Study one validates the proposed conceptual framework for MRT with the caveat that
community development does occur but is not a consistent feature across all MRT products.
Orams‘ (1999) spectrum of recreational marine opportunities and Brown and Lehto‘s (2005)
volunteer and vacation minded concept are found to be dominant influences on MRT.
Additionally, SCUBA diving, skilled scientific tourists (e.g. university science students and other
marine science enthusiasts), marine wildlife tourism, volunteers and backpackers, were found to
notably affect the nature of MRT.