Anchoring on Posidonia, waste discharges, red coral extraction. 14% of the world's coral lost 2009-2019 (UNEP). Dive tourism carrying capacity not enforced at most destinations. Divers: accidental fin contact.
Divers systematically denounce the anchoring of boats over Posidonia meadows, the discharge of wastewater in areas such as Tarifa, and the illegal extraction of red coral. The inaction of environmental authorities in the face of these violations is highlighted. The closure of access to protected coves generates debate about whether restrictions are sufficient or arrive too late.
Studies show that in intensively dived sites there is a reduction in coral cover, changes in reef structure, and long-term loss of biodiversity. The most common physical damage is the breaking of branching corals through accidental contact with fins or equipment. At a global scale, the world lost approximately 14% of its coral between 2009 and 2019, according to UNEP data, and nearly half of coral ecosystems have disappeared since the pre-industrial era. Tourism carrying capacity still is not systematically applied in most destinations.