Tourism & Marine protection and restoration

Marine protection and restoration

Marine protection and restoration can be approached from a geographical angle (area-based approach), from a particular species angle (such as whale conservation), or through more encompassing ecosystem health approaches (reduction of pollution, etc.). 

Key international initiatives have been developed, both globally at EU level (Marine Strategy Framework Directive [1], EU Mission: Restore our Ocean and Waters[2]) that both frame EU actions in terms of marine protection and restoration, and at a more local level (such as the ACCOBAMS).

One of the main tools for area-based marine conservation is Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), but other designations fulfil similar functions (such as Natura 2000 areas). There has been a tenfold increase in MPA designation around the world since 2013.

Governance wise, this hugely diverse sector is divided between a wide range of actors of very different natures: States, NGO’s, local authorities, scientific institutions, international organizations, etc. It is therefore sometimes challenging to identify the relevant players that need to be involved in discussions.

Maritime and coastal tourism

Maritime and coastal tourism is a hugely diverse sector. It is key for some European sea basins, such as the Mediterranean, where it generates significant direct and indirect employment and income.

All forms of coastal and marine tourism rely on attractive surroundings, and global environmental quality is an important factor as tourists expect clean, clear water and limited pollution. 

Tourism is a fragmented governance sector, with many local and regional stakeholders. The sector is expected to continue growing in the coming years [3], notably by diversifying its offer, as exemplified by the  increasing trend towards more nature-based and sustainable coastal and marine tourism[4].

For more information about EU blue economy sectors please visit the EU Blue Economy Observatory website. 

For more European statistics and data you can also visit the Eurostat website

Pollutants to the ocean come from a variety of sources and can damage the environment. Tourist-related activities often lead to the poor disposal of plastic waste, litter, and sewage into the ocean. Careless tourist behaviour can contribute to the build-up of plastic in the ocean around popular vacation spots. Furthermore, cruise ships often generates waste into the ocean which impacts marine life, as well as generating underwater noise and vibrations.

• Noise pollution: Underwater acoustic noise generated by cruise ships contributes to ambient noise in the ocean. Noise affects numerous marine species in many ways, including protected species, and can result in behavioural changes, impacts to reproduction, physical damage of even mortality, depending on the intensity and frequency of the noise generated.
• Discharge of waste: Cruise ships can pose a threat to marine biodiversity through the periodic discharge of wastewater into the marine environment.
• Physical damage to habitats: Cruise ships can cause physical damage to marine habitats and animals through the use of their anchors. In areas of soft sediment, bottom sediments are resuspended, resulting in increased turbidity and the associated negative impacts on surrounding benthic communities.
• Port expansion: Marinas and touristic ports are expanding in response to larger ships sizes and numbers, putting pressure on the natural environment. Some pressures only occur during the construction phase of ports, others such as port illumination are chronic, with negative impacts on biodiversity throughout their operation

The increase in the number of travellers can affect the environment. Over-tourism can have a significant impact on the environment in the form of pollution, litter, sewage waste from construction activities, chemical waste and wastewater from hotels. Overcrowding and pollution have affected the ambient environment of coastal locations across the world. If environmental degradation increases the attractiveness of a given destination for tourists will decrease over time, potentially negatively impacting the tourism sector as a result of  its own activities. However, the tourism industry has a vested interest in maintaining the environmental quality and beauty of tourist destinations by collaborating with those who work to protect environment.

It is crucial to analyse the relationship between tourism developments, marine protected areas and the cultural identity of local communities along with investigating their positive and negative influences upon each other. Tourism assists in the development and improvement of facilities, whilst also benefitting the local community, thus making sustainable tourism a perfect mechanism for the sustainable development of coastal communities. However, when discussing the impacts, it is necessary to identify and evaluate not only the economic value such as income or foreign exchange but also the factors affecting the local social and cultural structure. From this perspective, it is necessary to understand the locals’ perspectives and expectations regarding MPAs creation and management, and how their perceptions of tourism activity are shaped.

Proper zoning

A solution is to use zoning schemes to prioritise specific activities in certain areas. Zones could either be single-use or multi-use, depending on the local situation and needs (ecotourism and MPAs). Zones can be defined through processes of prioritisation (unsuitable, potentially suitable or suitable for both activities), through a participatory approach involving stakeholders, as well as local communities and find win-win solutions. 

Harmonized management strategies for coastal and marine areas

There is a crucial need to guide planning and management over a medium and long-term period through Master Plans or strategies which set criteria for compatibility of tourism with environmental characteristics, as well as promoting responsible tourism inside MPAs.

Promoting pescatourism as a synergy between the two sectors

This type of tourism is carried out in fishing boats adapted for tourism, where the tourist experiences the activity of artisanal fishing together with local fishermen through demonstration and participation. In addition to the artisanal fishing experience, the visitors benefit from the socio-ecological and cultural values of the area (e.g., Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve, Romania).

Involving stakeholders of both sectors in developing joint solutions

It is important to increase public awareness regarding the impacts of the tourism industry on marine habitats and animals. Increasing awareness and training efforts for fishers is important as without their understanding of the problem and compliance, even the most advanced technologies will not resolve the issue. Tools that inform and engage stakeholders may help to improve compliance with mandatory and voluntary measures that are implemented to protect vulnerable species and populations.

One of the main focuses of sustainable tourism is to involve local communities in tourism activities and help benefit and catalyse their economy. The involvement of local communities benefits the environment in general and improves the quality of the tourism experience while providing economic assistance to them. Tourists often purchase products as souvenirs and gifts, so they can choose handmade products that are locally produced.