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The direct physical, chemical and biotic impacts on Australian coastal waters due to recreational boating.

Hardiman, Nigel, Burgin, Shelley (2011) The direct physical, chemical and biotic impacts on Australian coastal waters due to recreational boating. Biodiversity and Conservation, 20 (4). pp. 683-701. ISSN 0960-3115. (doi:10.1007/S10531-011-0003-6) (The full text of this publication is not currently available from this repository. You may be able to access a copy if URLs are provided) (KAR id:30510)

The full text of this publication is not currently available from this repository. You may be able to access a copy if URLs are provided.
Official URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/S10531-011-0003-6

Abstract

In economically developed countries it is projected that by around 2015 over 50% of a person’s lifetime will become available for leisure. Demand for leisure needs, already strong, will continue to increase. One segment of the market, outdoor nature-based recreation (including tourism), is growing strongly worldwide. A substantial proportion of these activities are water-based. The associated demand for recreational vessels has increased rapidly in recent years and is projected to continue to trend upwards. Australian trends mirror those internationally. Using Australia as a case study, we review the direct physical, chemical and biotic impacts associated with recreational boating in coastal water environments. Major physical impacts include disturbance due to movement of craft in shallow waters (e.g., turbulence) and the effects of anchoring/drag, noise/interference/collision that impacts on wildlife. The most critical chemical impacts result from pollution due to fuels and oils, defouling treatments (even those not legislated in-country), and human waste (e.g., sewage effluent). Important biotic impacts are the potential continued introduction and secondary spread of non-native species. We conclude that while greater research effort will provide more environmentally benign products, with the increasing popularity of recreation vessels, it will be beyond the resources of Australian governments to police legislation effectively. However, based on Australian’s demonstrated engagement with government in terrestrial environmental management, with their deliberate engagement with the boating fraternity, the impacts of recreational boating would be lessened.

Item Type: Article
DOI/Identification number: 10.1007/S10531-011-0003-6
Uncontrolled keywords: Sewage discharge – Anti-fouling treatments – Species translocation – Fuel and oil pollution – Animal kill – Boating impacts – Tourist impacts – Hydrocarbon pollution – Recreation impacts on wildlife – Community engagement
Subjects: H Social Sciences > H Social Sciences (General)
Divisions: Divisions > Division of Human and Social Sciences > School of Anthropology and Conservation
Depositing User: N.J. Hardiman
Date Deposited: 18 Sep 2012 12:34 UTC
Last Modified: 16 Nov 2021 10:08 UTC
Resource URI: https://kar.kent.ac.uk/id/eprint/30510 (The current URI for this page, for reference purposes)

University of Kent Author Information

Hardiman, Nigel.

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