Comparing intended, self-reported, and observed behavior of snorkelers in the Mombasa Marine Park and Reserve, Kenya

Recreational marine resource use is conducted by a varied group of visitors. Regardless of how minimal this resource use is, or what intentions these visitors have, potentially damaging contacts with these resources are unavoidable. Management authorities need a clear understanding of these contacts so that resource management can be conducted effectively. Traditional monitoring of visitors in the past has relied on self-reported behavior by visitors themselves. Self-reporting of behavior is not always accurate or reliable. This research article illustrates that even though recreational marine visitors (snorkelers) in the Mombasa Marine Park and Reserve had intentions to not disturb the reef when they snorkel and indicated having positive attitudes about not disturbing the reef when they snorkel, they still created contacts with the reef. Furthermore, their self-reported behavior did not correspond with their actual monitored behavior. Monitoring snorkeler behavior is time-consuming and is therefore paired with financial investment; however, this method is the most accurate method of gathering impact data to be used for management purposes. When accurate data on snorkelers' behavior is necessary, in-water behavior monitoring should be used rather than self-reports