Integrating social and biophysical data to develop and evaluate marine protected area planning at a local scale: the 1998 Cairns Area Plan of Management as a case study

摘要: Use management in marine protected areas is a complex and often changing process, both because of political legislative requirements the diversity user groups. It therefore essential to have accurate reliable information guide development most appropriate instruments within given area. This thesis explores challenge for area managers making cost-effective use scientific planning reasonable Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. Using 1998 Cairns Area Plan Management as case study, I develop methods integrating biophysical social data evaluation planning. also provide an analysis interaction between human perceptions ecological status reef resources. The main objectives this study are: 1. assess criteria used by government agencies allocate resource Region (GBR), at regional local scales; 2. identify ways which existing on resources can be integrated into format that easy access use; 3. help map location types use; 4. relationships ecosystems patterns use, values; 5. estimate effectiveness Management, from perspective its base. In order achieve these objectives, employ variety techniques. First, conduct extensive literature review conservation, areas, history Park goals, selection Protected Areas. then collate specifically Planning Area. These are obtained surveying park reviewing literature. Results survey reveal lack how people perceive they what environmental conditions influence their experience behaviour. Therefore, regular users Area, with aim collecting such information. multivariate univariate models, make comparisons perception scientifically measured indicators coral status. This ability humans monitor variables. Finally, demonstrate decision support system integrate available allocation decisions. As result research arrive several conclusions. In chapters, need clearly defined, applicable functional Such would assist transparent objective regarding economic values during area. present range modeling systematic sources select designate varying levels protection. recommend examine all simultaneously, using process. approach demonstrated study. My provides conditions, quality acceptable use. type should collected integral part areas. Regular found quite capable describing environment frequent detecting change over time. The respondents indicate reefs high quality, offshore receiving higher ratings than inshore reefs. perceived cover fish species best overall quality. High sites those excellent species, while low limited underwater topography. Over fishing, anchoring cyclones cause damage Overcrowding issue particularly near major port. number vessels considered more visual impact people, thus may better indicator impacts. Using compare biological monitoring users. Comparisons variables "coral cover" "diversity species" suggest hard coral, less soft fewer commonly associated branching corals back locations. addition, could predict users. Using software other statistical techniques, evaluate scale. settings, programs maintains current but does not necessarily reflect abundance biota different locations. This demonstrates formulation very clear specific aims area, prior application tools (e.g. settings). When clear, input scientists necessary identify: (a) exactly needs manner (b) needed meet objectives. In determined relative importance each goal managing contribution various datasets been scientists. way flexible process allocating developed.