Assessing the behaviour of underwater camera users for improved diving tourism management

Scuba diving tourism has diversified to draw various niche markets, including underwater photography and videography. Despite the economic and educational benefits of underwater photography and videography, there are concerns about the potential negative impacts on dive sites, calling for assessments based on different diver characteristics. This study investigated the behaviour of 109 divers using camera equipment during 2023–2025 in Ponta do Ouro, Mozambique, a popular subtropical diving destination within a marine protected area. Observations of divers were analysed to establish contact rates with the substrate and compare these across interests, habits, commitment and experience. The divers engaged in an average of 0.28 contacts min−1, with most contacts being voluntary (involving hands or fingers on the algal turf, with no visible damage) and occurring in the second half of the dive. Camera type, photography/videography interest, carrying specific equipment (e.g. an extension pole) and reef proximity were significant in determining voluntary contact, while diver qualification level and horizontal position during photography/videography affected involuntary contact, mainly consisting of fin contact with sessile species. The results of this study call for efforts by dive centres, meta-governance bodies, authorities, organisations and the media to promote better training, education and intervention.