavior, diver carrying capacity and its implications for sustainable reef management

Coral reefs are vulnerable to natural and anthropogenic impacts, especially tourism activities such as SCUBA diving and snorkeling. This study aims to assess diver carrying capacity and the impacts caused by SCUBA divers related to certification level and lionfish spear, through an underwater monitoring of 180 divers in Roatan, Honduras. Results reveal substantial variation in carrying capacity among dive sites, with a notable disparity of over 13,000 divers/year between sites with the lowest and highest capacities. Divers' behavior has significant implications for reef physical integrity. This study highlights the need to reassess the effectiveness of lionfish spearfishing as a control for invasive species and emphasizes the importance of comprehensive workshops and courses to enhance divers' awareness of potential ecological impacts. These findings contribute to understanding the ecological implications of recreational diving, calling for sustainable management practices and targeted educational efforts. Furthermore, the study underscores the significance of estimating and managing carrying capacity for long-term marine ecosystem sustainability. Incorporating SCUBA diving carrying capacity as a crucial tool for adaptative management enables monitoring and regulation of diver numbers in relation to reef status and tourism pressure.