Managing Dive Tourism for the Sustainable Use of Coral Reefs: Validating Diver Perceptions of Attractive Site Features |
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Authors: | Maria C Uyarra Andrew R Watkinson Isabelle M Côté |
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Institution: | (1) School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich, NR4 7TJ, UK;(2) School of Environmental Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich, NR4 7TJ, UK;(3) Department of Biological Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada, V5A 1S6 |
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Abstract: | It has been argued that strategies to manage natural areas important for tourism and recreation should integrate an understanding
of tourist preferences for specific natural features. However, the accuracy of tourist recalled perceptions of environmental
attributes, which are usually derived from post hoc surveys and used to establish management priorities, is currently unmeasured.
We tested the validity of the relationship between tourist-stated preferences and actual condition of coral reefs around the
Caribbean island of Bonaire. Using standardized questionnaires, we asked 200 divers to select their most and least favorite
dive sites and the attributes that contributed to that selection. We also carried out ecological surveys at 76 of the 81 dives
sites around the island to assess the actual conditions of the attributes indicated as important for site selection. Fish-
and coral-related attributes were key features affecting dive enjoyment. In general, divers appeared to be able to perceive
differences between sites in the true condition of biological attributes such as fish species richness, total number of fish
schools, live coral cover, coral species richness, and reef structural complexity, although men and women divers differed
in their ability to perceive/recall some of the attributes. Perceived differences in environmental attributes, such as surface
conditions, underwater current, and the likelihood of encountering rare fish and sea turtles, were not empirically validated.
The fact that divers perceive correctly differences in the condition of some of the key biological attributes that affect
dive enjoyment reinforces the need to maintain overall reef condition at satisfactory levels. However, variation in accuracy
of perceptions owing to demographic factors and attribute type suggests the need for caution when using public perceptions
to develop environmental management strategies, particularly for coral reefs. |
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Keywords: | Diving tourism Preferences Perceptions Coral reefs Management Caribbean |
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