The environmental status of reefs on Maldivian resort islands: a preliminary assessment for tourism planning

Changes in frigate tuna populations on the south coast of Sri Lanka: evidence of the shifting baseline syndrome from analysis of fisher observations

“…Despite clear benefits of semi-quantitative and qualitative surveys, care must be taken in collation and use of opinionbased knowledge (Oppenheim, 1992;Price and Firaq, 1996;Venkatachalam et al, 2009). Of particular significance is the potential for recall bias, whereby respondent answers are influenced by their memory.…”

Risk factors in relation to human deaths and other tsunami (2004) impacts in Sri Lanka: the fishers'‐eye view

“…This research attempted to evaluate tsunami impacts and potential risk factors in one area of Sri Lanka, through a questionnaire survey of fishers. Environmental insights obtained from local expertise, as noted, can be a valuable supplement to more 'scientific' surveys (Pauly, 1995;Price and Firaq, 1996;Sa´enz-Arroyo et al, 2005a,b). In fact, a study on fisher opinions has revealed that fisheries and conservation science seriously underestimated the decline in Gulf grouper in Mexico (Sa´enz-Arroyo et al, 2005a).…”

“…However, use of opinion-based knowledge can also be problematic. For example, limiting bias in questionnaire investigations is an issue that cannot be dismissed lightly (Oppenheim, 1992;Price and Firaq, 1996). As indicated, the study area selected (Hambantota) provided a reasonable crosssection of both biophysical conditions and communities affected by the tsunami on Sri Lanka's southern coast.…”

“…Despite undeniable shortcomings of rapid/semiquantitative appraisal techniques, their benefits can often outweigh any limitations (Price, 1990(Price, , 2004Price and Firaq, 1996;Sa´enz-Arroyo et al, 2005a,b). Advantages include possibilities for good spatial coverage, from a large number of observations and/or large sample size, over relatively short time scales; a broad range of environmental or other factors that can be examined; and potential for at least good qualitative understanding of environmental disturbance, bypassing the need for more costly scientific survey.…”

An integrated environmental assessment of the Red Sea coast of Saudi Arabia

“…The relative merits and shortcomings of rapid coastal assessment and fully quantitative techniques have been reviewed extensively (e.g. Price 1990;Price et al 1988Price et al , 1993aPrice & Firaq 1996). Inevitably, there are trade-offs between low-resolution data collected from many sites using low-cost methodologies, and higher-resolution data from fewer sites which have generally involved more costly methodologies.…”