An assessment of the effectiveness of in-situ signage in multiple-use marine protected areas in providing information to different recreational users Carol L. Martin a,n , Salim Momtaz a , Alan Jordan b , Natalie A. Moltschaniwskyj a a School of Environmental & Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, PO Box 127, Ourimbah, NSW 2258, Australia b Department of Primary Industries, Port Stephens Fisheries Institute, Locked Bag 1, Nelson Bay, NSW 2315, Australia article info Article history: Received 10 October 2014 Received in revised form 19 January 2015 Accepted 1 March 2015 Keywords: Marine protected areas Environmental education Interpretive/informative signage In-situ signage abstract In-situ signage is a cost effective environmental education tool used in marine protected area (MPA) management, and the design and location of signage is crucial to attract the attention of targeted audiences. The implementation of multiple-use MPAs increases the challenges of communicating awareness of MPA boundaries and permitted activities. Currently, little is known about how effective signage in multiple-use MPAs is in communicating information to stakeholders that will promote supportive attitudes and behaviours towards MPAs. This study evaluated the usefulness of in-situ signage in an existing multiple- use MPA, to determine if signs pertaining to the MPA captured the attention of recreational users, and provided adequate information. Structured interviews with recreational fishers, divers, and other users, were used to determine users' awareness of being in an MPA, their awareness of management objectives and associated zoning scheme, together with levels of agreement or disagreement on whether or not current in- situ signage adequately communicates information about the MPA. It was evident that the types and accessibility of in-situ signs in the MPA may not be effective at capturing the attention of intended audiences and providing relevant information, with the exception of signs located at the dive site, due to their design, size, and placement. Awareness differed among the three user groups, together with their views on the effectiveness of signage. Many recreational fishers believed existing signage was inadequate and unclear, and expressed frustrations with the complexity of zoning rules and location of their boundaries. Based on this study, recommendations about the presentation, content, and placement of signage relative to access points, and information required by MPA users, is provided. & 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. 1. Introduction Marine protected areas (MPAs) are used worldwide as a manage- ment tool to address adverse impacts of anthropogenic activities by controlling the types of recreational and commercial activities allowed in specific marine areas [16,18]. MPAs are established through consu- ltation with stakeholders and often aim to address societal, political and ecological objectives. These objectives can vary and include cons- ervation of marine biodiversity, restoration of marine habitats, protec- tion of threatened species, fisheries management, and opportunities for public appreciation and enjoyment [2,25,18]. Multiple-use MPAs are a widely used type of MPA that aim to both conserve biodiversity and accommodate the demands of multiple-users in coastal areas. This is achieved through the use of zoning to allocate resources spatially to various users, combined with a range of permitted and restricted act- ivities [14]. In Australia, multiple-use MPAs (marine parks) are free to use and are generally divided into several management zones that are either ‘ no-take’, or allow specific activities. Hence, each zone has obje- ctives that focus on conservation, sustainable fishing (commercial and/ or recreational), and opportunities for public enjoyment ([23]; [15]). Multiple-use MPAs are more challenging and costly to manage than MPAs which are entirely no-take because of increased compliance and enforcement costs associated with complex zoning designs [9]. Com- pliance with regulations is paramount to an MPA's success [20] and can be optimized through education and awareness management strategies [27]. Educational and awareness strategies, including the use of signage, can play a key role in MPA management if implemented effectively [1,5,7], and are more cost effective than enforcement, and have a greater impact on the community when raising awareness of an MPA and promoting positive attitudes and behaviours [1,19]. Well-marked zone boundaries, and use of signage as a passive means of commu- nicating complex information about multiple-use MPAs, are both imp- ortant management tools to increase stakeholders' knowledge and understanding of management zones and increase voluntary compli- ance [21,27]. In-situ interpretive/informative signage can be effective Contents lists available at ScienceDirect journal homepage: www.elsevier.com/locate/marpol Marine Policy http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.marpol.2015.03.002 0308-597X/& 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. n Corresponding author. Tel.: þ61 416772239. E-mail address: Carol.Martin@uon.edu.au (C.L. Martin). Marine Policy 56 (2015) 78–85