Scuba diving and marine conservation: collaboration at two Australian subtropical destinations

Divers are increasingly becoming involved in marine conservation, often doing so as part of their recreational activities. Two New South Wales (NSW) volunteer underwater conservation groups [Solitary Islands Underwater Research Group Inc. (SURG) and Byron Underwater Research Groups(BURG)] were studied to characterize members’ motivations to assist with conservation in subtropical/temperate marine environments. The collaboration between private and government organizations at two dive destinations was explored to reveal implications towards marine conservation outcomes. Primary motivations to engage in marine conservation programs were a desire to contribute to environmental conservation and to increase personal knowledge and diving skill-base. The volunteer work of these two underwater research groups builds on existing monitoring programs within local marine protected areas with benefits possible through collaboration at each diving destination.