An approach to determining water surface zoning systems

Abstract

The expansion of recreational boating in South Africa and the subsequent in­creased demand for water space has led to overcrowding and congestion on many estuaries, especially during peak holiday periods. In this paper, an approach to determine appropriate and acceptable water surface zoning systems to regulate recreational boating on the Kromme River estuary is described. Information on recreational boating patterns on the estuary, attitudes of recreation users towards current boating pressure and proposed regulatory measures was ob­tained from questionnaire surveys. This information provided the basis for de­vising zoning strategies for the Kromme River estuary. The advantages of employ­ing this approach for planning and re­gulating recreational use of estuaries are outlined.