Congruence Among Encounters, Norms, Crowding, and Management in a Marine Protected Area

Abstract

Over the past few decades, recreation and tourism use has increased at many marine protected areas, generating concerns about impacts of this increasing use on experiences and conditions at these areas (e.g., crowding, conflict). This article uses data from Molokini Shoal Marine Life Conservation District in Hawai'i to examine: (a) reported encounters, crowding, normative tolerances for various use levels, and support of use related management strategies at this site; and (b) whether users who encounter higher use levels than their norms feel more crowded and are more supportive of restrictive management strategies. Data were obtained from onsite pre-trip and post-trip questionnaires of 712 passengers on commercial snorkel and dive tours visiting this site. Norms were measured with acceptance of 12 photographs depicting levels of boat use. On average, users would accept seeing no more than approximately 16 boats at one time at Molokini and this number was observed on over 20% of trips to the site. Although the majority of users expected to escape crowds at Molokini, 67% felt crowded and up to 79% supported actions that would directly restrict use at this site (e.g., limit number of boats). Users who encountered more boats than their normative tolerance felt more crowded and were more supportive of these management strategies. Findings suggest that this marine protected area is operating over its capacity and management is needed to improve experiences and conditions.

Crowding in marine environments: Divers and whale watchers in the Azores

“…Several studies have examined crowding in coastal recreation including scuba diving and whale watching (Avila-Foucat et al, 2013;Bell et al, 2011;Davis and Tisdell, 1995;Inglis et al, 1999;Roman et al, 2007;Shafer and Inglis, 2000;Szuster et al, 2011). However, none have compared diving and whale watching in one location and sought to understand the factors influencing differences between the activities and differences in spatial assessments of perceived crowding.…”

A Photo-elicitation Approach to Exploring the Place Meanings Ascribed by Campers to the Ningaloo Coastline, North-western Australia

“…The challenge for managers of coastal recreational areas is frequent usage can result in degradation of these natural areas and a decline in the recreational and aesthetic quality that attracted visitors in the first place (Bell, Needham & Szuster, 2011;Petrosillo, Zurlini, Corliano, Zaccarelli & Dadamo, 2007). Ways to plan and manage these areas is required (Shafer & Inglis, 2000) leading to a need for research examining the social and environmental values of coastal recreational settings and the intersection of these values with visitor activities (Dimmock 2012).…”

Assessing the Social Carrying Capacity of Diving Sites in Mabul Island, Malaysia

“…Second, it is a challenge to the management authority to allocate the permits in a way that will please every current operator and entertain new operators. Expected results are, therefore, illegal diving and an escalating regulatory cost (Alin et al 2006). Thus, such a restriction will be complicated and expensive to enforce.…”