Effects of adjacent land tenure on visitor use of Ningaloo Marine Park, Western Australia

Land tenure adjacent to Ningaloo Marine Park significantly influences visitor behavior, including origin, length of stay, and recreational activities. A survey of 1208 visitors revealed that repeat visitation and site fidelity were particularly high on pastoral leases, while the percentage of respondents engaging in fishing, sailing sports, and snorkeling varied across different tenures. This study highlights the complex interplay between tenure types and visitor use, posing challenges for managers aiming to balance conservation and recreation goals while also contributing to a diverse range of visitor experiences.

Smallwood, C. B., Beckley, L. E., & Moore, S. A. (2013). Effects of adjacent land tenure on visitor use of Ningaloo Marine Park, Western Australia. Australasian Journal of Environmental Management, 20(2), 130–146. https://doi.org/10.1080/14486563.2013.787910