Citation

Huchim-Lara O, Seijo JC. Undersea Hyperb. Med. 2018; 45(3): 313-322.

Affiliation

Universidad Marista de Mérida, Mérida, Yucatán, Mexico.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2018, Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

30028918

Abstract

Hookah diving is a fishing method used in many small-scale fisheries in the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea, as well as in many coastal fisheries around the world. [With hooka diving, as opposed to SCUBA tank/regulator diving, the diver uses a small air compressor which is located at the surface connected to a long breathing tube. This allows divers to remain at depth for long periods of time.] Many high-value species like sea cucumber and spiny lobster, among others, are harvested via hookah diving. However, the fishing method presents a risk for both decompression illness and carbon monoxide poisoning, both causes of disabilities and death among small-scale fishers, and with significant negative impacts on the social and economic status of households and coastal communities. Currently, there is a misunderstanding among fishers concerning diving risks. Using a mixed-method analysis, this study reports the risk perceptions of small-scale fishers and hyperbaric personnel about hookah diving, and the actual diving accidents which occur in the spiny lobster and sea cucumber fisheries in the Yucatán northeastern ports. The study highlights the need for appropriate fishing technologies and increased awareness among fishers about the consequences of hookah diving. Fishery managers and health services can make priority decisions based on the information generated.

Copyright© Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society.

Language: en

Keywords

diving behavior ; health impact ; hookah diving ; qualitative assessment ; risk