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.
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
Related documents
Gonson Charles, Ferraris Jocelyne, Pelletier Dominique, Jollit Isabelle (2018). Le lagon, un patrimoine naturel et un espace de loisirs = The lagoon, a natural heritage and a recreational area. In PAYRI, Claude E. (dir.). Nouvelle-Calédonie : Archipel de corail. Nouvelle édition [en ligne]. Marseille : IRD Éditions, 2018. ISBN : 9782709926331. DOI : https://doi.org/10.4000/books.irdeditions.27797. Partie 4 : Paroles, pratiques et représentations autour des récifs. Chap.33, pp.211-215. IRD Éditions, Editions SOLARIS. https://doi.org/10.4000/books.irdeditions.28196, https://archimer.ifremer.fr/doc/00457/56870/