Place meanings ascribed to marine recreational areas: the case of the Great Barrier Reef

Abstract

One way to understand the attitudes recreation visitors have toward the natural environment is to examine the place meanings they associate with different settings. Meanings provide insight into the value and significance of place to the individual. Previous place research has focused on the meanings ascribed to terrestrial environments, but little research has occurred in marine environments. Using 20 interviews with recreational visitors to Australia's Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, this research identified and described the place meanings ascribed to a large marine environment. Ten place-meaning themes emerged from the informants' statements. Although these meanings were similar to those identified in previous studies, some important and nuanced differences were identified. Based on these findings, researchers and recreation resource managers may be more easily able to identify the thoughts and feelings that visitors ascribe to a marine setting.