Factors affecting traffic and anchoring patterns of recreational boats in Sydney Harbour, Australia

Abstract

Management of recreational boating is typically based on measures of numbers of boats (e.g. marina berths, vessel registrations). Potential environmental impacts and safety aspects may, however, be a function of the number of boat movements and not of the total numbers of boats kept in a harbour. Therefore, a survey was designed to test hypotheses regarding the traffic and anchoring patterns of recreational boats in Sydney Harbour. Boat movements were visually counted for periods of 1 h in four locations in the estuary. The results indicate that recreational boating is the main component of all boat traffic, being composed chiefly by sailing yachts, with a small contribution of jet-skis. Traffic of leisure boats was more intense in summer than in winter. On weekends, there were more movements of recreational boats on sunny than on overcast/rainy conditions. Weather was not, however, a significant factor on weekdays. During the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games, the predicted increase in traffic and anchoring intensity by recreational boats was not consistent. In two out of four locations, the traffic of recreational boats during this special event was not significantly different than during baseline periods. The number of anchored boats was greater at North Harbour Aquatic Reserve (NHAR) and was positively correlated to boat traffic. Due to this observed correlation, managers can use the patterns of boat traffic to predict the patterns of anchored boats in this marine protected area. The large number of movements of sailing boats is an important issue to be considered in management of boat traffic, because this type of boat has restricted manoeuvrability and right of way over motorised recreational craft in most situations. This study quantified and identified clear patterns of recreational boat traffic. Managers can now use this information to develop strategies aiming at the improvement of boating safety and the prevention of potential environmental impacts due to the use of recreational boats in urban waterways.