Study reveals new scuba divers prefer artificial reefs

Published: 5-Aug-13 12:48:27
Author: Anna
Source: University of Hull
Related: 10-Apr-10 23:11:09

A study carried out by the University of Hull has discovered that artificial reefs are popular with new scuba diving enthusiasts, while natural sites are preferred by more experienced divers. The study was carried out in Barbados in the Caribbean which is home to an array of sunken wrecks and coral reefs.

Artificial reefs are the preference for new divers according to a study carried out by the University of Hull in the UK.

The study was carried out in Barbados in the Caribbean which is home to both sunken wrecks and natural reefs, and it discovered that while new divers like artificial reefs, the more experienced scuba diving enthusiasts would rather explore the ocean's natural sites.

"The best-rated are large reefs that give divers a themed experience," explained a spokesperson from the University of Hull. "However, the study also shows that more experienced divers, those who have logged more than 100 dives, show a strong preference for natural sites."

Artificial reefs are usually scuttled vessels or concrete reef balls and according to the study, new divers find that they give a "more reliably good diving experience, with fewer technical challenges than many natural reefs".

Many artificial reefs are created to keep divers away from natural sites during scuba diving adventures so they can't damage fragile corals and reefs.

"Diver damage can be a real problem in the most popular dive sites but our study shows that artificial reefs could be an important tool for managing the impacts of dive tourism," the spokesperson added.

"The fact that many divers report high satisfaction from diving on artificial reefs shows that dive tourism can be successful without depending on the most sensitive, natural reef sites."

The Caribbean is one of the leading scuba diving destinations in the world and the region is home to both natural sites and artificial reefs. Popular artificial reefs include the US Kittiwake which was sunk off the coast of the Seven Mile Beach on Grand Cayman in the Cayman Islands; the Underwater Art Museum in Cancun which boasts more than 400 life-size figures; and the Underwater Sculpture Park in Grenada.

In the Caribbean, divers of all levels can explore the turquoise, crystal clear waters that are teeming with marine creatures such as sea turtles, seahorses, manta rays, stingrays, sharks, octopus, lobsters, crabs, dolphins and thousands of species of diverse and brightly-coloured fish.

As well as visiting artificial reefs, scuba divers can enjoy a variety of caves, walls, tunnels, and thriving reefs.

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