Recreational uses survey for non-federal managers

Recreational Uses of US Marine Protected Areas: The Managers'
I. Overview of the Survey
Marine protected areas (MPAs) are special ocean places established to conserve their unique ecological, cultural and 
economic value for this and future generations. These very qualities often make MPAs natural magnets for ocean 
recreation. While appropriate use and appreciation of MPAs can be desirable, the MPA management community does 
not always have access to the information, tools and strategies necessary to ensure that expanding ocean recreation is 
ecologically sustainable over time. 

This survey is intended to help fill capacity gaps by drawing upon the cumulative knowledge and perspectives of MPA 
managers around the US. Your responses, whether informed by quantitative data or by qualitative expert knowledge, will 
help paint an initial picture of recreation in US MPAs, set priorities for filling those data gaps in the future, and guide 
new management strategies for ecologically sustainable recreation. Completion of this survey is voluntary.  
The survey will take approximately 30 minutes to complete. Data collected will be aggregated and not attributable directly 
to your site. Results will be posted on the MPA Center website and distributed widely to all interested parties. 
We thank you in advance for your time and insight into this important emerging issue for the nation's MPAs! 
NOAA's National Marine Protected Areas Center 

Paperwork Reduction Act Information
OMB Control Number: 0648­0449 Expires: 3/31/15. This effort is in compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 
in order to solicit information from persons not employed by the U.S. Federal Government. The Office of Management and 
Budget has given clearance and approval to NOAA and DOI to use this survey tool to request state, local and tribal 
marine management agencies/organizations to provide information on marine protected areas. No personal information is 
requested. Confidentiality is not promised in the submission of this survey. Public reporting burden for this collection of 
information is estimated to average 30 minutes per response, including the time for reviewing instructions, searching 
existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the collection of 
information. Send comments regarding this burden estimate or any other aspect of this collection of information, including 
suggestions for reducing this burden, to Lauren Wenzel. Notwithstanding any other provision of the law, no person is 
required to respond to, nor shall any person be subject to a penalty for failure to comply with, a collection of information 
subject to the requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act, unless that collection of information displays a currently 
valid OMB Control Number. Contact: Lauren Wenzel, NOAA, National MPA Center SSMC4 Room 11356, N/NMS, 1305 
East West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910 Lauren.wenzel@noaa.gov (301) 713­7265 

II. Background Information on Your MPA

Page 1

Recreational Uses of US Marine Protected Areas: The Managers'
1. MPA CONTACT INFORMATION
Your Name:
Your Title:
MPA Name:
Your Addresss
City:
State:

6

Zip:
Your Email:
Your Phone:

2. MPA LOCATION ­­ Please describe the geographical location of your site. (Enter all that
apply)
Nearest State, Territory or Commonwealth
Nearest County
Nearest City or Town
Adjacent Zip Codes

3. GOVERNANCE ­­ What is the governmental level of the primary agency that manages
your MPA?
j Municipality
k
l
m
n
j County
k
l
m
n
j State
k
l
m
n

j Federal
k
l
m
n

j Tribal / Indigenous
k
l
m
n

j Community­based (non­governmental)
k
l
m
n
j Other (please specify)
k
l
m
n

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Recreational Uses of US Marine Protected Areas: The Managers'
4. GEOGRAPHY ­­ Basic descriptive information about your MPA's location and design.
(Select all that apply)
c is entirely marine and located offshore with no connection to land
d
e
f
g

c is entirely marine but located adjacent to the coastline with jurisdiction ending at the waterline
d
e
f
g
c is part of a larger protected area that includes significant terrestrial areas as well
d
e
f
g
c consists of a single geographic area with a continuous border (one polygon)
d
e
f
g

c comprises multiple, geographically distinct marine areas as components of the single MPA
d
e
f
g

c is part of a larger, geographically distributed network of ecologically or culturally linked MPAs
d
e
f
g
c Other (please specify)
d
e
f
g

5. PURPOSE ­­ What is the conservation focus of your MPA? (Select all that apply)
c Focal species (e.g. marine mammals)
d
e
f
g
c Focal habitats (e.g. coral reefs)
d
e
f
g

c Integrated ecosystems (e.g. all resources in the protected area)
d
e
f
g
c Submerged cultural resources (e.g. ship wrecks)
d
e
f
g

c Cultural heritage (e.g. places of special cultural significance)
d
e
f
g
c Sustainable fisheries (e.g. harvested fish stocks)
d
e
f
g
c Other (please specify)
d
e
f
g

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Recreational Uses of US Marine Protected Areas: The Managers'
6. FUNDING ­­ Does your site receive, or have the authority to receive, funding from:
(Select all that apply)
c governmental appropriations
d
e
f
g
c inter­agency agreements
d
e
f
g
c international sources
d
e
f
g
c grants
d
e
f
g

c public­private partnerships
d
e
f
g
c user access fees
d
e
f
g

c concessions / special use permits
d
e
f
g
c sales (e.g. gift shops)
d
e
f
g
c donations
d
e
f
g

c licensing of logos, images or products
d
e
f
g

c penalty fees, fines or legal settlements
d
e
f
g
c Other (please specify)
d
e
f
g

7. COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT ­­ Does your MPA have: (Select all that apply)
c a stakeholder advisory group addressing local issues
d
e
f
g

c a "friends" organization that supports site operations and programs
d
e
f
g
c public­private partnerships to foster site­based programs
d
e
f
g
c volunteers or docents
d
e
f
g

c partnerships with local educational or research institutions
d
e
f
g
c none of the above
d
e
f
g

c Other (please specify)
d
e
f
g

Other 

8. RECREATION ALLOWED? ­­ Does your MPA allow any recreational uses to occur within
its boundaries? If you answer "Yes", you will be asked to proceed with the full survey. A
"No" response will take you to two short questions at the end of the survey.

j Yes
k
l
m
n
j No
k
l
m
n

III. Recreational Uses in Your MPA: Status, Trends and Concerns

Page 4

Recreational Uses of US Marine Protected Areas: The Managers'
This section draws upon your expert knowledge to explore trends, management approaches, and concerns about specific 
recreational uses occurring in your MPA.  

Question 9 simply asks which recreational uses are known to have ever occurred in your MPA, whether now or in the 
past. Your selections will help guide your responses to the remainder of this section. For definitions and additional 
information about these recreational uses, please refer to this link: http://marineprotectedareas.noaa.gov/pdf/helpful­
resources/common_language_ocean_uses_11_14_2013_final.pdf on the MPA Center website. 

Questions 10­27 request your perspective on important aspects of the management of recreational uses in your MPA. 
More detailed instructions follow after Question 9. 
Other 

At the end of this section, please revisit your responses to question 9 to ensure that you have addressed all the uses 
relevant to your MPA. 

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Recreational Uses of US Marine Protected Areas: The Managers'
9. RECREATION BASELINE ­­ Please select all recreational activities that either currently
occur or have occurred historically in your MPA. With the exception of the first six
consumptive uses involving "Fishing", "Gathering" or some types of "Cultural Use", all
other recreational uses are considered to be non­consumptive for the purposes of the
survey.
c Fishing from Power or Sail Boats
d
e
f
g
c Fishing from Kayaks and Canoes
d
e
f
g

c Dive Fishing (e.g. SCUBA or snorkeling using spears, nets, by hand)
d
e
f
g
c Fishing from Shore (e.g. rods, nets, traps, hand lines)
d
e
f
g
c Gathering from Shore (e.g. inter­tidal harvesting)
d
e
f
g

c Cultural Use (e.g. tribal, traditional, spiritual activities, including harvest)
d
e
f
g
c SCUBA and Snorkeling
d
e
f
g
c Swimming
d
e
f
g

c Surface Board Sports (e.g. surfing, paddle boards)
d
e
f
g
c Kayaking and Canoeing
d
e
f
g
c Sailing
d
e
f
g

c Motorized Boating (i.e. other than jet skis)
d
e
f
g
c Personal Water Craft (i.e. jet skis)
d
e
f
g

c Wildlife Viewing from Shore (e.g. bird watching)
d
e
f
g

c Wildlife Viewing from Boats (e.g. whale watching)
d
e
f
g
c Tide­Pooling
d
e
f
g

c Shore Use (e.g. sun bathing, walking, camping, games, picnics)
d
e
f
g
c None of the above
d
e
f
g

c Other (please specify)
d
e
f
g

INDIVIDUAL USES IN YOUR MPA ­­ For each of the recreational uses listed in Questions 10­27, please use the corresponding drop down menus 
across the row to describe these important aspects of the use's status and implications for your site:  
(i) management approach = how/if it is controlled 
(ii) current intensity = estimated # visits per year 
(iii) trends over time = observation of patterns of use 
(iv) concerns over ecological impacts of use 
(v) concerns over conflicts among uses 

Please address all five of these aspects of each listed recreational use, even if the use is not occurring now. The absence of a use may be just as 
meaningful as its presence, so for uses that are not relevant to your MPA (i.e. those that are prohibited, not occurring, or never occurred), select the 
appropriate response option for each aspect of that question. 

Page 6

Recreational Uses of US Marine Protected Areas: The Managers'
10. Fishing from Power or Sail Boats
Management Approach

Current Intensity

6

Use:

Trends Over Time

6

6

Ecological Concerns

6

User Conflict Concerns

6

11. Fishing from Kayaks or Canoes
Management Approach

6

Use:

Current Intensity

Trends Over Time

6

6

Ecological Concerns

6

User Conflict Concerns

6

12. Dive Fishing (e.g. spears, nets, by hand)
Management Approach

6

Use:

Current Intensity

Trends Over Time

6

6

Ecological Concerns

6

User Conflict Concerns

6

13. Fishing from Shore (e.g. rods, nets, traps, hand lines)
Management Approach

6

Use:

Current Intensity

Trends Over Time

6

6

Ecological Concerns

6

User Conflict Concerns

6

14. Gathering from Shore (e.g. inter­tidal harvesting)
Management Approach

6

Use:

Current Intensity

6

Trends Over Time

6

Ecological Concerns

6

User Conflict Concerns

6

15. Cultural Use (e.g. tribal, traditional, spiritual activities, including harvest)
Other 

Management Approach

6

Use:

Current Intensity

6

Trends Over Time

6

Ecological Concerns

6

User Conflict Concerns

6

16. SCUBA and Snorkeling
Management Approach

6

Use:

Current Intensity

6

Trends Over Time

6

Ecological Concerns

6

User Conflict Concerns

6

17. Swimming
Management Approach
Use:

6

Current Intensity

6

Trends Over Time

6

Ecological Concerns

6

User Conflict Concerns

6

18. Surface Board Sports (e.g. surfing, paddle boards)
Management Approach
Use:

6

Current Intensity

6

Trends Over Time

6

Ecological Concerns

6

User Conflict Concerns

6

19. Kayaking and Canoeing
Management Approach
Use:

6

Current Intensity

6

Trends Over Time

6

Ecological Concerns

6

User Conflict Concerns

6

Page 7

Recreational Uses of US Marine Protected Areas: The Managers'
20. Sailing
Management Approach

Current Intensity

6

Use:

Trends Over Time

6

Ecological Concerns

6

User Conflict Concerns

6

6

21. Motorized Boating (i.e. other than jet skis)
Management Approach

Current Intensity

6

Use:

Trends Over Time

6

Ecological Concerns

6

User Conflict Concerns

6

6

22. Personal Water Craft (i.e. jet skis)
Management Approach

6

Use:

Current Intensity

Trends Over Time

6

Ecological Concerns

6

User Conflict Concerns

6

6

23. Wildlife Viewing from Shore (e.g. bird watching)
Management Approach

6

Use:

Current Intensity

Trends Over Time

6

Ecological Concerns

6

User Conflict Concerns

6

6

24. Wildlife Viewing from Boats (e.g. whale watching)
Management Approach

6

Use:

Current Intensity

6

Trends Over Time

Ecological Concerns

6

User Conflict Concerns

6

6

25. Tide­Pooling
Management Approach

6

Use:

Current Intensity

6

Trends Over Time

Ecological Concerns

6

User Conflict Concerns

6

6

26. Shore Use (e.g. sun­bathing, walking, camping, games, picnics)
Management Approach

6

Use:

Current Intensity

6

Trends Over Time

6

Ecological Concerns

User Conflict Concerns

6

6

27. Other Local Use Not Listed Above (please specify in the box below)
Management Approach
Use:

6

Current Intensity

6

Trends Over Time

6

Ecological Concerns

User Conflict Concerns

6

6

Other (please specify) 

IV. POTENTIAL IMPACTS (+/­) OF OCEAN RECREATION IN YOUR MPA

This section provides an opportunity to address the potential benefits and risks of ocean recreation, seen as a whole, for 
your MPA's ecosystems, human uses, and coastal community. 

Page 8

Recreational Uses of US Marine Protected Areas: The Managers'
28. ECOSYSTEM IMPACTS ­ Please provide your management perspective on the
potential for all current or emerging recreational uses of your MPA to adversely impact the
ecosystems and natural or cultural resources protected by your site.
Negligible 
Risk or N/A

Moderate Risk

Significant 
Risk

Populations of ecologically, economically, or culturally important species

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

Protected species

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

Invasive species introduction or spread

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

Natural animal behaviors

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

Ecologically important interactions among species

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

Trophic structure and dynamics

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

Habitat structure, distribution and quality

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

Ecological assemblages and communities

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

Water quality

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

Other (specify in box below)

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

Other (please specify) 

29. HUMAN IMPACTS ­ Please provide your management perspective on the potential for
all current or emerging recreational uses of your MPA to have adverse impacts within or
among various user groups and stakeholders.
Negligible 
Risk or N/A

Moderate Risk

Significant 
Risk

Direct interference within a single type of use (e.g. crowding among surfers)

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

Direct interference between competing uses (e.g. collisions of boats and swimmers)

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

Indirect conflicts among uses via ecosystem alteration (e.g. resource harvesting vs. nature 

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

Pre­emptive occupation of areas by a use with dedicated infrastructure or special use zones

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

Aesthetic impairment (e.g. view­sheds or biodiversity loss)

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

Cultural impacts (e.g. compromising historic resources or ceremonial sites)

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

Displacement of traditional user groups

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

Other (specific in box below)

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

photography)

Other (please specify) 

Page 9

Recreational Uses of US Marine Protected Areas: The Managers'
30. ECONOMIC BENEFITS ­­ Please characterize the qualitative economic benefit of
recreational activities as a whole within your MPA. For each sector of the coastal
economy, please indicate: (i) the degree to which that sector may benefit from MPA
recreation; and, (ii) the basis for your perspective (e.g. based on quantitative data vs.
observation). Recognizing the scarcity of such data, please rely on your professional
judgement and experience where necessary in responding to this question.
Scale of Benefit to 

Basis for Your 

Sector

Perspective

Marine Equipment (e.g. boats, motors, parts)

6

6

Fishing Gear (e.g. bait, tackle)

6

6

Dive Gear (e.g. equipment, air, lessons)

6

6

Kayaks/Canoes (e.g. boats, paddles, clothing)

6

6

Outdoor Outfitters (e.g. general equipment, clothing, maps)

6

6

Charters/Guides (e.g. fishing, wildlife viewing, water sports)

6

6

Marinas (e.g. dock and slip fees, fuel, repairs)

6

6

Food (e.g. restaurants, grocery stores, bars)

6

6

Lodging (e.g. hotels, rentals)

6

6

Transportation (e.g. ferries, gas, parking, shuttles, buses, taxis)

6

6

Entertainment (e.g. movies, shows, festivals)

6

6

Other (please specify below)

6

6

Other (please specify) 

V. Visitor Use Management in Your MPA

This section asks for your overall perspective as a practitioner about the management of recreational uses occurring in 
your MPA. 

Page 10

Recreational Uses of US Marine Protected Areas: The Managers'
31. OVERALL TREND IN RECREATIONAL USE ­ From your perspective, how has the
overall intensity and diversity of recreational uses in your MPA changed over the past
decade?
j Increased a lot
k
l
m
n

j Increased somewhat
k
l
m
n
j Stable
k
l
m
n

j Decreased somewhat
k
l
m
n
j Decreased a lot
k
l
m
n
j Don't know
k
l
m
n

Comments 

5

6

32. COMPATIBILITY ­­ How does your MPA determine whether a specific local recreational
use is compatible with the site's purposes and objectives? (Select all that apply)
c N/A ­ all recreational uses are considered compatible and are allowed
d
e
f
g

c Site conducts its own independent, site­specific compatibility determination for each local use
d
e
f
g
c Site applies pre­existing program­wide compatibility determinations to each local use
d
e
f
g
c Site interprets broad statutory goals, mandates and policies for each local use
d
e
f
g
c Site considers input from public advisory group(s) on the local use
d
e
f
g
c Other (please specify)
d
e
f
g

Page 11

Recreational Uses of US Marine Protected Areas: The Managers'
33. VISITOR USE MANAGEMENT MEASURES ­­ Please indicate what measures your MPA
uses to manage, regulate or otherwise influence visitor use in the site? (Select all that
apply)
c Controlled access points (e.g. boat ramps, parking lots) and/or permits
d
e
f
g
c Agency­led surveillance, compliance and enforcement programs
d
e
f
g
c Citizen­involved surveillance and compliance programs
d
e
f
g
c Onsite education and outreach materials
d
e
f
g
c Onsite docents
d
e
f
g

c Onsite signage
d
e
f
g

c Web­based visitor information
d
e
f
g
c Mobile apps to inform visitors
d
e
f
g
c Other (please specify)
d
e
f
g

34. USER ORIGINS ­­ In general, how far away do your users live?
Estimate the percentage of visitors coming to your MPA from each
distance. Please enter only numbers and not the "%" sign in the answer
boxes, and check to confirm that your numbers add up to 100.
Within 50 miles
Between 51­100 miles
Between 101­500 miles
Greater than 500 miles
International
Don't know

35. USER AFFILIATIONS ­­ In general, who are the recreational users of
your MPA? Estimate the percent of visitors in each group. Please enter
only numbers and not the "%" sign in the answer boxes, and check to
confirm that your numbers add up to 100.
Individual users (e.g. a solitary surfer)
Organized user groups (e.g. clubs, teams, schools)
Charters or guided visits (i.e. whale watching or fishing)
Tribes or other indigenous groups
Other known groups (please specify in box below)
Don't know

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Recreational Uses of US Marine Protected Areas: The Managers'
36. MANAGEMENT PRIORITIES ­­ Please indicate your top 5 (five) priorities for enhancing
your site's capacity to effectively manage current or emerging recreational uses in today's
resource­limited world. (Please select only 5 options; their order is not important).
c Understanding local patterns and drivers of current and emerging recreational uses
d
e
f
g
c Determining ecologically sustainable thresholds for recreational uses
d
e
f
g
c Minimizing conflicts among ocean uses
d
e
f
g

c Determining which recreational uses are compatible with site objectives
d
e
f
g

c Management plans and authorities that specifically address the risks of recreational uses
d
e
f
g
c Collecting and retaining user fees for recreational access and use
d
e
f
g
c Educating visitors about sustainable recreational activities
d
e
f
g

c Ensuring compliance through monitoring, surveillance and enforcement of uses
d
e
f
g
c Training for MPA staff in visitor use management
d
e
f
g

c Public­private partnerships to foster sustainable recreation and tourism in your MPA
d
e
f
g

VI. CONCLUSION

37. OCEAN RECREATION ­­ Please feel free to share any other thoughts, concerns or
observations you have about the implications of recreational uses in your Marine
Protected Area.
5

6  

38. FUTURE ENGAGEMENT ­­ Would you be interested in participating in other MPA
Center activities designed to enhance the effectiveness of all US MPAs, whether or not
they are members of the National System of MPAs? (Please select all that apply).
c Webinars on timely, cross­cutting MPA topics
d
e
f
g

c Blogs about emerging MPA and ocean conservation issues
d
e
f
g
c Learning networks among MPA practitioners
d
e
f
g

c Developing best management practices for timely issues
d
e
f
g

c Additional surveys exploring emerging opportunities and challenges facing US MPAs today
d
e
f
g
c Other (please specify)
d
e
f
g

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Recreational Uses of US Marine Protected Areas: The Managers'
39. If your site is a member of the National System of MPAs, please let us know how the
System and the MPA Center could be most helpful to your MPA. If your MPA is not yet a
member, please let us know if you would like more information about becoming part of the
National System of MPAs.
5

6  

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