Methods deployed in the field

5.1.1 Field framework

Fieldwork is arguably the essence of geography; a fundamental aspect of the discipline‘s ethos (Jenkins 1997). During July 2012, 34 stakeholder interviews were conducted, primarily in Gladstone. Interview participants were selected based on their involvement, engagement, knowledge or interaction with the GPD, alongside their willingness to participate [Appendix E]. The demographics of participants are outlined in chapter 6, including stakeholder groups [Figure 6.2], gender balance [Figure 6.3; 6.4] and time spent in

67 Gladstone [Figure 6.5]. The stakeholders targeted were from three broad categories including:

1. Fishers - commercial fisherman and associated industry workers/ business owners²³ 2. Scientists, researchers and environmentalists/conservationists

3. Industry and government officials

The interviews were semi-structured, with flexible questions to allow for natural flow, creating a fluid conversation rather than a formal interview structure (Valentine 2003;

Bernard 2005; Hay 2005; Secor 2010 [Appendix F]). The rationale behind using interviews has been described by Valentine:

―An interview is not to be representative … but to understand how individual people experience and make sense of their own lives‖ (Valentine 2003, 111).

The majority of interviews were conducted in-situ on a one-on-one basis. Interviews ran from 30 minutes to 2 hours. An audio recorder was used as the primary tool to save data;

this was the best way to compile the information (Willms et al. 1990) and permitted a more natural uninterrupted conversation. A detailed record was kept using maps, photos and brochures, ensuring maximum information retention for a comprehensive analysis post fieldwork (Bernard 2005; Hay 2005). A field diary was also kept, as a useful tool to document the impressions, emotions and intangible elements of fieldwork (McGuiness and Simm 2005), and the self (Kobayashi 2003).

When face-to-face interviews were not feasible, phone interviews were used, as there is no significant difference in the quality of data received (Rogers 1976). Telephone interviews were used as the scope of this issue is not limited to the spatial area in which the development is taking place, but rather the issues present in Gladstone are entangled in a broader national and global framework. WH is not simply a site of national importance, but a site protected for all persons of the world (Spalding 2002).

23 The number of Fisher stakeholders in the region has dropped considerably since the commencement of the GPD, meaning access to this stakeholder group was limited – hence the incorporation of those directly associated with the industry.

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5.1.2 Mapping the region

When practical, participants were asked to map out their knowledge of the marine boundaries - specifically the GBRWHA and the GBRMP using a simple, unmarked map [Figure 5.1]. These were compiled in ArcMap 10 to create a visual map of perceptions, regulations and actualities, based on participant‘s knowledge (see chapter 6). This technique is similar to the mapping exercise used by Ledee et al. (2012) who mapped commercial fishers understandings the MPA and fishing areas in Gladstone.

Figure 5.1: An example of the map used for stakeholder interviews to gauge perceptions and understanding of the zoning in the Gladstone region (www.maps.google.com)

5.1.3 Recruitment

To recruit participants, individuals who had involvement in the GPD in some capacity were asked to take part in research prior to my entering the field though emails and phone calls²⁴. The participants were made aware of the use of their perspectives to ensure that they

understood the implications of participation so they could decide in a conscious, deliberate way if they wanted to take part (Mack et al. 2005). This was to ensure the respect of participant‘s position; an important guideline in ethical research (Ryan et al. 1979).

24 These participants were sourced through media quotes and media exposure primarily.

69 Purposive sampling was used because it is important to recruit individuals with appropriate knowledge and expertise relating to the GPD processes (Beanland et al.1999; Patton 2002).

Purposive sampling targeted participants for the study in order to examine meaning, process and interpretation (Rice and Ezzy 1999), thereby having a sample selected based on

knowledge. The motivation of using purposive sampling was to describe and understand the implication of the GPD, rather than identifying the distribution of the impacts of the

development based on demographics (Rice and Ezzy 1999).

As a subset snowball-sampling approach was used, where respondents who knew of others who may provide further insights into the study passed on their information (Bradshaw and Stratford in Hay 2005). Snowball sampling relies on key informants identifying other potential participants who may be able to assist with the study - a locating tool for sourcing information-rich key informants (Patton 1990). As the name suggests, the sampling gets larger as the number of potential participants who fit the research criteria are identified and included in the study (Patton 2002).

Figure 5.1: the recruitment technique used for fieldwork, showing the diversity of participants recruited when using snowball sampling.

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5.1.4 Participant observation

As in much fieldwork, participant observation often falls into place without planning. This was the case within this fieldwork. Two meetings with the local conservation group, and two GPC organised tours were attended. The information from these activities was used to reinforce and reshape ideas and concepts. However, as this was not a primary objective of my research, the information obtained from these has not been heavily relied upon; rather it provides background to ensure completeness of the data (Becker and Geer 1957). In both instances, my role as a researcher, not a ‗member‘ was outlined prior to the meetings. On the tours, I was a participant in the same capacity as others patrons.

5.1.5 Triangulation of data

Complementary to the primary data gathered, a wide body of literature was used to frame the study in context and to limit the influence of opinion and emotion. The data, which is information that was not collected during fieldwork, included a wide body of academic and historical literature, government, UNESCO and industry reports and newspaper articles.

―Secondary data provides three overlapping types of context – geographical, historical and socio-economic. They allow you to compare your case study material with others, with the wider region and the rest of the country none of which you will have time to study yourself‖

(Clark 2005, 59).

Marrying primary and secondary data allowed for a sequential approach using both qualitative and quantitative methods, grounded in literature (Creswell 2008). Linking secondary data sources with interview results ensured a wider, less biased view (Patton 2002). The complementary literature triangulated the fieldwork material with cross-referenced material, shown in Figure 5.2 (Valentine 2003).

71 Figure 5.2: the triangulation of data sources primarily used within this study.