The effects of noise on recreationists and wildlife in New Zealand's natural areas: a literature review

Michael Harbrow , Gordon Cessford, Bronek Kazmierow

Department of Conservation

2011

Department of Conservation

Michael Harbrow

Science & Technical Group, Department of Conservation, Wellington

Email: mharbrow@doc.govt.nz

This report reviews the literature about noise effects on recreationists and wildlife in New Zealand’s natural areas. International literature on the nature of noise impacts, factors that influence them, responses to noise and key theoretical concepts are summarised. The range of methods available to measure noise and its effects are also critically discussed. The review of the New Zealand literature on noise impacts in natural areas then provides a synthesis of these studies and details the development and application of methodologies in New Zealand. The literature review indicates that monitoring of the impact of noise on recreationists in New Zealand has focussed on methodologies that are simple, affordable and easily carried out. Despite this, the development of the standard aircraft monitor (SAM) and its replication at a range of sites has enabled long-term changes to be recorded and for noise to be viewed in a national context. A number of other innovative approaches have also been applied in New Zealand, including limits of acceptable change (LAC) studies and the use of research diaries. In contrast, approaches used to address noise impacts on wildlife have not followed a standardised approach. Instead, studies have focussed on specific species at specific sites, using individualised methods. The focus has been on general disturbance rather than noise specifically, and studies have tended to examine short-term behavioural responses rather than long-term, cumulative effects. The report concludes with recommendations for future studies.

Keywords: recreation, tourism, wildlife, noise, sound, impacts, social impacts, aircraft, annoyance, monitoring, natural quiet, national parks, protected areas

For information on how to access the full text of this article, go to http://www.doc.govt.nz/Documents/science-and-technical/sfc314entire.pdf or contact your local or organisational library for assistance

Review

Outdoor Recreation

Outdoors

Coast and beach, Mountains, National Parks, Parks - remote/backcountry, Rivers and lakes, Travel and Transport

Impacts - environmental, Impacts- social, Tourism

1880

April 19, 2013

April 19, 2013