Exploring Level of Support for Management Restrictions Using a Self-Classification Measure of Recreation Specialization

A single-item composite self-classification measure of recreational specialization is used to examine preferences for increasingly restrictive marine protected area management scenarios. Whether the self-classification measure can accurately classify respondents as casual, active, and committed divers was examined. A questionnaire was sent to 646 scuba divers recruited for the study, and a 78% response rate was obtained. The categories accurately predicted responses to a multiple indicator approach with a high level of replicability. These categories were used to estimate three stated preference models. Results for casual and active divers were as expected, but committed divers were the least favorable toward trip profiles with greater management restrictions. Alternative explanations worthy of future research are identified and discussed.