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Tourism & Recreation Policies
Tourism and recreation policies can be use to control the distribution and intensity of recreational activities such as through advertising, incentives, or visitors centers.
CMap
CMap Description
A change in the provision of ecosystem services, or a desire to improve provision of ecosystem services, may elicit responses to manage the distribution and functioning of cultural sectors. Cultural sectors, particularly tourism and recreation, create pressures on the reef ecosystem through primarily through contact uses, but also drive coastal development that can lead to landscape changes and increasing pollution. Cultural sectors benefit from reef ecosystem services, including recreational and educational opportunities. Government policies can have a dramatic effect on the tourism sector. The great destination success stories invariably include a government committed to policies that foster tourism development.Citations
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Management Options
Management Option | Description | Sources | Database Topics |
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Corporate Response: Invest & Co-finance Projects | Investing and co-financing projects that aim to conserve or restore habitats can be an effective means to preserving reef habitats as well as establishing positive working relationships between organizations.... Investing in private sector projects will promote desired businesses and business practices, reducing barriers to entry and competitiveness as compared to traditional businesses and business practices to counterbalance advantages from undesired externalities. | World Bank Group. 2008. Biodiversity, Climate Change, and Adaptation. Nature based solutions from the world bank portfolio. The International Bank for Reconstruction and Development, Washington, DC. ... |
Aquarium Stock; Banks, Credit, & Securities; Biochemical & Genetic Resources; Biomedical Research Policies; Collaboration & Partnering; Corporate Responses; Economic Markets & Policies;... Finance & Insurance; Finfish & Shellfish Stock; Food & Raw Materials; Funding & Donations; Funding & Incentives; Manufacturing & Trade; Manufacturing & Trade Policies; Marine Products; Ornamental Jewelry & Art; Pharmaceuticals & Cosmetics Sources; Provisioning Services; Resource Use Management; Tourism & Recreation |
Damage Assessment, Documentation & Response: Increase Public Grounding Notification | Public notification of groundings can be increased through more centralized, accessible notification methods, and public education and outreach. Notification methods could include creating a �grounding... hotline� with a central government agency as the enforcement dispatch center. By centralizing notification methods, public confusion over what agency to contact can be reduced. Education and outreach efforts should focus on the importance of grounding notification and awareness of notification methods (i.e. the hotline). | NOAA Marine Sanctuary Program. 2007. Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary revised management plan. National Ocean Service, Key West, FL. |
Anchoring & Vessel Grounding; Boating Activities; Boating Regulations; Collaboration & Partnering; Cultural Policies; Decision Support; Environmental Education & Outreach; Physical Damage;... Security & Public Administration Policies; Small Boats; Transportation Policies; Water Resources; Water Transportation |
Develop & Distribute Educational Materials: Develop Wayside Exhibits/Signs | Creating wayside exhibits is an easy way to inform the public about sanctuary resources, policies, and boundaries. Wayside exhibits can be signs displayed at popular fishing and recreation areas. Coordination... and collaboration among local, state, and federal agencies is essential to ensure there is not duplication in efforts, over-signage, and that consistent information is provided. | NOAA Marine Sanctuary Program. 2007. Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary revised management plan. National Ocean Service, Key West, FL. |
Beaches & Nature Parks; Docks & Marinas; Education & Information; Environmental Education & Outreach; Ports & Harbors; Resource Use Management |
Develop & Distribute Educational Materials: Distribute Educational Materials at Visitor Booths/Displays | Visitor booths at visitor centers, rental car agencies, airports, and chambers of commerce could hold an array of educational materials and brochures (#111) for walk-in visitors. Locations frequented... by tourists are excellent targets for these booths and displays, as visitors are often less knowledgeable of the local ecosystems and the policies governing them. Materials should also be multilingual to enhance their effectiveness. | NOAA Marine Sanctuary Program. 2007. Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary revised management plan. National Ocean Service, Key West, FL. |
Cultural Policies; Entertainment & Accommodation Services; Environmental Education & Outreach; Tourism & Recreation; Tourism & Recreation Policies |
Develop & Distribute Educational Materials: Develop Outreach with the Tourism Development Council | Collaborating with the Tourism Development Council allows for more specific targeting of tourists and visitors for resource management outreach. Tourists and visitors are less familiar with local ecosystems... and are therefore more prone to unintentionally damaging the environment or defying policies and regulations. The Tourism Development Council is also an important stakeholder to consider, in coastal zone management. | NOAA Marine Sanctuary Program. 2007. Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary revised management plan. National Ocean Service, Key West, FL. |
Collaboration & Partnering; Cultural Policies; Entertainment & Accommodation Services; Environmental Education & Outreach; Resource Use Management; Security & Public Administration Policies;... Tourism & Recreation; Tourism & Recreation Policies; Travel Services & Tour Operators |
Develop & Distribute Educational Materials: Develop Multilingual Education and Outreach Materials | All forms of information regarding local sanctuary activities should be provided in multiple languages to better inform and educate patrons about environmental issues, stewardship skills, and other information.... | NOAA Marine Sanctuary Program. 2007. Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary revised management plan. National Ocean Service, Key West, FL. |
Cultural Policies; Environmental Education & Outreach; Tourism & Recreation Policies |
Develop & Distribute Educational Materials: Develop Interactive Interpretive Exhibits | Interpretive exhibits combine an array of information types (pictures, sounds, interactive activities etc.) in an easy to understand, relevant way to visitors. On-water and on-land interpretive exhibits... for maritime heritage resources and sanctuaries are helpful at increasing public knowledge/awareness of reefs. Interpretive exhibits can be established near the site of the resource (#126), in permanent (#131) or used as a traveling tool for (#127), and (#130). Such exhibits are beneficial as they allow for schools, the community, and tourists see resources first-hand and learn why they are important, at their leisure and without requiring a staff member to present the information. Expanding already-created exhibits is important to continue to draw in crowds and to continue to add/increase public knowledge and stewardship. | NOAA Marine Sanctuary Program. 2007. Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary revised management plan. National Ocean Service, Key West, FL. Washburne, R. and Wagar, J. 2010. Evaluating Visitor... Response to Exhibit Content. Curator: The Museum Journal 15:248-256. Veverka, J. The Key to Successful Heritage Tourism Marketing Planning and Program Design. Interpretive Communication Accessed 7/7/2011. |
Decision Support; Educational & Research Opportunities; Environmental Education & Outreach; Existence Value & Sense of Place; Tourism & Recreation |
Develop & Distribute Educational Materials: Provide Interpretive Information | Targeted information should be provided and interpreted for media, interest groups, periodicals, publications, and environmental organizations. This information may be about available programs/resources,... research findings, policy changes, statistics, avoidance techniques, legal/financial consequences etc. This information should be provided specifically for these groups in such a way to best enhance public understanding regarding reef resources. It is important to interpret this information for these user groups, as this will help them convey the often technical information to the public. | NOAA Marine Sanctuary Program. 2007. Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary revised management plan. National Ocean Service, Key West, FL. |
Broadcasting, Publishing, & Libraries; Collaboration & Partnering; Decision Support; Education & Information; Environmental Education & Outreach; Scientific Research; Security & Public... Administration Policies |
Develop & Distribute Educational Materials: Print Marine Etiquette on Marine-Related Products Packaging | Printing information on marine-related products regarding proper marine etiquette could be a possibility for raising awareness and improving public stewardship. Partnerships will be explored to help print... etiquette information on materials such as bait boxes, ice bags, water buckets, etc. that are commonly used by stakeholders. | NOAA Marine Sanctuary Program. 2007. Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary revised management plan. National Ocean Service, Key West, FL. |
Collaboration & Partnering; Corporate Responses; Environmental Education & Outreach; Littering; Manufacturing & Trade; Marine Debris; Recreational Fishing; Wholesale & Retail Trade |
Develop & Distribute Educational Materials: Develop Information Booths for Trade Shows and Festivals | This option encourages local reef sanctuary staff to attend trade shows and local festivals and set up a booth with brochures, information, and photos regarding sanctuary resources. Such participation... will enhance public education regarding local reef resources and education staff will evaluate which festivities would be the most optimum to attend and participate in (in order to be efficient with sanctuary funds). Specific trade shows, such as dive shows, should allow for a more targeted audience. | NOAA Marine Sanctuary Program. 2007. Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary revised management plan. National Ocean Service, Key West, FL. |
Cultural Policies; Environmental Education & Outreach; Tourism & Recreation Policies |
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Laws
Legal Citation | Purpose of Law | Management Organization | Database Topics |
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25 Virgin Islands Code. | Under Title 25, in addition to requirements for boat registration and administration of harbors, among other things, sections pertaining to the mooring and anchoring of vessels and houseboats provide for... the protection of important marine resources in USVI waters. The Law requires mandatory boating education and safety courses for all boat operators. Application to Coral Reefs:Mooring and anchoring are restricted and not allowed near fragile systems. Not anchoring on coral reefs is abig plus of this legislation. Legislative Actions:Penalties for violation of the Chapter include fines not to exceed $1,000, a lien on the vessel and potential libel suit Comments:A houseboat or vessel is allowed to moor or anchor only in those areas designated by the Department. Section 404(g) of the legislation lists areas designated as areas of special concern. |
US Virgin Islands, Department of Planning and Natural Resources, Division of Environmental Protection Jurisdiction: US Virgin Islands |
Boating Regulations; Commercial Fishing Boats; Cruise Ships; Environmental Education & Outreach; Large Ships; Mangroves; Marine Protected Areas; Oil & Gas Tankers; Resource Use Management; Seagrasses;... Small Boats; Transportation Policies |
Abandoned Shipwreck Act of 1987, 43 United States Code §§ 2101-2106. | To establish title to certain abandoned shipwrecks. U. S. Government asserted three categories of abandoned shipwrecks; embedded in a State's submerged lands, embedded in corralline formations protected... by a State on its submerged lands, located on a State's submerged lands and included or determined eligible for inclusion in the National Register of historic Places. Application to Coral Reefs:The Act requires, but is not limited to, development by NPS of guidelines for States and Federal agencies to develop appropriate and consistant policies to protect national resources and habitat areas, and to provide for public and private sector recovery consistant with historical values and environmental integrety. Corralline structures are specifically protected by the Act. Legislative Actions:Specific response will vary from Federal agency to Federal agency and State to State. Comments:The NPS published non-binding, advisory guidelines for States and Federal agencies to establish, review, revise, and implement programs to manage shipwrecks under their ownership or control. The guidance is entitled "Abondoned Shipwreck Act Guidelines." |
National Park Service Jurisdiction: United States; US State Waters |
Artificial Habitat; Coral; Designated Uses; Marine Protected Areas; Public Administration; Resource Use Management; Tourism & Recreation Policies; Waste Management Policies; Wetlands |
Archaeological Resources Protection Act of 1979 as amended, 16 United States Code § 470. | To protect historic ruins, monuments, and objects of antiquity. Strenghtens and expands the protective provisions of the Antiquities Act of 1906 regarding archeological resources. It also revised the permitting... process for conducting archeological research. Application to Coral Reefs: Legislative Actions: Comments: |
National Park Service Jurisdiction: United States; US Territorial Waters; US Territories; Designated Marine Areas; US Virgin Islands |
Biological Monitoring & Restoration; Coastal Development; Cultural Policies; Ecosystem Monitoring & Restoration; Educational & Research Opportunities; Existence Value & Sense of Place;... Public Administration; Recreational Opportunities; Resource Use Management; Responses; Special Use Permitting; Tourism & Recreation Policies |
Chapter 1: Wildlife including protected areas, 12 Virgin Islands Code. | Regulates hunting, including for migratory birds, wildlife restoration, establishes and regulates wildlife and marine sactuaries and game preserves. Application to Coral Reefs:The coral... reefs of the US Virgin Islands are within the boundaries off the marine sanctuaries and therefore have the same protection that marine sanctuaries have. Special licenses are required for scientific investigation and for collectors. In wildlife and marine sanctuaries, except under proper permit, taking or posessing any bird, fish, or other wildlife is illegal. Discharge of a firearm or release of arrows (spearfishing) in wildlife or marine sanctuaries is illegal. No form of waste can be thrown, placed or deposited in a wildlife or marine sanctuary. Legislative Actions:The Commissioner or any USVI resident can commence a civil action. Civil penalties for violators are not to exceed $50,000 per day. Any knowingly or negligently discharging polluants can be crimimnally punished with a fine of not less than $5,000 nor more Comments:Commissioner of Planning and Natural Resources can designate and establish wildlife and marine sanctuaries, and accept monitary and animal donations from the United States. |
US Virgin Islands, Department of Planning and Natural Resources, Division of Environmental Protection Jurisdiction: US Virgin Islands |
Accidental & Illegal Harvest; Arthropods; Bivalves; Complex Habitat & Resources; Educational & Research Opportunities; Environmental Monitoring, Mapping, & Scientific Research; Existence... Value & Sense of Place; Fish; Invertebrates; Lobster, Crab, & Shrimp; Mangroves; Marine Protected Areas; Marine Vertebrates; Molluscs; Octopus & Squid; Recreational Opportunities; Reef Inhabitants; Reef Life; Resource Use Management; Seagrasses; Snails & Conch; Tourism & Recreation Policies; Wetlands |
Chapter 2: Protection of indigenous, endangered and threatened fish, wildlife and plants, 12 Virgin Islands Code. | Regulates activities, including scientific research, that could affect indigenous species and species considered at risk (threatened) or endangered, establishes species of special concern and habitats... that should be protected, requires permits for trimming mangroves Application to Coral Reefs:It is illegal to take or posses "live rock" which is defined as dead or live coral. It is illegaal to cut all three species of mangrove trees. Forbidding the takeing of coral directly protects coral species. Not cutting mangraoves will aid in sediment control and the removal of nutrients that could enter coral reef areas. The Commission can designate habitats for listed threatened or endangered species. Legislative Actions:It is illegal to take or posses "live rock" which is defined as dead or live coral. It is illegaal to cut all three species of mangrove trees. Forbidding the takeing of coral directly protects coral species. Not cutting mangraoves will aid in sediment control and the removal of nutrients that could enter coral reef areas. The Commission can designate habitats for listed threatened or endangered species. Comments: |
US Virgin Islands, Department of Planning and Natural Resources, Division of Environmental Protection Jurisdiction: US Virgin Islands |
Accidental & Illegal Harvest; Aquarium & Pet Trade; Aquarium Stock; Biological Monitoring & Restoration; Coral; Dive, Snorkeling, & Swimming Tourism; Environmental Monitoring, Mapping,... & Scientific Research; Fishing & Harvesting Management; Invertebrate Harvest; Mangroves; Ornamental Jewelry & Art; Resource Use Management; Seagrasses; Tourism & Recreation Policies |
Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972, 16 United States Code §§ 1451-1456. | Preserve, protect, develop, and where possible, to restore or enhance the resources of the Nation's coastal zone for this and succeeding generations. Application to Coral Reefs:Protection... of coastal areas can have an indirect influence on coral reef preservation and conservation by the use of environmentally sound construction and development by limiting runoff of contaminants and sediment that could have an adverse effect on inshore coral reefs if present. Legislative Actions:In addition, the Act authorized a national system of estuarine sanctuaries and the establishment of national field laboratories with a 50/50 cost-sharing grants with coastal states. Comments: |
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration/US Fish and Wildlife Service Jurisdiction: United States; State Coastal Waters |
City Planning; Coastal Development; Collaboration & Partnering; Construction Codes & Projects; Corporate Responses; Designated Uses; Economic Markets & Policies; Environmental Education &... Outreach; Environmental Monitoring, Mapping, & Scientific Research; Fishing & Harvesting Management; Funding & Incentives; Hydrologic Management; Landscape Changes; Landuse Management; Marine Debris; Marine Protected Areas; Non-point Source Controls; Nutrients; Permitting & Zoning; Point & Mobile Source Controls; Political Pressure; Public Administration; Resource Use Management; Sediment; Tourism & Recreation Policies; Transportation Policies; Waste Management Policies; Waterborne Discharges; Wetlands |
Emergency Wetlands Resources Act of 1986, 16 United States Code §§ 3501 et seq. | Promote the conservations of wetlands for public benefit and to assist in the compliance with international obligations under various treaties and conventions for migratory birds. Application... to Coral Reefs:Indirect application to protection of coral reefs through wetland functions of nutrient (particularly nitrogen) and sediment removal from land-based discharges prior to their entrance into open coastal waters. Legislative Actions:Authorizied the purchase of wetlands from the land and Water Conservation Fund monies. Required States to include wetlands in their Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plans. Comments:Secretary of Interior was required to establish a National Wetland Priority Conservation Plan to identify the locations and types of wetlands that should be priorities for state and federal acquisition. The Act established various fee schedules for entering national wildlife refuges. |
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Jurisdiction: United States |
Agriculture, Aquaculture, & Forestry Policies; Discharge Limitations; Funding & Incentives; Hydrologic Management; Landuse Management; Marine Birds; Non-point Source Controls; Nutrients; Permitting... & Zoning; Public Administration; Resource Use Management; Sediment; Tourism & Recreation Policies; Waste Management Policies; Waterborne Discharges; Wetlands |
Endangered and Threatened Species; Critical Habitat for Threatened Elkhorn and Staghorn Corals, 73 Federal Register § 6895 (2008). | To make it unlawful, to import or export the species into or from the US, to take the species within the US or territorial seas of the US, to take the species upon the high seas, to possess, sell, deliver,... carry, transport, or ship by any means whatsoever the species taken in violation, to deliver, receive, carry, transport, or ship in interstate or foreign commerce, by any means whatsoever and in the course of a commercial activity the species, to sell or offer for sale in interstate or foreign commerce the species, to violate any regulation pertaining to the species. Application to Coral Reefs:The deignation of Acropa palmeta and Acropa cervicornis as threathened species will allow the species advantages in recovery. The designation protects the reef habitat because the species must have the reef to reproduce and grow. Legislative Actions:Section 11 of the ESA provides civil and criminal penalties for a violation of the ESA. Comments: |
NOAA Jurisdiction: US Coral Reefs; US Territorial Waters; US Virgin Islands; Puerto Rico |
Accidental & Illegal Harvest; Collaboration & Partnering; Environmental Education & Outreach; Fishing & Harvesting Management; Invertebrate Harvest; Recreational Opportunities; Skeletal... Coral; Tourism & Recreation; Tourism & Recreation Policies |
Endangered and Threatened Species; Critical Habitat for Threatened Elkhorn and Staghorn Corals; Final Rule, 73 Federal Register § 72210. | We, the National Marine
Fisheries Service (NMFS), issue a final
rule designating critical habitat for
elkhorn (Acropora palmata) and
staghorn (A. cervicornis) corals, which
we listed as threatened under... the
Endangered Species Act of 1973, as
amended (ESA), on May 9, 2006. Four
specific areas are designated: the Florida
area, which comprises approximately
1,329 square miles (3,442 sq km) of
marine habitat; the Puerto Rico area,
which comprises approximately 1,383
square miles (3,582 sq km) of marine
habitat; the St. John/St. Thomas area,
which comprises approximately 121
square miles (313 sq km) of marine
habitat; and the St. Croix area, which
comprises approximately 126 square
miles (326 sq km) of marine habitat. We
are excluding one military site,
comprising approximately 5.5 square
miles (14.3 sq km), because of national
security impacts. Application to Coral Reefs:The law protects coral habitat for elkhorn and staghorn coral which strenghtens their protection in the FKNMS, Puerto Rico, and US Virgin Islands. Legislative Actions: Comments:the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), issue a final rule designating critical habitat for elkhorn (Acropora palmata) and staghorn (A. cervicornis) corals, which we listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (ESA), on May 9, 2006. Four specific areas are designated: the Florida area, which comprises approximately 1,329 square miles (3,442 sq km) of marine habitat; the Puerto Rico area, which comprises approximately 1,383 square miles (3,582 sq km) of marine habitat; the St. John/St. Thomas area, which comprises approximately 121 square miles (313 sq km) of marine habitat; and the St. Croix area, which comprises approximately 126 square miles (326 sq km) of marine habitat. We are excluding one military site, comprising approximately 5.5 square miles (14.3 sq km), because of national security impacts. |
National Marine Fisheries Service Jurisdiction: US Coral Reefs; US Territorial Waters; US Territories; US State Waters; Designated Marine Areas; US Virgin Islands |
Accidental & Illegal Harvest; Collaboration & Partnering; Commercial Fisheries; Commercial Fishing Boats; Dive, Snorkeling, & Swimming Tourism; Educational & Research Opportunities; Environmental... Education & Outreach; Fishing & Harvesting Management; Recreational Fishing; Tourism & Recreation Policies |
Exec. Order No. 12962, Recreational Fisheries, 60 Federal Register (1995). | Federal agencies are directed to improve the quantity, function, sustainable productivity, and distribution of U.S. aquatic resources for increased recreational fishing opportunities in cooperation with... states and tribes. Application to Coral Reefs: Legislative Actions: Comments: |
Federal agencies Jurisdiction: United States |
Environmental Education & Outreach; Finfish & Shellfish Stock; Finfish Harvest; Fishing & Harvesting Management; Fishing Sector; Funding & Donations; Recreational Fishing; Resource Use... Management; Tourism & Recreation Policies |
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