Conflict and Impacts of Divers and Anglers in a Marine Park

Abstract

The New South Wales State Government (Australia) gazetted the Jervis Bay Marine Park (JBMP) in 1998. During the preparation of the draft zoning plan in 2000, societal data on two conflicting park user groups--recreational scuba divers and fishers (anglers)--was collected. While conflict resolution was a plan priority, other factors, such as cumulative environmental impacts of users and protection for the critically endangered grey nurse shark (Carcharias taurus), further complicated planning. Both scuba diving and angling are primary summer activities and are disproportionately concentrated around the headlands of the bay. Furthermore, shore based game-fishing was concentrated on the northern headland, where the conflict was centered. However, when the exact locations of divers and anglers were determined, there was a partial partitioning of the available space, with only a small contested overlap. To resolve conflict and maximize positive environmental outcomes, a sanctuary zone and noanchoring zone option in the draft zoning plan was sought to formalize this partition. The human dimension data proved valuable in guiding environmental management in this politically volatile situation. A baseline study conducted 11 years previously was also used to gain a limited perspective on change in user numbers. Comparison between study periods indicated dive numbers had remained similar, while the number of dive charter trips was significantly less. The numbers of anglers, for the four months compared, had doubled and tripled. The actual data used to inform management is presented and the limitations of this "best available data" approach are discussed.

Rules of attraction: enticing pelagic fish to mid-water remote underwater video systems (RUVS)

“…As a result, pelagic fishes are frequently observed close to shore in the open coast habitat of JBMP. The area between Point Perpendicular and the Tubes in particular is regarded as one of the premier land-based game-fishing locations in NSW and was the focus area in this study (Lynch et al 2004). …”

“…The bait fish sound was previously recorded in close proximity to the study area. A combination of white bread and pilchards (Sardinops sagax) was used to attract Blue Mackerel (Scomber australasicus) and Yellowtail Scad (Trachurus novaezelandiae); two known prey species and common live bait used by fishers targeting larger pelagic fish (Lynch et al 2004). We recorded the swimming and feeding activities of the two species using a High Tech Inc-96-min hydrophone and a Zoom H4N portable recorder.…”

Influence of Zoning and Habitats on the Spatial Distribution of Recreational Activities in a Multiple-Use Marine Park

“…Although zoning levels and terminology vary widely around the world (Villa, Tunesi, and Agardy 2002;Read and West 2010), areas in which extractive activities are prohibited are commonly referred to as sanctuary (no-take) zones. Zoning can also be used to separate incompatible activities such as diving and fishing (Lynch et al 2004) or jetskiing and swimming (Roe and Benson 2001).…”

“…Being able to identify areas of potential environmental impact allows management strategies to be implemented which can mitigate these effects (Davenport and Davenport 2006;Lloret et al 2008a;Meyer and Holland 2008). Sites of user conflict (Lynch et al 2004) and overcrowding (Sarda et al, 2009) can be ascertained and this information used to address any management concerns while also maintaining and enhancing visitor satisfaction.…”

Recreation Conflict and Sport Hunting: Moving beyond Goal Interference towards Social Sustainability

“…These findings concur with previous research on recreational conflict as it relates to disregard for natural resources (c.f. Dustin et al, 2002;Lynch et al, 2004;Vittersø et al, 2004).…”