No persistent behavioural effects of SCUBA diving on reef sharks

A study on Palmyra Atoll reveals that long-term SCUBA diving activity does not result in persistent behavioural changes to reef sharks. Contrary to expectations, the research found no differences in shark abundance, behaviour, or residency patterns between heavily dived and undived locations, even during years with substantial diving activity. The study used a combination of baited remote underwater video systems and multi-year passive acoustic monitoring to assess these impacts. These findings suggest that well-regulated shark diving tourism can coexist with conservation goals without undermining the behavioural integrity of shark populations.

Bradley, D., Papastamatiou, Y., & Caselle, J. (2017). No persistent behavioural effects of SCUBA diving on reef sharks. Marine Ecology Progress Series, 567, 173–184. https://doi.org/10.3354/meps12053