Scuba Diving Brings in Billions and Helps Protect the Ocean
By Science Correspondent
Scuba diving isn't just a fun vacation activity—it’s a global industry worth up to $20 billion a year, according to a new study published July 25 in Cell Reports Sustainability.
The research shows that dive tourism not only boosts local economies by creating jobs but also supports efforts to protect the ocean.
“Scuba diving is not a fringe hobby,” said lead author Anna Schuhbauer from the University of British Columbia. “It’s a multibillion-dollar part of the global economy that can directly benefit coastal communities and ocean conservation.”
The study looked at how scuba diving, especially within protected marine areas, contributes to conservation.
Ecotourism activities like diving allow people to enjoy marine life without harming it—and their money helps fund conservation projects and raises awareness.
Until now, there hasn’t been a full picture of how much the diving industry is really worth. Past studies focused only on small areas or specific countries. Schuhbauer’s team surveyed dive operators from around the world to fill in the gaps and estimate the industry’s global value.
They found that nearly 11,600 dive operators across 170 countries were involved in ecotourism, employing about 124,000 people—80% of whom were local workers.
The number of divers each year ranges from 8.9 to 13.6 million, generating between $8.5 billion and $20.4 billion in total revenue.
These earnings come from dive trips, gear rentals, training courses, and related travel and lodging. However, the study didn’t include money made from gear manufacturing or international diving organizations—so the actual economic impact could be even greater.
The researchers hope this data will encourage governments and communities to support local conservation programs, especially since most of the jobs in dive tourism go to local residents.
“These figures are conservative first estimates,” Schuhbauer noted. “They offer a global view—not a country-by-country breakdown—but they’re an important starting point for better policy and decision-making.”
Looking ahead, the team plans to create global systems to track scuba diving revenue and visitor numbers more accurately, particularly in a post-COVID tourism world.
This, they say, will help sharpen both conservation strategies and economic planning.
If you have a positive story or uplifting news to share, we’d love to hear from you!
Just email us at news@goodnewspost.co.uk.
Whether it's a local hero, an act of kindness, or a personal win, your story could help spread joy and improve someone’s mental health. Let’s make the world a little brighter, one good news story at a time.
