White, 2005: used

"...the Theory of Reasoned Action as a guide to understanding why boaters using the Cardwell-Hinchinbrook waterway were not complying with the voluntary speed guidelines that aim to protect dugongs from boat strike. The speed guidelines ask boaters to travel at or below 10 knots whilst over seagrass beds. They were implemented in response to a growing concern about an anticipated increase in boat numbers resulting from a local development. The concern regarding this is that an increase in boat numbers will increase the risk of boat strike on dugongs in the area. Previous research has shown that due to the lack of compliance these guidelines are ineffective conservation measures. Therefore, reasons behind the lack of compliance were investigated within this study. It was shown that attitudes and normative considerations were positive toward the speed guidelines as well as dugongs and dugong management efforts. Indications of why compliance is so low included the lack of familiarity with the conservation initiatives; a low likelihood perception in regard to hitting a dugong and the consequences associated with it; and opinions regarding the traditional hunting of the dugong.

The situation regularly needs to be addressed and monitored so that effective conservation measures can be undertaken prior to boat strike becoming an unmanageable problem, like that seen in other areas. If such measures are undertaken, then they will require enforcement in conjunction with media campaigns to be effective. The decision to take such step rests in the hands of managers, who must balance the benefits against the costs of doing so in regard to conservation, resource funding, and community interest. Overall, boaters in the Hinchinbrook area expressed positive attitudes toward the voluntary speed guidelines and dugong conservation. Moreover, there was a high level of general knowledge about dugongs and dugong conservation, and minimal societal pressure to disregard the speed guidelines. Despite these indications that compliance should be high, other studies have shown compliance with the speed guidelines is particularly low.

When no guidelines or regulations exist there is a freedom of choice in regard to the speed boaters choose to travel. The ability to travel to a destination at whatever speed they desire, is a benefit of the activity. Due to conservation concerns boaters have been asked to slow down to 10 knots whilst over seagrass areas in Missionary  Bay. By choosing to abide by such speed guidelines, an individual incurs a cost. The form of these costs varies and can include time delays; inhibited enjoyment; social pressures to/not to conform; or missing the tide to access creeks that may be favoured fishing destinations. Benefits may be less apparent and take the form of having a healthy dugong population in the Hinchinbrook area, feeling as if they are contributing to the conservation of the dugong, and depending on the social situation,  being praised by peers or family. The obvious difference between the costs and benefits suggested here is that the costs associated with compliance are more personally and immediately accrued. Therefore, the individual is directly affected in  a negative way when complying with the speed guidelines. In contrast, the benefits of compliance are not directly accrued to the individual in that they do not receive any immediate gratification or reimbursement for their efforts. Conversely, the benefits of non-compliance are guaranteed and accrue immediately, whilst the costs are low. This is principally seen through the perception that hitting a dugong is unlikely."

---

Citation and/or URL

White, A. 2005,  Understanding boaters' non-compliance with speed guidelines introduced for dugong conservation.  Unpublished honours thesis, James Cook University, 97pp.

Spatial Coverage

Hinchinbrook area 

Temporal Coverage

Not applicable 

Update Frequency

Not applicable 

Other Information

Preen, T. (2001) Dugongs, boats, dolphins and turtles in the Townsville-Cardwell region and recommendations for a boat traffic management plan for the Hinchinbrook dugong protection area.   Co-operative Research Centre for the Ecologically Sustainable Development of the Great Barrier Reef and Department of Tropical Environment Studies and Geography, James Cook University.  GBRMPA research publication No. 67.

Groom, R.A. (2003). The Efficacy of the Voluntary Vessel Transit Lanes in Missionary Bay, Hinchinbrook Island for Dugong Conservation Management.  Unpublished Honours thesis, James Cook University 59pp.