Variable definitions
| Variable | Description | Values |
|---|---|---|
| MPA awareness | ||
| AWARPA | Awareness of the existence of a PA (to be established) | 1 if Yes, 0 if No/I don't know |
| PA&DIVEXPER | The existence of a PA (to be established) influences the decision to come and dive here | 1 if Yes, 0 if No/I don't know |
| MPA FOR CONSERV | The existence of an MPA ensures ecosystem conservation | 1 if Yes, 0 if No/I don't know |
| Preferences/motivations regarding choice of diving site | ||
| F_WATQUAL | Water quality | 1 if selected, 0 otherwise |
| F_SPECTSPEC | Spectacular species | 1 if selected, 0 otherwise |
| F_AB&DIVFISH | Abundance and diversity of fish | 1 if selected, 0 otherwise |
| F_UNDERSCEN | Underwater scenery | 1 if selected, 0 otherwise |
| F_SAFE | Safety | 1 if selected, 0 otherwise |
| F_OPPACT | Opportunity to do other activities | 1 if selected, 0 otherwise |
| F_PROXACC | Proximity to accommodation | 1 if selected, 0 otherwise |
| F_PA | Protected area | 1 if selected, 0 otherwise |
| Willingness-to-pay variable | ||
| WTP | Maximum amount the respondents would be willing to pay, in addition to the usual expenses, to fund conservation projects of the marine ecosystem | Nothing, €1–2 per dive, €3–5 per dive, €6–10 per dive, more than €10 per dive |
| Fund allocation for conservation projects | ||
| ENFREG | Enforcing regulations | 1 if selected, 0 otherwise |
| REDWATPOLL | Reducing water pollution | 1 if selected, 0 otherwise |
| ENVEDUC | Promoting environmental education | 1 if selected, 0 otherwise |
| SCIENTRES | Enhancing monitoring and scientific research | 1 if selected, 0 otherwise |
| IMPFAC | Improving facilities | 1 if selected, 0 otherwise |
| STRICTAREAs | Creating strict conservation areas | 1 if selected, 0 otherwise |
| OTHERACT | Other activities | 1 if selected, 0 otherwise |
| Divers' characteristics | ||
| DEGSKILL | Number of dives per year | Quantitative variable classified, where necessary, as annual average of dives: beginner (1–25), somewhat experienced (26–50), moderately experienced (51–100) and experienced (>100) |
| LOCSTAY | Location of stay | Gouraya; Taza; Tabarka |
| T_TOUR | Type of tourist | 0 if domestic, 1 if international |
| AGE | Age of the respondent | Less than 21 years old, between 21 and 30 years old, between 31 and 40 years old, between 41 and 50 years old, between 51 and 60 years old, over 60 years old |
| STDEG | Study degree | Primary school certificate, middle school diploma, high school certificate, university degree, postgraduate degree |
| OCC | Occupation | Freelance professional, entrepreneur, employee worker, student, retired, other |
| Variable | Description | Values |
|---|---|---|
| AWARPA | Awareness of the existence of a PA (to be established) | 1 if Yes, 0 if No/I don't know |
| PA&DIVEXPER | The existence of a PA (to be established) influences the decision to come and dive here | 1 if Yes, 0 if No/I don't know |
| MPA FOR CONSERV | The existence of an MPA ensures ecosystem conservation | 1 if Yes, 0 if No/I don't know |
| F_WATQUAL | Water quality | 1 if selected, 0 otherwise |
| F_SPECTSPEC | Spectacular species | 1 if selected, 0 otherwise |
| F_AB&DIVFISH | Abundance and diversity of fish | 1 if selected, 0 otherwise |
| F_UNDERSCEN | Underwater scenery | 1 if selected, 0 otherwise |
| F_SAFE | Safety | 1 if selected, 0 otherwise |
| F_OPPACT | Opportunity to do other activities | 1 if selected, 0 otherwise |
| F_PROXACC | Proximity to accommodation | 1 if selected, 0 otherwise |
| F_PA | Protected area | 1 if selected, 0 otherwise |
| WTP | Maximum amount the respondents would be willing to pay, in addition to the usual expenses, to fund conservation projects of the marine ecosystem | Nothing, €1–2 per dive, €3–5 per dive, €6–10 per dive, more than €10 per dive |
| ENFREG | Enforcing regulations | 1 if selected, 0 otherwise |
| REDWATPOLL | Reducing water pollution | 1 if selected, 0 otherwise |
| ENVEDUC | Promoting environmental education | 1 if selected, 0 otherwise |
| SCIENTRES | Enhancing monitoring and scientific research | 1 if selected, 0 otherwise |
| IMPFAC | Improving facilities | 1 if selected, 0 otherwise |
| STRICTAREAs | Creating strict conservation areas | 1 if selected, 0 otherwise |
| OTHERACT | Other activities | 1 if selected, 0 otherwise |
| DEGSKILL | Number of dives per year | Quantitative variable classified, where necessary, as annual average of dives: beginner (1–25), somewhat experienced (26–50), moderately experienced (51–100) and experienced (>100) |
| LOCSTAY | Location of stay | Gouraya; Taza; Tabarka |
| T_TOUR | Type of tourist | 0 if domestic, 1 if international |
| AGE | Age of the respondent | Less than 21 years old, between 21 and 30 years old, between 31 and 40 years old, between 41 and 50 years old, between 51 and 60 years old, over 60 years old |
| STDEG | Study degree | Primary school certificate, middle school diploma, high school certificate, university degree, postgraduate degree |
| OCC | Occupation | Freelance professional, entrepreneur, employee worker, student, retired, other |
Note(s): From field survey
Source(s): Table created by authors