Perceptions of Beach Stewards and Information Needs for Shorebird Stopover Sites Vary as a Function of Visitor Interests: Improving Stewardship Programs in Coastal Landscapes
Many studies have demonstrated that some of the activities
of people can disturb nesting and foraging birds, particularly along coasts and
estuaries. Some managers respond to human disturbance of sensitive species by
closing beaches, but most have stewards monitor and restrict access to beaches
or portions of beaches. Yet little is known about the type of visitor or their
perceptions of beach stewards. This paper explores the general acceptance of
beach stewards and their role in conservation of red knots (Calidriscanutusrufa), other shorebirds, and horseshoe crabs (Limuluspolyphemus) along the Delaware Bay (New Jersey) beaches by
interviewing 279 visitors during the stopover period. While most people came to
see the shorebird and horseshoe crab spectacle (60%), many came for the
scenery, tranquility, and recreation. Just over half of the people interviewed
said that the stewards were helpful (58%), although most of those that answered
this question later said that they provided conservation value (86%), but only
40% said they relied on the stewards for information. On a Likert rating scale
of 1 to 5 (the highest value), the mean rating for whether it was important for
stewards to be present was 3.87 ± 0.09, and the rating for the presence of
stewards who can provide information was 3.71 ± 0.11. In contrast, protection
of shorebirds was rated a mean of 4.79 ± 0.04. There were significant visitor
type differences in how important stewards were, but not in the importance of
stewards who can provide information. Fishermen, recreationists, and people
coming for scenery and tranquility rated the presence of stewards higher than
those visitors who were interested in either shorebirds or crabs (or both).
Ratings also differed significantly as a function of age and gender; older
adults and females rated characteristics higher than did people under 30 years
and males. Information needs identified by stewards are also discussed. These
data can be used by the managers developing a strategy for conservation of
shorebirds and
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