Monitoring MPA visitor uses handbook

6. Implementing indicatorsOnce the indicators have been selected and the protocols tailored to your MPA, their implementation must beorganised. Certain difficulties can then arise: the need to alter protocols during the study, varying data quality yearover year, difficulties making comparisons, loss of information, lack of coordination, lack of observatory ownershipby the management team, dilution of responsibilities, etc.A few simple guidelines can help restrict these implementation difficulties.6.1 Preparing and harmonising fielddata report formsCertain data collection materials need to be preparedand specifically adapted to the features of the MPA andthe aim of the study. This is particularly the case with :• count report forms (passenger arrivals, boats in mooringsites, flows of cyclists on paths, etc.);• field data records (records of offences, weather conditions,etc.);• survey questionnaires (multiple-choice or interviews).The format of these collection tools should be harmonised(same counting typologies, same organisation ofmultiple-choice questions, etc.), to facilitate their useand subsequent data processing and archiving.6.2 Installing and testing technicaltoolsCertain data collection means involve technologies ofvarying degrees of complexity, so it is important to testthem prior to actual use.• For overflights, the flight plan must be prepared withthe pilot, all the flight authorisations must be obtained,the condition and range of the camera must be checked,and photo-interpretation limits must be assessed;• Handheld counters should be rounded up and labelled,as they can quickly get lost;• The installation plan for the network of automatic counterson paths must be defined, the equipment installed(acoustic slab sensor, pyro-electric sensor or magneticloops) during a quiet period, and checks must be doneto ensure the counters and recording equipment workcorrectly.6.3 Testing protocolsIt is advisable to test the data collection protocols in realsituations. Their feasibility must be checked with theassurance that nothing will hinder the smooth conductof surveys, that respondents understand the multiplechoicequestions, that entities holding data are preparedto disclose it, that automatic counters work, etc. Countingprotocols should ideally be tested during averagelybusy periods and not during the low season.6.4 Organising and standardisingindicator implementationTo guarantee the sustainability of the study and datausability, protocols must be formally documented and arecord should be kept of the conditions in which they areimplemented each year. Managers should :• draw up a clear, technical compendium of methodssetting out the collection protocols for each indicatorin detail to guarantee reproducibility;• define a schedule of monitoring operations each year.6.5 Forming a teamForming a team motivated by the issues of visitor useand responsible for implementing the indicators in theMPA is a key factor in the success of the study. It is thereforeadvisable to :• Assign MPA employees to the study and provide eachteam member with training. The team should be involvedin the visitor use monitoring project right fromthe start. They can make valuable contributions invarious areas due to their in-depth knowledge of thefield. The protocol tests are an excellent opportunityfor training using the compendium of methods as learningmaterial.• Keep involvement of trainees to a minimum as this candemand a considerable training effort and restrict thestudy in terms of knowledge of the MPA and communicationwith users; it can also have a disincentiveeffect on the team managing the study.• Appoint a lead coordinator to oversee the entire study(indicator definition and adjustment, verification of collecteddata, schedule preparation, participation in datareporting). Different people may be put in charge ofcertain aspects (counts, data capture, etc.), but theirrespective tasks shall not replace the lead coordinator'srole. TABLE OF CONTENTS 41 COLLECTION VISITOR USE OBSERVATION AND MONITORING IN MEDITERRANEAN MARINE PROTECTED AREAS