Coastal Services Center

---

In What Ways Do Various Users Affect the MPA?

---

A number of different user activities may impact MPAs. Some of these activities might include scientific research, snorkeling, scuba diving, fishing, surfing, coral and shell collection, and swimming.

Because of this variety of activities, much effort may be required to successfully monitor and manage them. One of the first steps in this process is to determine which activities are taking place, how frequently they are taking place, and the relative impact to the resource of each activity.

How Can Knowing This Help Me?

This may help MPA managers by

• Providing evidence of which impacts are the most detrimental to the area and need to be addressed
• Creating baseline data that can be used to determine any changes in impacts over time. It can also help determine the impacts of management decisions
• Creating standards, or levels at which impacts are to be kept
• Justifying management decisions
• Providing direction for both education and outreach efforts

What Are Some Tools I Can Use?

• Surveys
• Case Study Research
• Observation
• Rapid Assessment