Normative Standards for Coral Reef Conditions: A Comparison of SCUBA Divers by Specialization Level

Abstract

Previous research suggests that recreationists develop preferences for certain resource characteristics as they become more specialized. In this study, normative standards for resource conditions at coral reefs in the Florida Keys were compared among three specialization groups of SCUBA divers. Norm intensity was significantly greater among more specialized divers for three of four resource conditions studied—coral bleaching, algae cover, and presence of fish. Likewise, evaluations for individual conditions were generally more extreme among specialized divers for the same three resource conditions. However, divers differed significantly by specialization in their evaluations of just one underwater visibility condition. Study findings point to a connection between specialization level and social norms for resource conditions that are compatible with a healthy reef ecosystem.