Spatial dynamics and substrate impacts of recreational snorkelers and SCUBA divers in Hawaiian Marine Protected Areas |
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Authors: | Carl G Meyer Kim N Holland |
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Institution: | (1) Hawaii Institute of Marine Biology, University of Hawaii at Manoa, P.O. Box 1346, Coconut Island, Kaneohe, HI 96744, USA |
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Abstract: | We quantified spatial dynamics and substrate impacts of snorkelers and SCUBA divers within four Hawaiian MPAs to determine:
(1) whether coral reefs in these areas are being damaged by recreational activities, and (2) how damage might be mitigated.
Observers secretly followed snorkelers and SCUBA divers, and used handheld Global Positioning System (GPS) units to record
their geographic tracks and substrate contacts. Most activities occurred within relatively small, well-defined areas associated
with access points. Despite heavy use, recreation impact was low at Hawaiian MPAs because most fragile corals occurred below
the maximum depth of the dominant recreational activity (snorkeling). SCUBA diving was only common at one MPA with physically
durable benthic habitats. GPS tracking provided useful insights into how recreational impacts to MPAs could be reduced. General
topography could be used to predict where visitors will go, and designated access points could be used to focus substrate
contact away from fragile habitats. |
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Keywords: | Snorkeling SCUBA diving Recreation impact Ecotourism Coral damage GIS |
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