Incorporating Recreational Users into Marine Protected Area Planning: A Study of Recreational Boating in British Columbia, Canada

摘要: Marine protected areas (MPAs) and zoning plans require an understanding of stakeholders if they are to be successful at achieving social biological objectives. This study examines recreational boaters in a proposed MPA British Columbia, Canada, using the recreation opportunity spectrum (ROS) models conflict as basis for investigation. Boaters (n = 543) visiting region during summer completed face-to-face surveys. Results show variability boater setting preferences, supporting ROS-based approach planning zoning. While whole placed greatest importance on natural settings, sailboat operators expressed stronger preferences quiet settings relative motorboats, motorboat characterized by built facilities extractive activities sailboats. Several marine emerged sources perceived boaters, including personal watercraft, commercial whale watching vessels, shellfish aquaculture. Our analysis indicates that while some these may addressed through zoning, others better education communication. Recommendations both management future research made.