Towards blue diving: analysis and solutions to prevent scuba diving impact in the Mediterranean sea

Recreational scuba diving is a growing tourism sector in the Mediterranean Sea that can be integrated with citizen science initiatives, contributing to the collection of extensive data and increasing public awareness of marine coastal ecosystems. However, over time, scuba diving can pose a threat to the integrity of marine communities, mainly due to mechanical damage that may compromise both the functional role and the aesthetic value of marine organisms. This work aims to provide recommendations for adaptive co-management of scuba diving, with a focus on preventing damage and fostering more responsible behaviours in the Mediterranean marine environment. Three tools were used to lay a solid foundation for the designed strategy: 1. an in-depth review of the literature to understand the factors that contribute to the irresponsible attitude of divers and the consequent environmental damage; the successful practices that have been adopted/proposed and the potential factors that contribute to failures in achieving environmentally responsible behaviour, 2. a spatial index approach to detect the areas where the probability of diving impact is highest, and 3. a behavioural change framework to promote greater environmental awareness and stewardship and to induce a mindset shift in scuba divers. The proposed management flow is built around four key elements: 1. the establishment of a network of dive centres and other stakeholders directly or indirectly connected to scuba diving; 2. the development of a data hub to ensure the collection, storage, and exchange of data, knowledge, and outcomes among all parties; 3. the implementation of a robust communication plan to facilitate multi-directional feedback within the stakeholder network; and 4. the application of a spatial approach to map the distribution and intensity of pressures across the territory. Among priority habitats, marine caves require particular attention from policymakers due to their ecological vulnerability and their potential role as refugia for key habitat-forming species, at least at their entrance. Successful management cases at small scale can then be shared with other systems to foster mutual learning, crowdsource solutions to common challenges, and progressively expand the approach to broader systems through a stepped, cascade model flow of data and experiences.