Ningaloo Marine Park Research Articles

Discovering wildlife tourism: a whale shark tourism case study

This paper investigates the different sources of information used by tourists to learn about a particular wildlife tourism activity, specifically, whale shark tourism at Ningaloo Marine Park in Western Australia. The findings from this research concur with previous studies of wildlife tourism showing that wildlife tourism operations are reliant on more informal and general forms of promotion, in particular word of mouth and guide books. Conversely, more deliberate marketing mechanisms, such as the internet and documentaries, are not extensively utilised. To disaggregate consumer preferences for various information sources, this article segments the population into more homogenous groups, thereby demonstrating distinct differences in the choice of information source based on the participants’ normal place of residence.

Maturation and sexual ontogeny in the spangled emperor Lethrinus nebulosus

The reproductive development and sexual ontogeny of spangled emperor Lethrinus nebulosus populations in the Ningaloo Marine Park (NMP) were investigated to obtain an improved understanding of its evolved reproductive strategy and data for fisheries management. Evidence derived from (1) analyses of histological data and sampled sex ratios with size and age, (2) the identification of residual previtellogenic oocytes in immature and mature testes sampled during the spawning season and (3) observed changes in testis internal structure with increasing fish size and age, demonstrated a non-functional protogynous hermaphroditic strategy (or functional gonochorism). All the smallest and youngest fish sampled were female until they either changed sex to male at a mean 277.5 mm total length (L(T)) and 2.3 years old or remained female and matured at a larger mean L(T) (392.1 mm) and older age (3.5 years). Gonad masses were similar for males and females over the size range sampled and throughout long reproductive lives (up to a maximum estimated age of c. 31 years), which was another correlate of functional gonochorism. That the mean L(T) at sex change and female maturity were below the current minimum legal size (MLS) limit (410 mm) demonstrated that the current MLS limit is effective for preventing recreational fishers in the NMP retaining at least half of the juvenile males and females in their landed catches.

Consolidation in a wildlife tourism industry: the changing impact of whale shark tourist expenditure in the Ningaloo coast region

AbstractIn this paper, we examine the expenditure of whale shark tour participants at Ningaloo Marine Park, Western Australia; the location of the world's first whale shark tourism industry, established in 1989. We demonstrate that in 2006, participants' expenditure in the region was $894 per trip, total expenditure was $6.0 million (all figures are in Australian dollars), and between $2.4 and $4.6 million would have been lost to the region if whale shark tourism did not exist. Our measure of participants' expenditure is substantially lower than the calculation of $2370 per participant from a previous study of whale shark tourists using data collected in 1995. We argue that this is consistent with a change in the types of wildlife tourists that participate in an activity as the industry reaches the point of consolidation. Our results also suggest that using old data to forecast wildlife tourists' expenditure needs to take into account the industry's stage of development. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Whale shark tourism at Ningaloo Marine Park: A longitudinal study of wildlife tourism

This article demonstrates the changes that occur due to the maturation of a wildlife tourism industry through the application of a Wildlife Tourism Framework. Specifically, in 2005 survey data was collect from participants of whale shark tourism at Ningaloo Marine Park in Western Australia, facilitating a direct comparison with a study conducted a decade earlier. The results conformed with predictions by the Framework, in particular, a shift in the industry towards the mainstream from the periphery. In comparison with the past, whale shark tourism at Ningaloo now attracts more generalist tourists who place different preferences on the whale shark tourism experience. There is now a greater distribution of age groups; less skilled individuals; a higher tolerance to crowding; and a larger focus on the non-wildlife components of the experience. Furthermore, this article, discusses the pertinent management implications associated with this shift.

Estimating population size, structure, and residency time for whale sharks Rhincodon typus through collaborative photo-identification

ESR Endangered Species Research Contact the journal Facebook Twitter RSS Mailing List Subscribe to our mailing list via Mailchimp HomeLatest VolumeAbout the JournalEditorsSpecials ESR 7:39-53 (2009) - DOI: https://doi.org/10.3354/esr00186 Estimating population size, structure, and residency time for whale sharks Rhincodon typus through collaborative photo-identification Jason Holmberg1,2,*, Bradley Norman3, Zaven Arzoumanian2,4 1ECOCEAN USA, 4836 NE 31st Avenue, Portland, Oregon 92711, USA 2Centre for Fish and Fisheries Research, Murdoch University, South Street, Murdoch, Western Australia 6150, Australia 3ECOCEAN, c/o Centre for Fish and Fisheries Research, Murdoch University, South Street, Murdoch, Western Australia 6150, Australia 4Present address: Universities Space Research Association, 10211 Wincopin Circle, Columbia, Maryland 21044, USA *Email: jason@whaleshark.org ABSTRACT: Capture-mark-recapture (CMR) data from Ningaloo Marine Park (NMP) in Western Australia have recently been used to study the population dynamics of the local whale shark aggregation. Because nascent research efforts at other aggregation points look to NMP as a model, further analysis of existing modeling approaches is important. We have expanded upon previous studies of NMP whale sharks by estimating CMR survival and recruitment rates as functions of average total length (TL). Our analysis suggests a decline in reported values of TL coincident with marginally increasing abundance among sharks sighted in more than one year (‘returning’) from 1995 to 2008. We found a positive, average returning recruitment rate (λ) of 1.07 yr–1 (0.99 to 1.15, 95% CI); smaller individuals contributed in larger numbers to recruitment, allowing for population growth accompanied by a decline in median size. We subsequently explored intraseasonal population dynamics with the Open Robust Design (ORD) model structure. Our best-fit model estimated modestly increasing annual abundances between 107 (95% CI = 90 to 124) and 159 (95% CI = 127 to 190) for 2004 to 2007, suggesting a short-term increase in total annual abundance. The ORD also estimated an average residency time of 33 d (95% CI = 31 to 39) and biweekly entry profiles into the study area. Overall, our techniques demonstrate how large aggregations of the species can be modeled to better understand short- and long-term population trends. These results also show the direct scientific benefit from the development of an online, collaborative data management system to increase collection of sighting data for a rare species in conjunction with ecotourism activity. KEY WORDS: Mark-recapture · Open Robust Design · Population biology · Rhincodon typus · Survivorship · Transience · Whale shark Full text in pdf format PreviousNextCite this article as: Holmberg J, Norman B, Arzoumanian Z (2009) Estimating population size, structure, and residency time for whale sharks Rhincodon typus through collaborative photo-identification. Endang Species Res 7:39-53. https://doi.org/10.3354/esr00186 Export citation RSS - Facebook - Tweet - linkedIn Cited by Published in ESR Vol. 7, No. 1. Online publication date: April 08, 2009 Print ISSN: 1863-5407; Online ISSN: 1613-4796 Copyright © 2009 Inter-Research.

Threshold of tolerability: the impact of management changes to recreational fishing in Ningaloo Marine Park

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine a model for conceptualizing the impacts of environmental management strategies on travel and recreation choice making behavior that considers tolerance thresholds in visitor responses to destination change.Design/methodology/approachA survey involving a sample of 347 regular campers and fishers in the Ningaloo Marine Park, Australia, is analyzed to discern the effect of tolerance thresholds.FindingsDespite widespread dissatisfaction with enlarged sanctuary zones and negative impacts on recreational activities, visitors indicated a high level of satisfaction with their stay. This apparent contradiction is, it is argued, best explained by the threshold of tolerability concept.Research limitations/implicationsIt is argued that recreational users, planning authorities and other stakeholders have a threshold of tolerability in terms of decision‐making concerning management changes. These thresholds mean that changes in management policies, modes of activity and destination travel choices are rarely predictable in their effect, but are bounded by minimal and ideal expectations of destination appeal.Originality/valueThe paper introduces an important concept for tourism research that will aid tourism planning and management authorities in the face of growing environmental pressures caused by overpopulation and climate change.

ROBUST, COMPARABLE POPULATION METRICS THROUGH COLLABORATIVE PHOTO-MONITORING OF WHALE SHARKSRHINCODON TYPUS

The formulation of conservation policy for species that are rare and migratory requires broad cooperation to ensure that adequate levels of standardized data collection are achieved and that the results of local analyses are comparable. Estimates of apparent survival rate, relative change in abundance, and proportions of newly marked and returning individuals can inform local management decisions while highlighting corresponding changes at other linked research stations. We have applied computer-assisted photo-identification and mark-recapture population modeling to whale sharks Rhincodon typus at Ningaloo Marine Park (NMP), Western Australia, to create a baseline trend for comparison with other regional aggregations of the species. We estimate several ecological parameters of interest, including an average apparent survival rate of 0.55 yr(-1) for sharks newly marked (new) and 0.83 yr(-1) for sharks captured in multiple seasons (philopatric). The average proportion of philopatric sharks is found to be 0.65 of the total population, and we derive an average population growth rate of 1.12 yr(-1) for them. Our analysis uncovered significant heterogeneity in capture and survival probabilities in this study population; our chosen model structures and data analysis account for these influences and demonstrate a good overall fit to the time-series data. The results show good correspondence between capture probability and an available measure of recapture effort, suggesting that unmodeled systematic effects contribute insignificantly to the model fits. We find no evidence of a decline in the whale shark population at NMP, and our results provide metrics of value to their future management. Overall, our study suggests an effective approach to analyzing and modeling mark-recapture data for a rare species using computer-assisted photo-identification and opportunistic data collection from ecotourism to ensure the quality and volume of data required for population analysis.

Coral Reef Communities, Habitats, and Substrates in and near Sanctuary Zones of Ningaloo Marine Park

Abstract As Australia's longest fringing reef, Ningaloo Reef lies close to the mainland of northwest Australia in an area of high tourism potential. The establishment of sanctuary zones in and around the northern Ningaloo Marine Park has necessitated improvements in understanding of the biodiversity and distribution of habitats and substrates in the reef lagoon, its seaward barrier, and the adjacent shelf environments. Using a combination of video transects in forereef-to-shelf environments, global positioning system-controlled ground-truthing of colour satellite images, and aerial photography for shallow lagoon settings, 16 habitat types were identified and mapped regionally. Lagoon substrates described in previous reconnaissance were mapped here in greater detail, and some of the first data on poorly known forereef and shelf communities have been analysed from the video transects. There is a strong correlation between reef morphology, inherited substrate type, and coral communities across reef lagoons a...

Research Note Observations of Non-Compliance Behaviour by Tourists to a Voluntary Code of Conduct: A Pilot Study of Turtle Tourism in the Exmouth Region, Western Australia

This paper reports on the results of a pilot study of observations of non-compliance behaviour by tourists to a voluntary code of conduct based on marine turtles attempting to nest in the Ningaloo Marine Park, Western Australia. The study used focal-animal sampling to record the response of marine turtles to non compliance behaviour of tourist groups. Results of observations indicated that 77% of tourist groups breached the code of conduct, with 51% of these breaches resulting in a disturbance to marine turtles attempting to nest. The key aspects of the code of conduct that were breached included: shining light on the turtle; being closer than three metres from a turtle; and not staying behind the turtle at all times. The greatest disturbance to marine turtles was from tourists groups shining their torches on the turtles. This work demonstrates the need for further research into disturbance of turtles by tourists and the effectiveness of voluntary codes of conduct

Giving the environment a voice: the transformational potential of valuing tourism in sensitive natural environments: The case of The Ningaloo Coastal Region, Western Australia

The Ningaloo Marine Park extends along a section of the north-west coast of Western Australia. The pocket protects a fringing coral reef that is easily accessible from the shore. The natural beauty of the region and the abundance and variety of marine life draws large numbers of Australian and international tourists. This paper provides an overview of tourism in the Ningaloo region and summarises the characteristics of visitors to the Ningaloo Marine Park, including visitor numbers, place of origin, travel motivations and activities, accommodation, and length of stay. It also outlines the relationship between fishing tourism and other visitor characteristics, and discusses the implications of these findings for the management of the Ningaloo region.

Tourist Levies and Willingness to Pay for a Whale Shark Experience

Swimming with whale sharks has become popular in the waters of Ningaloo Marine Park, Western Australia, since 1993. The Park is one of very few known and accessible places in the world where whale sharks congregate on a regular and predictable basis. Consumers' willingness to pay (WTP) to participate in the whale shark experience, and their willingness to contribute financially to the management of the resource might be important to the long-term sustainability of the industry. The Western Australian Department of Conservation and Land Management levies tourist operators A$15 per passenger per day, and uses the funds collected for research, management and education about whale sharks. Surveys were undertaken to determine the willingness of participants to pay for their whale shark experience and to pay the levy. WTP for the experience was slightly below the amounts actually paid, while Japanese tourists indicated a lower WTP than did other tourists. Respondents indicated WTP a significantly higher levy than is presently charged ( t = –10.99, p < 0.05). In a loglinear analysis the only significant effect on WTP the levy was ethnicity (Pearson chi-square = 16.2473, p < 0.05), with Japanese tourists again signalling a lower WTP than other groups. It is concluded that tourists are willing, via the payment of a transparent ‘access fee’, to contribute to the costs of sustainable management of the whale shark experience.

Whale Sharks in Ningaloo Marine Park: Managing Tourism in an Australian Marine Protected Area. Derrin Davis, Simon Banks, Alastair Birtles, Peter Valentine, and Michael Cuthill. Tourism Management, vol. 18, no. 5, 1997, pp. 259-72. Elsevier Science, P.O. Box 945, New York, NY 10010. $578 annual subscription

Whale Sharks in Ningaloo Marine Park: Managing Tourism in an Australian Marine Protected Area. Derrin Davis, Simon Banks, Alastair Birtles, Peter Valentine, and Michael Cuthill. Tourism Management, vol. 18, no. 5, 1997, pp. 259-72. Elsevier Science, P.O. Box 945, New York, NY 10010. $578 annual subscription

Whale Shark Tourism in Ningaloo Marine Park, Australia

ABSTRACTInteractions between tourists and marine animals have become increasingly popular in recent years. Since 1993 a new tourism industry, based on swimming with whale sharks, has developed in Ningaloo Marine Park, off the coast of Western Australia. This is the only known, accessible place in the world where whale sharks congregate in significant numbers. Certain results from surveys of participants in the ‘whale shark experience,’ undertaken in 1995 and 1996, are reported, with a focus on management questions relating to human-to-shark separation distances, swimmers making contact with sharks, satisfaction with the experience, and the numbers of swimmers in the water. While the rules on separation distances were changed between the years, statistical analyses indicate that satisfaction with the experience did not change (F(1,671)=1.25, p>0.05). Resulting from the rule changes, swimmers did not get so close to sharks in 1996 (F(1,671)=273.41, p<0.05), nor were they as concerned about the number of other people in the water (F(1,671)=16.10, p<0.05). It is concluded that a simple change to the regulation on separation distances resulted in improved human experiences and potentially less interference with the animals.

A review of the biology and ecology of the whale shark

The information available on the biology and ecology of the whale shark is reviewed, and is updated from material published since 1986. Research work carried out on the seasonal aggregation of whale sharks at the Ningaloo Reef in Western Australia is summarized. Future research studies on whale sharks in the Ningaloo Marine Park are discussed in the context of management of sustainable whale shark interaction tourism.

A review of the biology and ecology of the whale shark.

The information available on the biology and ecology of the whale shark is reviewed, and is updated from material published since 1986. Research work carried out on the seasonal aggregation of whale sharks at the Ningaloo Reef in Western Australia is summarized. Future research studies on whale sharks in the Ningaloo Marine Park are discussed in the context of management of sustainable whale shark interaction tourism.

Whale sharks in Ningaloo Marine Park: managing tourism in an Australian marine protected area

The whale shark is the largest fish in the ocean. A tourism industry based on interacting with whale sharks has developed recently in Ningaloo Marine Park, off the coast of Western Australia. This is the only known, accessible place in the world where whale sharks congregate in significant numbers. Results from surveys of participants in the ‘whale shark experience’ are reported, with the experience found to be extremely satisfying for most consumers. Yet management questions relating to diver-to-shark separation distances, the appropriate number of operators, and the use of regulation, self-regulation and economic instruments, remain. The nexus between experiential aspects of the whale shark attraction and such management concerns is examined, and the usefulness of appropriate research in resolving management questions established. It is concluded that a judicious combination of management approaches is required to ensure the sustainable development of the whale shark tourism industry.

EXPLORATION IN SENSITIVE AREAS: CONVINCING THE COMMUNITY

Hadson Carnarvon Pty Ltd (Hadson), on behalf of the Joint Venture Partners, operates permits EP342 and TP/9 located at the northern end of Exmouth gulf, to the east of Cape Range peninsula, Western Australia. The Exmouth region is known for the Ningaloo Reef, and for its diving and recreational fishing. The area also supports a large commercial prawn fishery. Many marine areas in the Exmouth region are regarded as being environmentally sensitive with several areas of conservation value.The partners were committed to drilling two wells in EP342 and TP/9 in 1993 as part of the obligations under the permits. Public mistrust of, and an unfamiliarity with, the oil and gas industry gave the Exmouth community the perception that the EP342 drilling program would have a detrimental impact on the sensitive marine resources of the region and, hence, to the growing tourism industry in the region.Hadson developed a management strategy which involved an extensive local community education and consultation program. Activities for this program included presentations to various community and special interest groups and a two-day public exhibition in Exmouth. The management strategy also included commitment to statutory and voluntary environmental guidelines, and an impact assessment study.Hadson's communication program was successful on a local level: by the time drilling commenced, active opposition to the drilling program had diminished significantly. This drilling program showed the importance of involving the public in the plans of the company, of putting a 'face' to the company and of communicating environmental risk in a trustworthy manner.The State Government announced in July 1994 that petroleum exploration within Ningaloo Marine Park would not be permitted. This decision was not based on scientific evidence, but political strategy and a perception that in the Exmouth and wider community there was an innate 'fear' regarding the impact of the petroleum industry.

The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park: An Assessment of Zoning Methodology for Australian Marine and Estuarine Protected Areas

In this paper the author ar-gues that the zoning methodol-ogy adopted by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority must be closely assessed by State governments as a basis for managing new marine environments. Lorne Kriwoken suggests that the Ningaloo Marine Park pro-posal in Western Australia should be closely scrutinized by GBRMPA and State gov-ernments as it represents an important step towards an ecological basis to manage-ment.