Benchmarking Recreational Boating Pressure in the Rottnest Island Reserve, Western Australia

Abstract

Rottnest Island, off Western Australia, is a popular holiday destination with 0.5 million visitors annually, of which 150,000 arrive by private vessel. Management of these vessels is difficult as few data are available on their visitation patterns and associated recreational activities. An observational survey was conducted to provide baseline data. It clearly indicated higher vessel numbers during summer and on public holidays with some mooring areas exceeding 100% occupancy during these periods. Scuba diving and surfing were recorded at numerous locations around the island in the summer and winter months, respectively. Recreational fishing generally occurred throughout the year. The spatial and temporal patterns of boating and associated recreational usage can be used to assess the impact of management decisions and provide a benchmark for long-term monitoring.