Public perception of marine and coastal protected areas in Tasmania, Australia: Importance, management and hazards

Marine and coastal protected areas (MCPAs) are a key conservation strategy implemented globally to reduce impacts in these environments. The involvement of stakeholders in the design and management of MCPAs is considered integral to MCPA success. As such, knowledge of how stakeholders perceive the risks of hazards and their perception of management importance should be an integral management and planning component of MCPAs. This study aimed to explore the relationship between stakeholder perceptions of the importance and management of MCPAs with regards to a selection of natural and anthropogenic environmental hazards.Data was gathered using a questionnaire that was implemented by face to face interviews that were conducted at two locations: Strahan and St. Helens, Tasmania. Sewerage and ship groundings were perceived as the most important hazards when considering MCPAs in Tasmania. These perceptions were significantly correlated with the management and importance of MCPAs, and with the hazards. The outcomes have the potential to enhance Tasmanian MCPA management and thus improve success of management goals, if it is afforded sufficient weight in management planning and decisions.

► We explored perceptions of Tasmanian marine and coastal protected areas (MCPAs).
► Ship groundings and sewerage were perceived as important hazards to manage.
► Respondents thought enforcing MCPA rules was an important management direction.
► Select demographics and a respondent's location influenced their perception.
► Understanding perceptions will help improve educational outreach directions.