Impact of SCUBA divers on the coral reefs of a national park in the Mexican Caribbean

ABSTRACT Coral reefs provide numerous ecosystem services and host more than 20% of marine biodiversity. However, the impact of recreational SCUBA diving on coral reefs is not often quantified in marine protected areas. We quantified the impact of divers on coral reefs in five sites within the National Park Reefs of Puerto Morelos, Mexico during high and low tourist seasons. We recorded the number and types of impacts on coral reefs done by divers during 30 minutes and the occurrence of endangered Acropora spp. The impacts most frequently recorded were "touching coral" and "creating sediment clouds" in the shallowest site, during the low season. A warning system was adopted by the Park based on the results. Making this information available for decision-making is crucial for ensuring the sustainable management of tourism, contributes to the conservation of fragile coral reef ecosystems, and ensures the sustianbility of livelihoods that rely on them.