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2013•CAUTHE 2013: Tourism and Global Change: On the Edge of Something BigRequires access

Marine tourism gone wild: Visitation to New Zealand's most popular marine reserve

Sharon Race, Mark B. Orams

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Abstract

Goat Island Marine Reserve (GIMR) is New Zealand's longest established and most popular marine protected area. This study explored the characteristics of its visitors and considered the challenges faced in managing this popular area. A self-reply questionnaire-based study was undertaken using the real-time-satisfaction (RTS) measurement. The study (n=305) investigated peak summer visitors' demographics, characteristics, and knowledge of marine protection. Results reveal a diversity of visitors who identify with GIMR as a place to see marine life, primarily through snorkelling, however their knowledge about marine protection, and specific rules pertaining to marine reserves, are limited. Recent fatalities and near-drownings at GIMR have also highlighted safety issues surrounding the growth of marine tourism in this protected marine reserve.

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What this paper is about

Goat Island Marine Reserve (GIMR) is New Zealand's longest established and most popular marine protected area. This study explored the characteristics of its visitors and considered the challenges faced in managing this popular area. A self-reply questionnaire-based study was undertaken using the real-time-satisfaction (RTS) measurement. The study (n=305) investigated peak summer visitors' demographics, characteristics, and knowledge of marine protection. Results reveal a diversity of visitors who identify with GIMR as a place to see marine life, primarily through snorkelling, however their knowledge about marine protection, and specific rules pertaining to marine reserves, are limited. Recent fatalities and near-drownings at GIMR have also highlighted safety issues surrounding the growth of marine tourism in this protected marine reserve.

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Available abstract

Goat Island Marine Reserve (GIMR) is New Zealand's longest established and most popular marine protected area. This study explored the characteristics of its visitors and considered the challenges faced in managing this popular area. A self-reply questionnaire-based study was undertaken using the real-time-satisfaction (RTS) measurement. The study (n=305) investigated peak summer visitors' demographics, characteristics, and knowledge of marine protection. Results reveal a diversity of visitors who identify with GIMR as a place to see marine life, primarily through snorkelling, however their knowledge about marine protection, and specific rules pertaining to marine reserves, are limited. Recent fatalities and near-drownings at GIMR have also highlighted safety issues surrounding the growth of marine tourism in this protected marine reserve.

Key concepts: Marine reserve, Tourism, Marine protected area, Marine life, Demographics, Nature reserve, Geography, Marine conservation

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