Diving Tourism in Protected Areas: an analysis of tour operators at Currais Islands (PR, Brazil)

Abstract

This article analyzes the role of the scuba diving company Scubasul in the context of recreational diving tourism at Currais Island, located off the coast of Paraná, Brazil, within the Currais Marine National Park (PARNA). As a strictly protected area, this Marine Protected Area (MPA) presents specific challenges regarding environmental sustainability and the regulation of public use. The central objective of the research was to understand how diving operators contribute or can contribute to marine conservation, environmental education of visitors, and the overall sustainability of the territory where they operate. A qualitative, exploratory, and descriptive methodology was adopted. The study included a semi-structured interview with the founder and current operator of Scubasul, who has been active in the region since before the official creation of the park, in addition to literature and document review. The results show a proactive role by the operator in promoting conservation and environmental awareness, although facing structural challenges such as the lack of a management plan, climatic limitations, and low underwater visibility. Scubasul adopts practices including visitor orientation, diver behavior control, and informal monitoring of local biodiversity, contributing to the park’s conservation goals. Theoretically, the study contributes to the expanding debate on tourism in protected areas, particularly marine ones, and on the role of operators as mediators between leisure, education, and conservation. Practically, the research provides insights to support public policy formulation and improve participatory management in marine areas, aligning with the goals of the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science (2021–2030) and the 2030 Agenda. Among the study's limitations is its focus on a single operator and the absence of multiple local voices involved in tourism. Future research is encouraged to expand the analysis to other Brazilian MPAs and to incorporate complementary perspectives from visitors, public managers, and local communities. In times of climate crisis and growing pressure on coastal ecosystems, scuba diving tourism when ethically conducted and oriented toward conservation emerges as a powerful tool for environmental education and engagement with the ocean.