| Richardson's Ocean Park is one of the most heavily used marine recreation sites on the windward side of Hawaii Island, averaging 138,000 visitors annually with increases driven by tourism rates. This study assessed user frequency, behavior, satisfaction levels, and coral damage. Recreational users were observed in-water while all contacts with and damage to corals were recorded. Sixty-one percent of individuals (n=340) made direct contact with corals, most of which occurred while standing on (45%) or kicking (41%) colonies. Individual users made approximately 2.3+/-0.2 contacts per 5 minutes. The cumulative impacts of daily interactions are resulting in high levels of damage. Additionally, as user rates increase satisfaction levels decrease. It is recommended that managers promote "best practice" user behavior through enhanced education and signage on site. Such management solutions are supported by user survey responses expressing interest in participating in educational programs and financially supporting marine resource management programs. |
