Monitoring MPA visitor uses handbook

pondents are comfortable and available. Choose anappropriate time and place for the distribution (avoidpolling a boater during a mooring manoeuvre, or ahiker during a walk).Testing the questionnaire :It is crucial to test the questionnaire on a small numberof users (10 to 20 people) to check that respondentsunderstand the questions and that the survey is not toolong.Processing and interpretation :• Be cautious when interpreting the results obtainedand avoid all generalisations, particularly if the samplerepresentativeness is not known with certainty or ifconfidence intervals cannot be calculated.• Allow for margins of error when interpreting the results(+/- 10% for 250 questionnaires, +/- 4% for 500 questionnaires).5.7.7 Example of a managementmeasure5.8.3 Framework protocolData collected : Number, type and location of offencesrecorded by the regulatory authorities, number of patrolsand number of employees assigned to this activity.Collection method : Collection of offence records completedduring patrols and information rounds, or contactwith the relevant authorities where applicable.Location : MPA areas subject to regulations.Frequency : Collection of records once a year, datacollection on an ongoing basis, during patrols (variablefrequency depending on the relevant enforcement structuresand the MPA).Time and cost : They depend on the time required fordata collection which is relatively limited, and particularlyon the time it takes to capture data for archiving whichdepends on the form of offence records (paper or electronicformat).Archiving : Excel©-type spreadsheet; use explicit codingfor each type of offence.Monitoring indicators implemented by user surveys providemore information about the characteristics of usergroups in the MPA and their activities, perceptions andsatisfaction. In Port-Cros, this information has been usedas a basis to develop a more effective communicationstrategy and the related tools, tailored to the range ofuser groups. A guide has thus been created for cycliststo better meet their expectations and improve their awarenessof the vulnerability of natural environments. Thesurvey results also showed that users are not sufficientlyinformed of water management on islands and fire risks.A stronger awareness effort was thus made on theseaspects by Port-Cros National Park.5.8 Regulatory Compliance Indicator5.8.1 RelevanceThis indicator measures user behaviour in relation to therules and regulations in force in the MPA. It concerns thevarious user groups (boaters, sea transport passengers,divers, etc.), whether visitors or locals. The results of thisindicator are closely linked to those of the indicator onUser knowledge and perception of regulations.Notice board explaining regulations in Zakynthos National Park (Greece)© Credit: Catherine Piante5.8.2 Relevant MPA typesMPAContinentor islandMPAContinentor islandMPAContinentor islandMPA5.8.4 AdviceThe number of patrols, the patrol routes and the numberof employees assigned to the task directly influence thenumber and type of offences detected.To compare results year over year, or from one seasonto the next, the number of offences must be weighted TABLE OF CONTENTS 34 COLLECTION VISITOR USE OBSERVATION AND MONITORING IN MEDITERRANEAN MARINE PROTECTED AREAS