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  5. Marine research tourism - values survey (copy)
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A survey about the values of key stakeholders towards the present and future of marine research tourism in Australia


Introduction

This survey is part of PhD research project at the James Cook University into the potential development of marine research tourism in Australia.   Marine research tourism is defined as marine tourism where marine research is an important part of the tourist attraction.   12 examples of marine research tourism can be found at this PDF document.

The survey lists 180 individual value statements about the desired future for marine research tourism in Australia. As part of an earlier stage of this research, these value statements have been provided by 54 key stakeholders.

Many of these individual value statements address important issues, concerns, benefits and opportunities for marine research tourism in Australia. If these statements are validated (or otherwise) by a representative group of key stakeholders, they should form a useful basis for the appropriate development of marine research tourism in Australia. For this PhD, these validated value statements will be used to develop future scenarios, objectives and broad level strategic plans for Australian marine research tourism.

The survey

The purpose of this survey is to ask a representative group of key stakeholders about their views towards these 180 individual value statements. While the number of statements is large, please favourably consider taking this survey, as the results of this survey could be used to inform any notable development of marine research tourism in Australia.

As a key stakeholder, you will be asked questions about your level of agreement with, and thoughts regarding those value statements. For multiple choice questions, you are requested to choose the strongly agree (or strongly disagree) option if you consider that value statement to be very important and you agree (or disagree) with it.

When answering, you are asked to imagine yourself as a person who has notable influence over the future development of marine research tourism in Australia. In this role, your answers would have a notable influence on the future direction of marine research tourism in Australia. When deciding upon your answers, you are asked to balance your belief in the benefits of those values with your estimate of the real world resources that would be required to develop and sustain those values.

This survey contains a diverse set of individual value statements. You may find some statements that you strongly agree with and others that you will strongly disagree with. If you read a value statement that you do not clearly understand then please indicate that within the survey. If you read a value statement that you neither agree nor disagree with then please choose the not fussed choice.

Most questions are multiple choice questions (i.e. tick and flick questions). Some questions are open text to allow comments if needed. This survey is broken up into 19 topics. These topics loosely represent the various value statement themes that were provided by key stakeholders.

The estimated time taken to complete the survey is between 40 and 60 minutes. Please aim to complete all the questions. This survey is voluntary, anonymous and completely confidential.


Your views are very much appreciated.


Additional information

Please note, this survey will time out after 60 minutes of no survey activity. You will receive a message 15 minutes before this 60 minute timeout.

If you have questions at any time about the survey, please contact Peter Wood at 07 4042 1762 or at [email protected].

If you have any questions regarding the ethical conduct of the research project, please contact the James Cook University Ethics Officer, Tina Langford on 07 4781 4342 or [email protected].

This survey is part of PhD research project at the James Cook University titled ‘Development of marine research tourism across Australia’. For more information on the PhD, please read the PhD information sheet.


This research is supported by the Sustainable Tourism Cooperative Research Centre, established by the Australian Commonwealth Government.
 
 
 
Please tell us about your occupation?


Would you describe yourself as a? (Please tick as many boxes that apply)

 
Marine research tour operator
 
Marine research tourism consultant
 
Marine researcher
 
Marine manager
 
Marine tour operator
 
Representative of a marine research society
 
Representative of a marine education society
 
Representative of an environmental conservation organisation
 
Representative of an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander management organisation
 
Representative of a tourism organisation
 
Marine research student
 
Scuba dive operator
 
Other
 

 
 
 
Which State of Australia (or elsewhere) do you reside in?
Northern Territory South Australia Tasmania Western Australia Queensland New South Wales Victoria Australian Capital Territory Other  
 
 
 
The next part of this survey asks you questions about your level of agreement and thoughts about a number of individual value statements.

These individual value statements represent the views of 54 individual key stakeholders about the desired future for marine research tourism in Australia.

For convenience, these value statements have been broken up into 16 different topics, namely;

1.   Environmental topics
2.   Community involvement
3.   Education and interpretation
4.   Data and research quality
5.   Accreditation
6.   A marine research tourism guide role
7.   Marine researcher involvement
8.   The marine research tourist
9.   The marine research attraction
10. Research technology
11. Support infrastructure
12. The role of the media
13. The role of marine research in marine research tourism
14. Key stakeholder concerns
15. Good business principles
16. Proposed business aspirations
17. Marine research tourism broker and trail
18. Time related aspirations
16. Personal vision statements


Remember to answer the questions as if you are a person who has notable influence over the future development of marine research tourism in Australia.

Choose the strongly agree (or strongly disagree) option only if you consider that value statement to be very important and you agree (or disagree) with it.
 
 
 
Topic 1. Environmental topics
 
 
For each of the following value statements, please tick the box the best indicates how well you agree (or disagree) with that value statement.
Strongly agree Agree Maybe Not fussed Disagree Strongly disagree The statement is not clear to me
Marine research tourism should always act to; promote and create the most environmentally responsible tourism, have a low impact on ecosystems, and have a longer term benefit and empowerment of flora and fauna. This is not just sustainability and protection but the empowerment and restoration of nature.
Marine research tourism can provide an economical and environmentally sustainable alternative to more consumptive marine resource use such as unsustainable tourism, fisheries, mining, and petroleum.
Marine research tourism should support more marine parks around Australia as this desirable for conservation of Australia's marine environment.
If developed suitably, many marine managers may prefer marine research tourism over other forms of marine tourism because it is a ‘tread light’ version of tourism that aims for increased public awareness and research/monitoring benefits.
 
 
 
If you have comments about this topic, please write them in the below text box.      If not, please continue to the next topic.

   
 
 
 
Topic 2. Community involvement
 
 
For each of the following value statements, please tick the box the best indicates how well you agree (or disagree) with that value statement.
Strongly agree Agree Maybe Not fussed Disagree Strongly disagree The statement is not clear to me
Marine research tourism across Australia should have widespread and ongoing community involvement.
Marine research tourism has the potential to act as a catalyst for regional development through the investment in and benefits from local marine research.
Marine research tourism has the potential to act as a catalyst for regional development through the involvement of skilled marine research professionals within the local community.
Where possible, employment and logistics support or marine research tourism are drawn from the local community.
When possible, it is always desirable to involve interested Indigenous Australian's within the direction, development, operation and benefits of Australian marine research tourism.
It is important that marine research tourism actively engage with Indigenous Australians in the development of Indigenous focused marine research tourism businesses
 
 
 
If you have comments about this topic, please write them in the below text box.      If not, please continue to the next topic.

   
 
 
 
Topic 3. Education and interpretation
 
 
For each of the following value statements, please tick the box the best indicates how well you agree (or disagree) with that value statement.
Strongly agree Agree Maybe Not fussed Disagree Strongly disagree The statement is not clear to me
Marine research tourism should seek improve the tourist’s knowledge, understanding and stewardship of the marine environment.
Interpretation for marine research tourism ventures should always involve a vision and mission of changing the personal and social outlook of the tourist towards marine research and the environment.
The marine research program of any marine research tourism venture should always seek to effectively analyse, develop and communicate the resulting knowledge to marine researchers, tourists and other key stakeholders.
All marine research tourism operators should reach a minimum level of competence in interpretation of the natural environment and knowledge of current research.
Marine research is a long term endeavour that is frequently set within a broad scientific context and this needs to be carefully interpreted to tourists.
Marine research tourism should proactively aim to develop all stakeholder's skills in areas such as envisioning the future, critical and systemic thinking, active participation, collaboration. This would assist both research and tourism sectors to be better equipped to deal with the complexities of sustainability.
 
 
 
If you have comments about this topic, please write them in the below text box.      If not, please continue to the next topic.

   
 
 
 
Topic 4. Research and data quality
 
 
For each of the following value statements, please tick the box the best indicates how well you agree (or disagree) with that value statement.
Strongly agree Agree Maybe Not fussed Disagree Strongly disagree The statement is not clear to me
All marine research tourism venture operators should ensure that the research they are conducting fits the following criteria: the data is acquired in an ethical manner, the data can be relied upon, the data is actually needed, the data is used, the venture engages with and benefits the local community, there is (or is credibly likely to be) a useful result, and when possible, the results should be published.
Until research from marine research tourism reliably meets the above conditions, many so-called research ventures will continue to be nothing more than glorified holiday packages jumping on the “eco” bandwagon, conning their customers and devaluing the efforts of genuine research ventures.
Instead of being sceptical, the marine research and management community should recognise and promote the value of research and monitoring data acquired from marine research tourism ventures.
In most cases, research activity from marine research tourism ventures should be shared with a marine research or management agency, be useful and be published.
Data from marine programs from marine research tourism ventures should be converted into knowledge, wisdom and understanding.
Marine research tourism ventures need to be clear about what they are trying to achieve. They need to have clear, honest and achievable scientific goals.
Marine research tourism ventures should be focused on long term and whole of ecosystem studies rather than short term and specific question based studies.
Research that involves diving usually does not require a lot of people and tends to be hampered rather than helped by tourist 'assistance'.
There should be coordination of the data output to make sure that each tourist's input is actually clearly utilised. There needs to be a mechanism to capture the tourists own thoughts on future research directions, what they believe the key issues are for conservation, and the provision of opportunities for their input to be directly incorporated into management plans.
Marine tour operators should always seek to assist and broadly understand the marine research that they are associated with.
Marine researchers can undertake quality marine research provided there is a buffer between the marine researchers and tourists/volunteers. This can happen even if the volunteers are active but their research data is relatively low quality.
 
 
 
If you have comments about this topic, please write them in the below text box.      If not, please continue to the next topic.

   
 
 
 
Topic 5. Accreditation
 
 
For each of the following value statements, please tick the box the best indicates how well you agree (or disagree) with that value statement.
Strongly agree Agree Maybe Not fussed Disagree Strongly disagree The statement is not clear to me
There is a potential opportunity for additional ecotourism certification whereby the desired marine research, marine management, conservation and public education benefits are significantly higher than many existing ecotourism accreditation principles.
To get permitted research access to Government approved research areas, a marine research tourism venture would need to demonstrate that they are have high ecotourism accreditation levels.
To get permitted research access to Government approved research areas, a marine research tourism venture would need to demonstrate that their marine research is of a high quality, the research activity is shared with the tourist, and the research knowledge will be shared with the tourist and marine research community.
 
 
 
If you have comments about this topic, please write them in the below text box.      If not, please continue to the next topic.

   
 
 
 
Topic 6. A marine research tourism guide role
 
 
A marine research tourism guide role is envisioned to be a paid role that ensures that the many needs of marine researchers, managers, tour operators and tourists are met.

For each of the following value statements, please tick the box the best indicates how well you agree (or disagree) with that value statement.
Strongly agree Agree Maybe Not fussed Disagree Strongly disagree The statement is not clear to me
A marine research tourism guide role could be suitably described as a combination of a privatised marine ranger and tour guide.
A marine research tourism guide role could a formalised role within an organised Australian marine research tourism industry.
A marine research tourism guide's formal career path could include development to marine tour operator, marine manager, marine researcher or similar roles.
Marine researchers can undertake quality marine research provided there is a buffer between the marine researchers and tourists/volunteers. Such a buffer could be provided through a marine research tourism guide role.
A marine research tourism guide role could be filled by skilled people such as deck hands from local fishing businesses.
 
 
 
If you have comments about this topic, please write them in the below text box.      If not, please continue to the next topic.

   
 
 
 
Topic 7. Marine researcher involvement
 
 
For each of the following value statements, please tick the box the best indicates how well you agree (or disagree) with that value statement.
Strongly agree Agree Maybe Not fussed Disagree Strongly disagree The statement is not clear to me
In most cases (except with highly trained tourists and marine tour operators), marine researchers are essential for coordinating and quality assuring the research, monitoring and survey activity.
Many staff who work on existing marine research tourism ventures are quite interested in marine research and possibly being a marine researcher.
The cost of having a Government ranger to responsibly access restricted marine research destinations can be prohibitive for marine research tourism operators.
The development of marine research tourism in Australia will be limited by the availability of willing and skilled marine researchers. That is, willing, skilled and available marine researchers are among the rarest essential commodities for marine research tourism. .
Without assistance, most professional marine researchers are unwilling to participate in marine research tourism ventures. This is mainly because of reasons such as; the lack of financial returns to the researcher, the unavailability of many professional researchers to participate in periodic marine research tourism ventures, occupational health and safety issues that concern the tourist, and the handling of tourists..
Due to government funding constraints, one can assume that not many financial or human resources will be available for marine research tourism from existing marine research and management agencies. Hence, in many cases, resources for employment of extra marine researchers on marine research tourism ventures will need to come from the private market.
A relatively highly skilled (e.g. skills in marine research and tour operation) person is required to operate a marine research tourism venture.
 
 
 
If you have comments about this topic, please write them in the below text box.      If not, please continue to the next topic.

   
 
 
 
Topic 8: The marine research tourist
 
 
For each of the following value statements, please tick the box the best indicates how well you agree (or disagree) with that value statement.
Strongly agree Agree Maybe Not fussed Disagree Strongly disagree The statement is not clear to me
Within the previous ten years, tourists have changed to be more environmentally conscious.
When on a marine tour, children are also demanding an environmentally conscious environment.
It is important to accept that the tourist can bring a diversity of skills and knowledge that can assist the research program.
To promote marine research tourism, marine research tourism opportunities should be offered to champions with a high public profile, politicians and their families, and influential people in the community.
Marine research tourism should open the doors to the lay person and make them feel welcome.
Without a clear link to a conservation goal, many marine biological studies would not appeal to tourists.
Different marine research tourism ventures should be developed according to different market segments (E.g. Students, uni students, mum and dads, semi retired professionals) depending on different circumstances such as different research types, species, attitude of the scientist, transport, weather, excitement, etc.).
When on marine research tourism ventures, marine researchers should seek to recognise that there is quid pro quo for having people pay for the privilege of being involved with them is that they share information about the project. They should treat the tourists as professionals, provide quality information about the aims of the project so that people understand that their role is valued and thank people for their contributions. In short, marine researchers will need to communicate effectively, frequently and with sincerity.
A marine research tourism experience can give the right individual tourist, a ‘religious’ experience and an emotional connection to the marine environment, that leads to greatly enhanced and long term environmental awareness, conservation values, conservation action and stewardship. In many cases, such individuals can take up careers in marine research, conservation and management. They can then be in a position to make a difference to marine research, conservation, management, tourism and/or understanding.
 
 
 
If you have comments about this topic, please write them in the below text box.      If not, please continue to the next topic.

   
 
 
 
Topic 9. The marine research attraction
 
 
For each of the following value statements, please tick the box the best indicates how well you agree (or disagree) with that value statement.
Strongly agree Agree Maybe Not fussed Disagree Strongly disagree The statement is not clear to me
These days, the marine research tourist has discovery channel expectations. To satisfy the tourist, they should receive research stories that describe the research, researcher and technology in a manner that satisfies those expectations.
Many marine research tourists and volunteers like to feel that they are part of something such as the discovery of marine research phenomena and conserving the environment.
As part of marine research tourism, marine researchers and the marine research environment are central parts of the tourist attraction.
Given appropriate crew, marine research tourism ventures should promote their crew as respected and renowned professionals in marine research.
Prior to telling a research story, tourist expectations should be well understood and the attraction setting should be well developed.
Marine tourists are clearly most interested in the iconic marine species (e.g. whales, sharks, turtles, and big fish). Tour operators know this and their marketing reflects it, so therefore, these species would have the greatest potential for developing marine research tourism.
By adding a marine research story to their interpretative program, marine tour operators will enhance the tourist's experience and add to the tourist attraction.
There are massive possibilities including a complete terrestrial to marine tourism research package, where people get to see an overall picture of the links between the sea and land, and how the two are intertwined.
 
 
 
If you have comments about this topic, please write them in the below text box.      If not, please continue to the next topic.

   
 
 
 
Topic 10. Research technology
 
 
For each of the following value statements, please tick the box the best indicates how well you agree (or disagree) with that value statement.
Strongly agree Agree Maybe Not fussed Disagree Strongly disagree The statement is not clear to me
The use of popular marine research technology such as satellite tagging, ultra sonic tagging, drop cameras, global positioning systems, geographical information systems, and remotely operated vehicles may interest and hence attract marine research tourists.
Such technology may also sets the scene for the tourist, increase the tourist's interpretative experience, and entertain the tourist.
With appropriate training and supervision, some marine research tourists may also have the opportunity to use such technology.
 
 
 
If you have comments about this topic, please write them in the below text box.      If not, please continue to the next topic.

   
 
 
 
Topic 11. Support infrastructure
 
 
For each of the following value statements, please tick the box the best indicates how well you agree (or disagree) with that value statement.
Strongly agree Agree Maybe Not fussed Disagree Strongly disagree The statement is not clear to me
There is a lack of human resource infrastructure for developing and operating marine research tourism in many areas of Australia.
Universities can play a major role in supporting, operating and benefiting from marine research tourism in Australia.
Many marine and coastal volunteer programs should be an important part of marine research tourism infrastructure and services in Australia.
SCUBA divers and the SCUBA diver industry should be an important part of marine research tourism infrastructure and services in Australia.
Marine research tourism should have strong contact and possible support from NGOs such as AMCS, WWF and IUCN.
Marine research tourism can appeal to and benefit from appropriate philanthropic support from travellers and organisations.
When compared to ocean based marine research tourism vessels, marine discovery centres are a lower cost way to bring the wonders of marine research and the environment to the public.
If they choose to, marine discovery centres can act to provide educated and trained people, and information services, to marine research tourism ventures.
The long term development of marine research tourism can result in a broad network of marine research tourism ventures, marine discovery centres, community groups, volunteer groups, SCUBA groups, conservation agencies, marine research, and management agencies.
There is a lack of vision within some sectors of the Australian marine research sector about the potential for marine research tourism in Australia.
 
 
 
If you have comments about this topic, please write them in the below text box.      If not, please continue to the next topic.

   
 
 
 
Topic 12. The role of the media
 
 
For each of the following value statements, please tick the box the best indicates how well you agree (or disagree) with that value statement.

Strongly agree Agree Maybe Not fussed Disagree Strongly disagree The statement is not clear to me
Conservation and marine discovery media (e.g. documentaries, news articles, holiday TV) is part of loop that drives demand in marine ecotourism including marine research tourism.
This combination of media and marine research tourism can act to assist in changing public awareness and increasing the public's interest in marine research, conservation and management.
This in turn can act to affect Government policy and action with regard to marine research, conservation and management.
I.e. Media + marine research tourism = perpetual marine research tourism = changed public awareness and values = changed Government policy and action.
 
 
 
If you have comments about this topic, please write them in the below text box.      If not, please continue to the next topic.

   
 
 
 
Topic 13. The role of marine research in marine research tourism
 
 
For each of the following value statements, please tick the box the best indicates how well you agree (or disagree) with that value statement.
Strongly agree Agree Maybe Not fussed Disagree Strongly disagree The statement is not clear to me
Many staff who work on existing marine research tourism ventures are quite interested in marine research and possibly being a marine researcher.
Some marine research tourism ventures may undertake marine research that do not need a Government research permit, and hence does not need to share its research outcomes with Government research or management agencies.
Some marine research tourism ventures may not have an emphasis on research output but rather an emphasis on satisfying the needs of tourist.
In most cases (except with highly trained tourists and marine tour operators), marine researchers are essential for coordinating and quality assuring the research, monitoring and survey activity.
A marine research tourism venture should be seen by marine research and management organisations as a highly desirable, reliable and cost-effective aspect of research operation.
A marine research tourism venture should add to the prestige and scientific reputation of the project among scientific peers of the researcher.
Supporting marine research tourism should become a mandated project area for Government marine research and management programs.
Marine research tourism has the potential to support marine research that would otherwise not be done because of financial, human resource, logistics, and accessibility limitations.
When compared to many marine research programs, the data collection on a marine research tourism ventures have the potential to be more numerous, repetitive, ongoing and diversified.
By including a marine research project into their daily operations, marine tourism operators will need to incorporate the human resource and equipment costs into the tour program price or gain subsidised funding from an external organisation.
Marine research tourism ventures and marine researchers should work collaboratively to obtain research grants that can be used to fund marine research tourism ventures.
Marine research tourism can be described as cashing in on conservation and earning from the marine environment. That is, the public's focus on conservation and the marine research environment can become a commercial advantage for research and tourism.
Due to government funding constraints, one can assume that not many financial or human resources will be available for marine research tourism from existing marine research and management agencies. Hence, in many cases, resources for employment of extra marine researchers on marine research tourism ventures will need to come from the private market.
The cost of having a Government ranger to responsibly access restricted marine research destinations can be prohibitive for marine research tourism operators.
A highly skilled tour operator is required to operate a marine research tourism venture. This is because of requirement to support marine research programs and suitably interpret them to tourists.
 
 
 
If you have comments about this topic, please write them in the below text box.      If not, please continue to the next topic.

   
 
 
 
Topic 14. Stakeholder concerns
 
 
For each of the following value statements, please tick the box the best indicates how well you agree (or disagree) with that value statement.
Strongly agree Agree Maybe Not fussed Disagree Strongly disagree The statement is not clear to me
Marine research tourism has often be used solely as a marketing tool with; no or low quality marine research outcomes or environmental benefit. There should be boundaries and guidelines for this.
Effective networking and mutual benefits amongst stakeholders will ensure an active, creative and developing marine research tourism venture.
On marine research tourism ventures, often marine researchers and marine tour operators have different priorities and perceptions of their roles. This can lead to a reluctance of marine tourism operators to work with marine researchers.
Sometimes, on marine research tourism ventures, marine researchers have been known to be disorganised, self interested, not interact well with tourists, and/or not collaborate well with marine tour operators.
Australian government marine management and research organises often act to hinder rather than helps this industry.
Many marine tour operators state that they support marine research, but this is a misrepresentation, there is an absence of a real research program with real research outcomes.
Many marine tour operators are unaware of the requirements to carry out quality marine research.
Professional marine research work can be repetitive, routine and hard work, and this will not appeal to many tourists.
Whilst the research outcomes from some marine research tourism ventures can be poor, such ventures can have a quality educational outcome, and this can be a satisfactory outcome.
Most professional marine researchers do not want tourists watching them while they work.
Strongly agree Agree Maybe Not fussed Disagree Strongly disagree The statement is not clear to me
Marine research tourists should not be associated with marine research that requires a high level of ethical clearance (e.g. biopsies, DNA tagging, etc, some wildlife handling).
Very few marine tour operators would be willing to change their existing product/itineraries to incorporate a research focus unless their business benefited from it somehow (e.g. financially).
Some Government departments behave as if they are not in favour of marine conservation and sometimes do not share marine research data with marine conservation projects.
If marine research tourism is not officially considered as important by marine research and/or management agencies, then the advancement of marine research tourism is limited.
The diversion of Government funds from pure research to research tourism will divide the academic and the tourism industry and this will reduce the possibility of collaboration between marine researchers and marine research tourism industry.
Some sizeable public demographics in Australia behave as if they are not in favour of marine conservation.
A limiting factor for marine research tourism is the culture and psychology of key stakeholders such as marine managers, marine researchers and marine tour operators.
The value of marine research tourism in both revenue and operational advantages has not been recognised by key sectors of the marine tourism industry.
A potential major barrier to developing marine research tourism in Australia is lower cost marine research tourism opportunities for tourists in other regions of the world.
Because the marine research tourism industry will be primarily driven by commercial reasons it will never truly be environmental sustainable.
A marine research tourism industry in Australia should actively seek build stronger links between the recreational water users, government authorities and scientists.
 
 
 
If you have comments about this topic, please write them in the below text box.      If not, please continue to the next topic.

   
 
 
 
Topic 15. Good business principles
 
 
For each of the following value statements, please tick the box the best indicates how well you agree (or disagree) with that value statement.
Strongly agree Agree Maybe Not fussed Disagree Strongly disagree The statement is not clear to me
Marine research tourism should always adhere to quadruple (social, cultural, economic and environmental) bottom line sustainability principles.
Marine research tourism must be conducted in a moral, honest and professional manner that is mutually beneficial to operators, researchers and the environment.
Marine research tourism should be based on sound assessments of market/consumer demand including examination of affordability and perceived value for money.
There is a need to professionalise the marine research tourism industry.
Fundamentally, a viable marine research tourism venture depends on suitable benefits to the marine research tourism venture operator.
One important criterion for a stable marine research tourism venture is a long term permit for access and research to viable marine research areas.
Marine research tourism should aim to be financially self-sustaining over the longer term (i.e. No or minimal ongoing financial support from Government/s).
Marine research tourism must successfully compete in main stream marine tourism market.
There needs to be a number of entrepreneurial developers and operators of some sort to develop and operate marine research tourism products.
Marine research tourism needs; somebody with a well-developed plan, somebody with enough money to get it started and keep it running until it becomes profitable/economically sustainable, an tourists to pay for the experience.
Strongly agree Agree Maybe Not fussed Disagree Strongly disagree The statement is not clear to me
There is a need to integrate and expand marine research tourism into other tourism packages such as package holidays, adventure travel, responsible holidays and more.
Any notable investment in the development of marine research in Australia needs to be done in strategic manner.
Marine research programs on marine research tourism ventures must be based on good project management so that the industry maintains a good reputation.
Marine research tourism is a relatively new concept to Australia and its development would require a degree of public education in the media to increase desirability and participation.
To help adequately address the variety of conservation issues present in Australia’s vast marine environment, marine research tourism should be undertaken in a co-ordinated and planned manner to increase its potency and effectiveness.
The marine tour operator should be empowered so they can undertake the high quality tasks that are required for a marine research tourism venture.
There should be an industry guideline as to what constitutes marine research tourism.
 
 
 
If you have comments about this topic, please write them in the below text box.      If not, please continue to the next topic.

   
 
 
 
Topic 16. Proposed business aspirations
 
 
For each of the following value statements, please tick the box the best indicates how well you agree (or disagree) with that value statement.
Strongly agree Agree Maybe Not fussed Disagree Strongly disagree The statement is not clear to me
It is somewhat surprising that there are not more marine research tourism ventures in Australia temperate waters. This is because of the quality, diverse and interesting marine environments, the proximity of Australia’s major city centres and research facilities.
Australia marine research tourism needs to protect its reputation. If marine research tourists go home and say the diving was OK, the food and the company were OK, but they were 'spare wheels' as far as the project was concerned, neither they nor their friends will be back for a repeat experience. They will just go diving instead or join a non-marine research project where they can make a real contribution.
Marine research tourism in Australia should aim to link, learn from and support marine research tourism in developed and less developed countries across the World.
The 'I always wanted to be a marine biologist' dream of many people is an important driver for marine research tourism. Marine research tourism would tap into that market. Additionally, parents could provide an experience to their children who have expressed a desire to go to Uni to study to become a marine biologist.
Marine bird watching around the Australian coastline is a great marine research tourism opportunity.
No competition between marine tour operators for marine research tourism licenses has lead to poor outcomes. There needs to be a rigorous tender competition that licenses only quality assured marine research tourism operations and leads to the desired quality outcomes.
Much marine research is too complicated for the public. To counter this, it is recommended that many marine research tourism ventures undertake more popular and discovery orientated marine research programs.
Undersea Explorer is often recognised as a good business model for marine research tourism. Is it reasonably to ask why have not similar ventures not developed elsewhere, and also, how can similar ventures be developed elsewhere?
Any initial proposal for developing marine research tourism across Australia should demonstrate a few working models and also start with a few successful ventures prior to any significant expansion and related funding.
To expand marine research tourism, there should be a memorandum of understanding between broad networks of stakeholder organisations. Such a memorandum of understanding would allow for increased cooperation, and strength and diversity of opportunities.
Strongly agree Agree Maybe Not fussed Disagree Strongly disagree The statement is not clear to me
The Australian population may be too small to support the Australian marine research tourism. Hence, Australian marine research tourism needs to always attract international visitors.
In appropriate situations, marine research tourism ventures should act to promote philanthropic donations from travellers and organisations.
There should be a strategy document that promotes the development of marine research tourism across Australia.
An effective marketing strategy needs to be developed for marine research tourism.
To develop marine research tourism ventures that are focused on lesser charismatic wildlife and habitats, marine research tourism venture should seek to attract more knowledgeable and experienced travellers.
For sophisticated marine research programs, the most suitable marine research tourists are other scientists, trained volunteers and documentary makers.
Marine research tourism should have the opportunity to appropriately lease and utilise existing and underused marine research equipment from research agencies on a regular basis.
 
 
 
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Topic 17. Marine research tourism broker and trail
 
 
For each of the following value statements, please tick the box the best indicates how well you agree (or disagree) with that value statement.
Strongly agree Agree Maybe Not fussed Disagree Strongly disagree The statement is not clear to me
It has been suggested by key stakeholders that to notably develop marine research tourism across Australia, there is an opportunity for a number of collaborating and competing marine research tourism broker roles across Australia. Such a broker role would act to support the interests of all key stakeholders, identify research attractions, destinations, and facilitate permits, certification and training.
There should be a marine research tourism trail across Australia that is facilitated by a national body (comprised of Federal, State and Local bodies) that supports a number of cooperating yet competing marine research tourism broker organisations, that in turn support individual marine research tourism business. Such a trail would be closely linked with Australian museums, zoos, aquaria, marine discovery centres, marine volunteer networks and the SCUBA industry.
A marine research tourism venture must be strongly supported by the researcher’s host organisations in terms of logistics and requirements for occupational health, safety and environment.
Universities and research organisations could coordinate marine research tourism ventures if they had an independent body organising, training, and educating people so that they are able to be a help rather than a hindrance. The training required and legal ramifications are often limiting factors.
 
 
 
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Topic 18. Time related aspirations
 
 
For each of the following value statements, please tick the box the best indicates how well you agree (or disagree) with that value statement.

Strongly agree Agree Maybe Not fussed Disagree Strongly disagree The statement is not clear to me
Within 1 year, there should be a register of organisations and individuals keen to lead marine research tourism projects.
Within 2 years, there will be an established program to develop and implement the best organisational model and/or code of practice for marine research tourism, cognizant of differences among organizations in the relative strength of commitment to marine research tourism.
Within 2 years, there will be reduction of the reliance on traditional funding for marine research through incorporation of principal marine research projects solely into marine research tourism activities.
Within 3 to 5 years, there will be a well founded program to facilitate and develop principal infrastructure for marine research tourism in Australia.
Within 3 to 5 years, there will be a well founded program to facilitate and develop the required human resources for marine research tourism.
Within 5 years, there will be five successful marine research tourism ventures that are widely known across Australia for their intrinsic attractiveness and their contributions to the understanding and protection of the seas and their ecosystems.
Within 5 years, the marine research tourism concept of Undersea Explorer (or similar marine research tourism operation) is expanded to Western Australia.
Within 5 years, there should be a marine research tour guide certification programme offered at TAFE or other colleges.
Within 5 to 10 years, there should be implementation of a certification/accreditation scheme with auditing, to ensure practices and values are upheld.
Within 5 to 10 years, there will be Commonwealth, State & local Govt scheme's that co-invest with the private sector to develop new marine research tourism schemes and products.
Strongly agree Agree Maybe Not fussed Disagree Strongly disagree The statement is not clear to me
Within 5 to 10 years, research knowledge from marine research tourism will lead to a better understanding or marine reserves, more marine reserves and other conservation measures.
Within 5 to 10 years, there will be widespread promotion/marketing of this niche form of tourism in Australia.
Within 5 to 10 years, there will be a media campaign through print magazine and lifestyle TV programs, based on the most successful existing ventures.
Within 5 to 10 years, such a media campaign would set and achieve performance benchmarks by engaging adventurous celebrities and/or print and TV journalists as participants.
Within 10 years, marine research tourism will be well recognised as a profitable niche market in Australia.
Within 20 years, marine research tourism will account for 5% of marine focused tourism in Australia.
 
 
 
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Topic 19. Personal vision statements
 
 
The below personal vision statements statement have been provided by key stakeholders for this research.

On a scale of 1 to 7 please indicate how much you like each of the following personal vision statements.

The choice of a '1' will indicate that you do not like that value statement and a '7' indicates that you do like that value statement very much.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Marine research tourism is a representation of marine tourism evolving into a more meaningful and connecting experience for all participants.
All marine research tourism ventures would seek to develop the kinds of civic values and skills that empower all visitors, tourists and those involved in research and the tourism industry to be leaders in the transition to a sustainable future. It would engage all individuals in the research and tourism industry areas in on-going learning processes that build capacity and create strategies for change.
Given the size of Australia EEZ, the Australian marine research program and infrastructure is relatively low. Marine research tourism can be used to advance marine research and its infrastructure across Australia.
Marine research tourism will create many varied opportunities for people to enjoy and learn about the beauty, richness and complexity of our local marine environment.
The Australian marine research tourism industry should aim to make real changes for the environment and the sustainable use of marine resources in Australia and throughout the world.
Marine research tourism should promote environmental conservation; cultural appreciation; and give an insight into scientific methods that assist conservation.
Marine research tourism ventures should seek to understand and adopt best practice environmental sustainably development (ESD) principles. Best practice ESD incorporates: futures thinking, the importance of good process (including transparency; identifying foreseeable costs and benefits), building capacity for individual and organisational change, critical thinking and reflection, innovation; mentoring and facilitation; genuine participation in decision making, and the formation of partnerships for change; and lifelong learning.
Marine research tourism in Australia should provide leadership in the sensitive, sustainable and integrated use, management and conservation of the marine environment and marine resources.
Marine research tourism should aim to serve the participants involved, and works to heal the marine entity it is researching. A principle aim of marine research tourism is to get people working together to promote learning, respect and compassion in a way that helps to heal the planet for the benefit of all living beings.
Marine research tourism should encourage wide interest in, understanding of, celebration, and stewardship of the local marine and coastal environment.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Marine research tourism should seek to harness the tourism dollar and tourist's enthusiasm to assist marine research funding and access.
Australian marine research tourism will seek to provide the holiday of choice for people who want to help save the planet by saving the seas. By helping with the research in the field, participants will provide valuable support for post-graduate students and established researchers at Australia’s leading marine research institutions. The emerging concept will be popularised through magazines, TV travel-lifestyle programs and the internet, and will be marketed as long-term niche segment of the tourism market, not just a passing fad.
A guiding principle for marine research tourism should be ; Marine research tourism = marine research + tourism + conservation + management = improvement, restoration and protection in the well being of marine ecosystems + public stewardship of the marine environment with a goal to empower and restore marine ecosystems.
In the absence of adequate traditional funding sources, marine research tourism has the potential to become a corner stone of marine research facilitation in the next decade. By recognising the value of simplified observational research and the ability of travellers to contribute with minimal training to the wider outcomes of marine research and conservation projects, the marine research and environmental management community can reduce the limitations in research information and foster a valuable community resource.
Over time, with suitable growth, marine research tourism's benefits will become evident to key stakeholders. These benefits will include; increasing signs of stakeholder cooperation, marine research outcomes, conservation outcomes, community benefits, numbers of tourists, education of tourists, documentaries, and stewardship of the marine environment by tourists. In turn, these benefits will act to increase the popularity and occurrence of marine research tourism across Australia.
In the not to distant future, marine research tourism will be considered desirable by many travellers and their peers.
Across Australia, marine research tourism can help develop time and place stories as they relate to nature conservation and humankind.
Marine research tourism should seek to offer an embarkation place for all human beings, at different stages in their understanding of the marine natural world, to enter a voyage of self discovery where they can further understand and enjoy their place and role in the marine natural world.
Marine research tourism is a new step forward in world tourism and can be a major contributor to world wide marine science and limiting the human impacts that are continuously present in any tourism operation.
 
 
 
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Do you have any ideas that would assist the development of marine research tourism in Australia?

   
 
 
 
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Your responses will assist with the development of a set of key stakeholder directed objectives for marine research tourism in Australia.
 

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