Change of perspective: using aerial surveys to identify human-turtle interactions in the Ningaloo Marine Park

Waayers, D., Newsome, D. and Lee, D. (2009) Change of perspective: using aerial surveys to identify human-turtle interactions in the Ningaloo Marine Park. In: 18th annual tourism and hospitality education and research conference: See change: tourism and hospitality in a dynamic world, 10 - 13 February, Fremantle, Western Australia.

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Abstract

Shore-based turtle tourism is emerging as a popular activity for independent travellers during the summer months in the Ningaloo Marine Park, yet little is known about the spatial extent of human-turtle interactions and their impact on nesting marine turtle species in the area. Aerial survey techniques in conjunction with Geographic Information Systems (GIS) can provide useful tools for identifying potential 'interaction hotspots' where management of human-turtle interactions is required. This paper explores the application of aerial surveys that quantify both tourist activity and turtle nesting activity along the Ningaloo Marine Park coast in Western Australia.