Effects of recreational scuba diving on coral reefs: trampling on reef-flat communities
- ISSN: 00218901
- DOI: 10.2307/2404267
Abstract
This study investigated on reef-flats communities M. ROBERTS the effects 2. There were significantly live coral in heavily-trampled of trampling of coral reefs near Sharm-el-Sheikh, bare rock and rubble was also significantly by scuba divers and snorkellers a popular resort in Egypt. more damaged coral colonies and loose fragments than in little-trampled of areas. Percentage cover of greater; conversely, numbers of hard coral colonies and total percentage live coral cover were lower. 3. Coral colonies were smaller in trampled compared to control areas, with average height and diameter significantly regularly visited by snorkellers exhibited intermediate forms did not appear to be affected by trampling. 5. Several of the effects reef-flat, detected differed less in heavily-trampled effects. areas. An area 4. Coral species composition and the relative abundances of different coral growth between outer and middle zones of the suggesting that some communities were more vulnerable to trampling than others. 6. In addition to causing biological damage, trampling of the reef-flat to contain trampling for tourists. An effective management strategy within reduced the aesthetic appeal be might therefore
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