September 2009 - Coral Reef Questionnaires
Reef Survey for Divers
The Reef Survey For Divers collects impartial opinions from divers worldwide to reveal trends in marine environmental awareness, priorities and expectations when choosing a location or reef to dive, as well as the most favourable conditions and aesthetic values of coral reefs. Take action and take part! |
Reef Survey for Experts
The Reef Survey For Experts has been sent to selected professionals worldwide to accumulate unbiased opinions and knowledge from marine scientists concerning the importance of coral and fish species, natural and human environmental impacts on reefs and marine life as well as the implementation of diverse management strategies to sustain marine environments. |
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London Dive Show - Survey Results
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When asked on a scale of 1 to 10 (10 being the highest and 1 being the lowest score) how important the general attractiveness of a coral reef is to them, over 52% of interviewees stated the highest score 10. The attractiveness of the reef was also singularly the most important consideration when picking a dive, its average importance at 8.3 on a scale of 1 to 10.
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Over 84% expressed a preference for no other dive groups to be present when they are diving a particular dive site.
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A high number of top predators (sharks, groupers etc) was the primary preference of things to see when diving a given reef. The second most important preference was the number of fish encountered, followed by a high diversity of coral species.
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81% of those interviewed were asked if they would pay a fee to dive a healthy reef that was managed in a sustainable manner. The average they would pay per dive on such a reef was just over £20.
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50% of those interviewed were asked if they would pay a fee to dive a damaged reef that was managed in a sustainable manner. Interestingly, those interviewees who would pay to dive a damaged reef managed in a sustainable manner, would pay on average slightly more, almost £21, than to dive a healthy reef.
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When analysing all the results from this survey, and other research previously conducted by ICRS, it is becoming apparent that most divers are willing to pay extra for dive sites both in a healthy and damaged state that are managed professionally to provide enjoyment for future generations and to actively contribute to the protection of endangered environments. This was further supported by the participants� emphasis of the importance for high abundances and diversities of fish and corals. As these are clear general indicators of a healthy marine environment, sustainable management for reefs is in everybody's interest.
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