How do scuba diving operators in Vanuatu attempt to minimize their impact on the environment?

The Vanuatu government is aiming to maximize local participation in the tourism industry and to plan and implement tourism projects with explicit attention given to the conservation of the country’s environmental and cultural heritage. This article provides an overview of the scuba diving operations in Vanuatu. It uses content analysis and operator and diver surveys to assess how the industry is minimizing its impact on the environment. It found operators were rotating dive sites and routes, providing predive briefings, and giving money to the custom owners. The divers were concerned and wanted to know more about Vanuatu’s heritage, yet most could not nominate any impact they might be having. The study suggests that as there is a high motivation to learn by divers and a high level of environmental knowledge among operators, a more sustainable industry, and a better diver-operator relationship would exist if education/interpretation services were improved.