NOAA’s National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science (NCCOS) social scientists recently installed two vehicle counters at Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary: one at the New Presque Isle Lighthouse and one at Range Light Beach. The counters will provide information about visitation patterns at these destinations, helping researchers and sanctuary managers better understand how people use the sites.
Working closely with partners at Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary, the team installed magnetometer-based counters that detect passing vehicles from up to 20 feet away. Information on when and how often visitors access sanctuary locations helps managers support recreation access, plan infrastructure improvements, protect natural resources, and improve visitor experiences.
These counters are small, low‑profile devices mounted in lockable boxes that use magnetometers to detect vehicles as they pass a specific point. The counters record only the number and timing of passes over time. They do not collect personal information, take photographs, or identify individual visitors. The counters will remain in the field for at least two years, collecting hourly visitation data to characterize seasonal visitation patterns at these popular coastal destinations.
This work is mandated by the EXPLORE Act, which directs NOAA to improve visitor monitoring at recreation areas, including national marine sanctuaries.