Social Science
Visitors’ Environmental Concerns in Gray’s Reef National Marine Sanctuary: An Offshore Marine Protected Area
Robert Burns,
Robert Burns
School of Natural Resources, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV 26506, USA
Marieke Lemmen,
Marieke Lemmen
School of Natural Resources, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV 26506, USA
Ross G. Andrew,
Ross G. Andrew
School of Natural Resources, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV 26506, USA
Jasmine Cardozo Moreira
Jasmine Cardozo Moreira
Tourism Department, Universidade Estadual de Ponta Grossa, Ponta Grossa 84010-330, PR, Brazil
Peer Reviewed
Abstract
Marine sanctuaries serve as popular destinations for ecotourism, natural resource exploration, and recreation across the US. While often positive, visitation in marine and coastal areas can cause ecological threats to these ecosystems. Increased visitation in marine environments has led to the need for management due to negative ecological and social impacts. Understanding environmental values, attitudes, and perceptions is important to the success of environmental protection. Using online surveys sent via Qualtrics asking questions regarding the users’ knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of ocean resources, goods and services, this research focused on identifying user profiles and understanding their environmental perception associated with Gray’s Reef National Marine Sanctuary, an offshore marine protected area, and surrounding coastal Georgia. The results show that across multiple types of threats or phenomena, respondents are most concerned about threats to resources related to pollution. Furthermore, they support marine protection and are willing to adjust their consumption habits, such as recycling and energy use, to ensure the sustainable use of ocean resources. The inclusion of insights achieved through research about visitor perceptions into management decision making and planning can positively contribute to the success of environmental protection.
Key Questions
What is Gray’s Reef National Marine Sanctuary?
Gray’s Reef is an offshore marine protected area located off the coast of Georgia, USA. It is a popular destination for ecotourism, recreation, and natural resource exploration, known for its rich biodiversity and ecological significance.
Why is visitor management important for marine sanctuaries?
Increased visitation to marine sanctuaries can lead to ecological threats, such as habitat degradation and pollution. Effective visitor management is essential to balance recreational use with the protection of these fragile ecosystems.
What are the main concerns of visitors to Gray’s Reef?
Visitors are most concerned about pollution, which they see as the biggest threat to marine resources. They also express strong support for marine protection and are willing to change their habits, like recycling and reducing energy use, to support sustainability.
How do visitor perceptions impact marine conservation?
Understanding visitor attitudes and perceptions helps managers design effective conservation strategies. When visitors value marine protection and are willing to adopt sustainable practices, it contributes to the success of environmental protection efforts.
What are the ecological threats to marine sanctuaries?
Threats include pollution, habitat destruction, overfishing, and climate change. Increased visitation can exacerbate these issues, making it crucial to implement sustainable management practices.
How can marine sanctuaries balance tourism and conservation?
By incorporating visitor insights into management plans, sanctuaries can promote sustainable tourism. Educating visitors about ecological impacts and encouraging eco-friendly behaviors, like reducing waste and energy use, helps protect these areas while allowing for recreational use.
What role do visitors play in marine protection?
Visitors play a key role by supporting conservation efforts and adopting sustainable practices. Their willingness to adjust consumption habits, such as recycling and reducing energy use, directly contributes to the health of marine ecosystems.
What are the benefits of understanding visitor perceptions?
Understanding visitor perceptions helps managers identify priorities, design effective outreach programs, and foster public support for conservation. It also ensures that management strategies align with visitor values and expectations.
How can pollution in marine sanctuaries be reduced?
Reducing pollution requires a combination of visitor education, stricter regulations, and community engagement. Encouraging practices like proper waste disposal, recycling, and reducing single-use plastics can make a significant impact.
What makes Gray’s Reef unique as a marine sanctuary?
Gray’s Reef is unique for its diverse marine life, including fish, corals, and invertebrates, and its role as a research and conservation site. Its offshore location and protected status make it a vital area for studying and preserving marine biodiversity.
How can visitors support marine sanctuaries?
Visitors can support sanctuaries by following guidelines, minimizing their environmental footprint, and participating in conservation programs. Simple actions like reducing plastic use, respecting wildlife, and spreading awareness can make a big difference.
