title: Importance of public information and perception for managing recreational activities in the Peel-Harvey estuary, Western Australia.
abstract: Surveys of water recreational activities were conducted in the Peel-Harvey estuary. Channels used by recreationists to gain information about water quality, the perception of water quality and resulting behaviour were investigated. This study showed that personal perception, local knowledge and history, absence of warnings and residency were major factors contributing to risk perception and behaviour in this recreational community. Management strategies should take this information into account to achieve maximal outcomes.
authors.affiliation: School of Environmental Science, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA 6150, Australia. M.Lepesteur-Thompson@biocydes.com
authors.forename: Muriel
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Lepesteur
authors.forename: Aggie
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Wegner
authors.forename: Susan A
authors.initials: SA
authors.lastname: Moore
authors.forename: Arthur
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: McComb
mesh_terms: D004777:Environment; D006801:Humans; D011634:Public Health; D011786:Quality Control; D011998:Recreation; D012307:Risk Factors; D012308:Risk Management; D012623:Seawater / Q000032:analysis* / Q000737:chemistry / Q000382:microbiology; D013550:Swimming; D014876:Water Pollution / Q000517:prevention & control*; D014904:Western Australia