Diving into a continental rift

Silfra, a groundwater fissure in Iceland’s Þingvellir National Park, provides a unique tourism experience for divers and snorkelers with its extensive visibility and unique environment. During the last few years the number... [ view full abstract ]

Silfra, a groundwater fissure in Iceland’s Þingvellir National Park, provides a unique tourism experience for divers and snorkelers with its extensive visibility and unique environment. During the last few years the number of entrees to the fissure has increased dramatically, resulting in potential for disturbance of both the fissure’s ecosystem and the tourist experience. This interdisciplinary study aimed to understand the motivations of dive visitors to Silfra and the impact of their dives. A mixed method approach to obtaining data from four key stakeholder groups included; questionnaires completed by 61 divers, 10 tour guides and 6 tour operators; underwater observation of 35 divers; and interviews with the Park managers.

Results showed that the main motivation for visitors who seek Silfra as a destination is its unique geology and clear underwater visibility. Ninety one percent of the observed divers caused at least one ecological disturbance. The majority of disturbances were caused by movement of fins and direct substrate contact, and resulted in the removal of algae and the raising of sediment. Although the disturbance by each diver may only be small, the cumulative effects of multiple divers per day throughout each year could cause permanent damage to Silfra’s ecosystem.

Tourist numbers in Iceland are projected to continue to increase; therefore, understanding tourist motivations and experiences, as well as the impacts of and mechanisms behind potential ecological disturbance, are important considerations in developing tourism management plans. From the findings, strategies to maintain the positive experience for divers while minimizing the negative impacts on the fissure are recommended. For example, management of the National Park should include monitoring Silfra’s biodiversity for changes that may occur as a result of increasing dive use. Education programs to inform divers about appropriate fin technique and contact behaviour are also recommended.