DiverReef: A global database of the behavior of recreational divers and their interactions with the reef

The DiverReef database provides the first public dataset on the underwater behavior of recreational divers in shallow reef environments (< 25 m depth) globally and their interactions with the reef seascape and/or reef benthic sessile organisms. The dataset comprises 20 years of data (2004-2023) by observing the behavior of 2312 recreational divers in 9 countries at 19 diving destinations and 179 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. The interaction was categorized as "contact" or "damage", the latter occurring when physical damage to the reef benthos 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. No copyright restrictions apply to the use of this data set, other than citing this publication