Scuba Diving And The Environment

We know that scuba diving is good for us, mentally and physically. Aerobic exercise, increased strength and flexibility, and time spent in the great outdoors are just some of its benefits. But did you know how important diving is for the protection and recovery of marine ecosystems?

Photo by Sebastian Pena Lambarri on Unsplash

Climate change, pollution, large-scale commercial fishing, and coastal development are just some of the threats facing marine habitats. We are seeing the consistent decline of some of the planet’s most unique ocean ecosystems, including coral reefs, kelp forests, and mangroves, that are vital to the health and populations of countless marine species. Even in areas where steps have been taken to limit harmful human activities and conserve these precious environments, habitat destruction and fluctuating water temperatures continue to impede the recovery of marine flora and fauna.

According to figures from 2024, more than 8% of the world’s oceans are designated Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) (also known as Marine Conservation Zones (MCZs)). These areas were established to limit human activities (namely, commercial fishing and licensable marine activities such as dredging and coastal construction) and support the recovery of rare, threatened, and important habitats and species. Restrictions range from “no-take” zones to Highly Protected Marine Areas (HMPAs), where even non-licensable marine activities, such as sailing, kayaking, and surfing, are limited.

Worldwide, MPAs have already improved the health and diversity of some of the planet’s most unique and endangered marine environments. The Great Barrier Reef off Australia’s northern coast, the Californian Channel Islands, and the Philippines' Tubbataha Reefs, a UNESCO World Heritage site, have all seen the revitalisation of many species and habitats, thanks to these conservation efforts. We’re still a long way off the global target of protecting 30% of the world’s oceans by 2030, but efforts so far are already yielding results.

So where does diving come into it? For one thing, the benefits of marine protection and recovery are immeasurable for divers. Healthier habitats mean cleaner waters populated by thriving sea life, evident as soon as you venture beneath the waves. Of the 33 million dives that take place globally each year, 70% occur in marine protected areas—the equivalent of 23 million dives annually. This figure alone shows how attractive these regions are to divers of all levels.

Photo by Oleksandr Sushko on Unsplash

In February 2025, research was published that demonstrates the diving industry’s role as an “economic engine” waiting to be harnessed. As we mentioned, 70% of dives take place in marine protected areas, but only 15% of these sites are strictly protected from destructive activities such as commercial fishing, dredging, mining, and construction. Well-managed and strictly enforced MPAs have been shown to experience an increase in fish populations of up to 500% compared to unprotected areas. Everything becomes bigger and healthier, from coral reefs to fish, sea turtles, and sharks. Around MPAs, we also see a spillover effect, as these revitalised species begin to populate the wider ocean, leading to better fishing in surrounding areas.

This research shows how important the diving industry is for coastal regions and areas of marine conservation. The popularity of protected zones among divers and the boost dive tourism provides to local economies has led to governing bodies worldwide paying more attention to conservation efforts and investing more in environmental policies to support and protect these precious environments. While the management and regulation of MPAs is challenging, the revenue from tourism alone makes marine conservation a worthwhile investment, not to mention the very real, time-sensitive, and global necessity to address the threats to our oceans.

MPAs have been in place around the coast of the UK since 1982; according to the most recent figures from the Marine Management Organisation (MMO), there are 178 MPAs in English waters alone. Many of these rank among the top UK diving spots, including Lundy Island, the Isles of Scilly, and the Jurassic Coast. Protecting these areas of stunning natural beauty should remain a priority—for the sake of the planet, ourselves, and future generations.

If you'd like to learn more about how scuba diving can benefit the environment and coastal economies, check out the National Geographic article here.