DiverReef: The global repository of divers' and snorkelers' behavior during tourism activities and their interactions with reef environments over 20 years

The DiverReef database provides the first public dataset on the underwater behavior of recreational divers and snorkellers in shallow reef environments (< 25 m depth) globally and their interactions with the reef seascape and/or reef benthic sessile organisms. The dataset comprises 19 years of data (2004-2023) by observing the behavior of 2312 recreational divers and snorkelers in 9 countries at 19 diving destinations and 176 diving sites. The data were collected through on-site observation of divers' behavior during tourism activities and their physical interactions with the reef structure and/or benthic reef sessile organisms. Observers discretely followed divers and recorded their behavior and interactions with the reef over set time periods. Interactions were described as "contact" and "damage", the latter refers to when physical damage to a benthic organism or the reef structure was observed. Besides behavior, observers also recorded data on the type of diving activity (scuba or snorkeling), profiles of the divers (gender and experience), use of cameras by the divers, visibility, type of reef formation and marine protection status of the dive site. This is the external repository where the DiverReef database is archived. This database has an attribution-share alike (CC BY-SA 4.0 Deed) copyright restriction. When using this database, the original paper in the Ecology journal (include DOI when available) must be cited.