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Scuba diving boosts conservation - and brings in billions - Earth.com

Retrieved on: 2025-07-28 19:15:59

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Summary

This comprehensive study by UC San Diego's Scripps Institution of Oceanography reveals that recreational scuba diving contributes between $8.5-20.4 billion annually to the global economy while supporting up to 124,000 jobs across 170 countries. The research demonstrates how dive tourism creates a sustainable "blue economy" model that benefits marine conservation efforts.

The study analyzed over 11,500 dive operators worldwide and found that 70% of marine dives occur within marine protected areas, where divers pay premium prices for healthier ecosystems. Unlike extractive industries, dive tourism generates substantial revenue without degrading marine environments, making it an ideal economic driver for coastal communities.

  • Dive tourism supports local economies with 80% of employees being local residents, creating lasting community benefits
  • Marine protected areas attract more divers willing to pay higher fees for richer wildlife encounters and healthier reef systems
  • The industry serves as an early warning system for environmental degradation, with operators reporting noticeable ecosystem decline over the past decade
  • Research supports forming dive operator cooperatives to give the industry greater voice in marine management and conservation policies

Article found on: www.earth.com

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