Abstract

Spatial Patterns of Recreational Boater Activities in the Northeast
Track: Ocean and Maritime
Authors: Kathryn Longley, Kim Starbuck

Human use data is critical to creating comprehensive ocean management plans; however, many of these uses remain under-documented. The 2012 Northeast Recreational Boater Survey addressed this data gap on a regional scale by using participatory mapping tools to characterize spatial patterns of recreational boater use in the Northeast. Analyses revealed a high density of boater routes in coastal areas, highlighted key boater routes, and identified important areas for boating related activities.