Scuba diving & underwater cultural resources: differences in environmental beliefs, ascriptions of responsibility, and management preferences based on level of development

Abstract

This study examined SCUBA divers' level of development in relationship to environmental beliefs, ascriptions of responsibility, and management preferences concerning the use and management of New York's Great Lakes' underwater cultural resources. More than 850 New York State divers were surveyed during the fall of 1999, ranging from novices to experts and post-experts. Particular emphasis was placed on measuring extent of agreement with statements that focused on the use and preservation of underwater artifacts, which implicitly involved issues related to accessibility of abandoned shipwrecks. Although divers of all levels of development did tend to share certain beliefs, ascriptions of responsibility, and management preferences, the strength of agreement with half of the statements did differ by level of development. The predicted pattern of increasing in strength from beginner to expert and declining again for post-expert stages was supported in nine cases, while post-experts continued a more direct linear relationship with three items. In these particular cases, a "history effect" may have had an influence on post-expert divers. The results of this study documented the need for continuing support to educate divers on safe and responsible use of underwater resources.

Parent Publication

• Proceedings of the 2000 Northeastern Recreation Research Symposium

Citation

Todd, Sharon L.; Cooper, Tiffany; Graefe, Alan R. 2001. Scuba diving & underwater cultural resources: differences in environmental beliefs, ascriptions of responsibility, and management preferences based on level of development. In: Kyle, Gerard, comp., ed. 2001. Proceedings of the 2000 Northeastern Recreation Research Symposium. Gen. Tech. Rep. NE-276. Newtown Square, PA: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Northeastern Research Station. 131-140