Perceptions of Snorkelers and SCUBA divers at Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary: An Importance/Performance Analysis Case Study

IPA: SCUBA/Snorkelers

Authors

  • Melissa Hurtado West Virginia University
  • Robert Burns West Virginia University
  • Ross Andrew Belmont University
  • Jasmine Cardozo Moreira Universidade Estadual do Ponta Grossa, Brazil
  • Danielle Schwarzmann National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Office of National Marine Sanctuaries
  • Natalia Uribe Castaneda West Virginia University
  • Mary Allen Lynker, in support of NOAA Office of Coastal Management

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18666/JPRA-2025-13176

Keywords:

Importance-Performance Analysis; Environmental Perceptions; Marine Protected Areas; Tourism; Recreationists

Abstract

Marine protected area managers often have dual, and in some cases conflicting, goals of protecting resources and providing quality visitor experiences. Millions of people visit Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary (FKNMS) annually to SCUBA dive and snorkel, but threats to coral reef health continue to affect natural resources and potentially also tourism. This study used an online survey and applied importance-performance analysis to evaluate snorkeler and diver perceptions of eight attributes related to their recreational experience in FKNMS. Three attributes had relatively high importance but low satisfaction levels, suggesting these should be prioritized for management action. Those attributes included “seeing a healthy reef,” “experiencing a clean reef,” and “diving on an area free of discarded fishing traps, line, or tackle.” The low performance of these attributes aligns with ecological trends (e.g., declines in coral cover) and natural resource management goals. These findings suggest that strategies to enhance reef health and condition, such as ecosystem restoration and marine debris removal, are also likely to enhance the quality of the recreational experience for SCUBA divers and snorkelers. 

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Published

2025-10-29

Issue

Online First

Section

Research Papers

License

Sagamore Publishing LLC (hereinafter the “Copyright Owner”)

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