Interpretation as a tool to manage snorkeler impacts in the Mombasa Marine Park and Reserve, Kenya

Snorkeling is a popular recreational activity; however, marine recreational resource use causes impacts to the environment, hence a need for resource management is necessary. Interpretation is one tool that can be used to... [ view full abstract ]

Snorkeling is a popular recreational activity; however, marine recreational resource use causes impacts to the environment, hence a need for resource management is necessary. Interpretation is one tool that can be used to influence the actions or inactions of recreational resource users, and thereby manage the marine resources. An interpretive program was implemented in the Mombasa Marine Park and Reserve to assist with resource management and enhance clientele experience during snorkel excursions. This interpretive program was designed with an understanding of behavior theory and how this understanding can be applied to influence snorkeler behavior. The salient beliefs snorkelers hold about not impacting marine life whilst snorkeling were discovered and targeted by the interpretive efforts. Three types of data were collected: data from visitors prior to their excursion that revealed their behavioral intention (questionnaire), monitoring data of their behavior whilst in the water, and data about their experience (questionnaire). These data sets were collected for two visitor groups: one before, and one after, the implementation of the interpretive program. Results indicate that the interpretive program resulted in more pro-environmental snorkel behaviors and increased satisfaction. Clients in the second group of visitors also admitted that the guide’s knowledge level contributed more to their enjoyment than visitors from the first group. Six months after the snorkel excursion the visitors were emailed another questionnaire. These results indicated that behavior change was of short-term duration. In conclusion, interpretation can conserve local resources.