Decadal increase in the number of recreational users is concentrated in no-take marine reserves

In coastal areas, demographic increase is likely to result in greater numbers of recreational users, with potential consequences on marine biodiversity. These effects may also occur within Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), which are popular with recreational users. Our analysis builds on data collected over a ten-year period during three year-round surveys to appraise changes in recreational boating activities in coral ecosystems. Results show that the number of boaters has greatly increased, particularly so within MPAs during weekends and the warm season, when peaks in boat numbers have become more frequent. We also observed that the number of anchored boats has increased over the period. These changes may be resulting in biophysical impacts that could be detrimental to conservation objectives in MPAs. This steady increase over time may cause changes in the spatial and temporal distribution of users and in their practices, thus highlighting the importance of monitoring recreational activities.

Keyword(s)

Recreational uses, MPA, Coral reef ecosystem, Spatio-temporal pattern, New Caledonia, Mooring practices

Full Text

FilePagesSizeAccess
Publisher's official version
11762 Ko
Author's final draft
27670 Ko
How to cite
Gonson Charles, Pelletier Dominique, Gamp Elodie, Preuss Bastien, Jollit Isabelle, Ferraris Jocelyne (2016). Decadal increase in the number of recreational users is concentrated in no-take marine reserves. Marine Pollution Bulletin. 107 (1). 144-154. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpolbul.2016.04.007, https://archimer.ifremer.fr/doc/00327/43776/

Copy this text