Title: Sustainable Recreation on Waterways - Assessing User Activity on Canals and Other Inland Waterways: A Comparison of Three Survey Methods
Author: Environment Agency
Author: Liverpool University
Document Type: Monograph
Annotation: Environment Agency Project ID:EAPRJOUT_1249, Representation ID: 413, Object ID: 2460
Abstract:
This report details the results of a study during 2001, which compared two traditional observational methods (Point Sample and Walkthrough surveying) for the first of these options with the more technically advanced remote video methodology for the second. During the first phase of the study we determined the working limits of a remote video system both in its continuous recording mode and in its mode where activity triggers the video to record via motion detectors. We then deployed the system at a number of inland, navigable waterways (low use canals, high use canals and rivers) and compared the data collected with the two observational methods. All the methods were able to record all categories of user activity. In general, the Point Sample method was found to consistently obtain the greatest absolute number of activities, mainly those which were related to walkers. Point Sampling surveyed 100m either side of a static point, whereas the remote video surveyed in one direction with a clear picture up to 50m. The Walkthrough method covered a longer length of the waterway in one direction and was the best method for recording moored boats. Otherwise the methods all recorded comparable amounts of user activity. The report discusses the results in detail and also considers the advantages and disadvantages of the methods. Finally, it recommends that future user activity surveys use a hierarchical approach to determine user activity, ie use remote video first (to characterise the activity at a site), followed by specific observer based studies to provide data on activity maxima and minima.
Publisher: Environment Agency
Subject Keywords: Wildlife; Recreation; Survey methods; Rivers; Canals; Water use; Nature conservation; Environmental management
Extent: 59
Permalink: http://www.environmentdata.org/archive/ealit:4721
Total file downloads: 298
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