ABSTRACT
This chapter explores cultural ecosystem services associated with nature-based recreation and recreational fisheries with a focus on the identification and mapping of the underlying natural capital. The conceptual and geographic basis of these services are illustrated with two examples from Aotearoa New Zealand. These cases emphasise the need for specific attention to the features of natural ecosystems that support recreational values and opportunities. The first case considers surfing as a nature-based recreational activity that is primarily supported by physical features of the coastal environment known as surf breaks. The second case applies an analogous approach to a culturally important recreational fishery. In this case, critical habitat requirements such as spawning grounds are essential components of the natural capital that supports the species and the fishery. A common aspect of both cases is the need to recognise the geographical features that support specific ecosystem services and their associated benefits for people. These features represent natural capital that is often highly place-based, and accordingly, will require a place-based approach for effective management. This is enabled by a sound understanding of ecosystem components and their benefits. These principles are widely transferable to other cultural ES which depend on relatively fine-scale relationships between people and nature.
