Economic Management of Recreational Scuba Diving

Increasing use of marine protected areas for pursuits such as recreational scuba diving may lead to biological damage and reduced amenity values in popular locations.

The relationships between biological and amenity values are discussed and the work of Dixon et al. (1993, Meeting ecological and economic goals: marine parks in the Caribbean. Ambio 22, 117–125) on allocating divers between sites is extended. It is included that the carrying capacity concept and the critical thresholds approach are constrained by a number of limitations on their effectiveness as resource management tools.

The optimal allocation of users between recreational dive sites is, subsequently, examined and the potential application of economic instruments to achieve such an allocation is assessed. It is concluded that a judicious blend of regulation and the use of economic instruments will be required to overcome open access and boundary problems, and will provide for better overall management of popular marine recreational sites than is presently the case. Education will also have a significant role to play by increasing environmental awareness and reducing the damaging impacts caused by users of those popular sites.

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Source: Derrin Davis and Clem Tisdell

Boy Scouts Take the Plunge

The Scuba Diving merit badge has launched allowing Scouts to earn a new merit badge while enjoying a fun and exciting sport. Scuba Diving opens a world of experiences and opportunities for scouts and their families. Since the launch of the new merit badge, scouts all across the United States have been joining families and troops to get certified.

The new merit badge consists of four parts:

Boy Scouts of Americas (BSA) requirements
Scuba knowledge development
Confined water dives
Open Water Dives
Plus, Scouts that are already certified in scuba just have to complete the remaining BSA requirements to receive their merit badge!
PADI Dive Centers and Resorts are official BSA affiliates and the premiere training facilities for the Boy Scouts of America. Find a PADI Dive Center or Resort in your area to get started today!

Source: Sport Diver

Diving in Dubai

Dubai has gained the attention of tourists in 1999, after the inauguration of one of the most luxurious hotels in the world, the Burj Al Arab, which varies daily between 1.5 thousand and 10 thousand dollars.

Besides the charm and richness of the place, Dubai also charms for architectural beauty, by mixing the old and new, challenging the desert and beautiful beaches, many artificially constructed. The Palm Islands, for example, are formed by three major archipelagos of islands shaped like palm. The World already has the shape of world map.

And speaking of water, which make such a trip under the sea in Dubai? There, you can scuba dive or snorkel all year round, and the waters further from shore east of the UAE are the most beautiful landscapes in the region. And there is also a sensational diving tour the region, exploring the rich local marine environment. They are 2.5 hours of observation .

To venture, just go to one of the many agencies in Dubai who will be traveling to the east coast – a distance of about two hours by car. In diving centers you can rent all the equipment such as snorkels, masks and feet at the duck. Then, just enjoy the underwater life of the Middle East and keep that memory forever!

Source: No limits

Scuba diving in Sao Paulo

Sighting dolphins and whales, live with caiçara communities and experience the rich marine life off the coast of São Paulo (Brazil) are some of the attractions for those who venture into the scripts of the dive.

In a joint initiative between fishermen, dive associations and the State Department of Environment, have been mapped about 80 points – divided into eight routes – where you can perform the activity. The project goal is to make the people know the marine life and go to save it.

Located in areas of environmental preservation, the scripts include islands in the region of Ubatuba, Ilhabela, São Sebastião, Santos and Itanhaém. In all of them, you can find companies dive operators.

See more in Portal Mergulho Brazil!!