Monitoring MPA visitor uses handbook

Time and cost : This depends on the number and typeof counter. The cost of a counter and a data reading anddevelopment system can range between €1,500 and€3,000 depending on the model and the performance.Allow at least one half-day of work by one person tomanually read six counters.Archiving : The data reading, archiving and developmentsoftware supplied with the counting system shouldbe used. When processing the data, a margin of erroron the counters must be taken into account. Automaticcounting systems are delivered with an equipment errormargin which must be integrated into the data processing.In addition, on-site tests should be done to checkthat the counters are correctly installed and function properly.Such tests will sometimes reveal a different marginof error that must also be included in the data analysis.b/ Manual countsManual counts are possible if automatic counters cannotbe installed, or in the case of limited needs for information.Data collected : Number of walkers, cyclists or vehicleson roads and paths per hour.Collection method : Manual count of flows by a spotter.Handheld counters can be used where traffic is highor if the direction of flows needs distinguishing. Data isrecorded on a count report form allowing flows to bequalified (walkers, cyclists, vehicles) by time slot and bydirection where applicable.Location : A prior study is necessary to define spotterlocations, in the same way as automatic counters. Thenumber of counting points should be restricted to six atthe most. By a lane or a road, a spotter must be easilyable to count all walkers or vehicles without anticipatingtheir movement.Frequency : The number of counting days is calculatedbased on the required representativeness of the results.It will depend on the required degree of analysis andthe management problem at issue. Where flows alonga path simply need evaluating, counts will be done ontwo or three days at the height of the summer season. Ifquantitative and qualitative data about flows in the vicinityof a nesting area is required for example, the numberof counts will be increased during the sensitive nestingperiod.Time and cost : The cost depends on the time spentby staff involved in the operation. The length of countingoperations varies with the activities that generatethe flows to be measured. For walking, the count willbe done over a full day, to include early morning walkersthrough to the last main flows in the evening. All countingpoints should be observed on the same day. For eachcounting day, there should be as many spotters as thereare counting points.Archiving : Data can be archived in a spreadsheet (Excel©type). The most detailed data possible should berecorded to highlight hourly variations in flows.5.3.4 AdviceAutomatic counters require regular maintenance andcareful monitoring: unobtrusive installation and reading,counter case sealing, early detection of any malfunctions,etc.For long-term monitoring, a skilled person should be putin charge of the equipment. Automatic counters recorda number of passing flows and not a number of passersby.To count individuals, counters must be specificallydistributed and this demands a prior detailed study oftraffic on roads and paths.Depending on their positions, automatic counters canprovide qualitative information about certain activities.However, a manual count is more precise, althoughmore tedious to do. TABLE OF CONTENTS 22 COLLECTION VISITOR USE OBSERVATION AND MONITORING IN MEDITERRANEAN MARINE PROTECTED AREAS