Search Results (549)

The paper aims to investigate challenges faced by fishing communities in developing fishing tourism. Using a case study approach and qualitative research methods, it explores fishing tourism in Thermaikos and Strymonikos Gulf (Thessaloniki, Northern Greece). This is an alternative form of tourism which was initiated by the local LEADER/CLLD Fisheries and Marine Operational Program 2014–2020. A semi-structured questionnaire was designed to conduct in-depth interviews, and a snowball sampling technique was used to select participants. Thematic content analysis elaborates on challenges faced by those fishing communities (mainly economic and cenvironmental) that hinder the sustainability of fishing communities and their livelihood. Findings are presented through an Ishikawa (fishbone) diagram, illustrating the cause-and-effect relationships underlying the challenges identified. To promote the well-being of local fishing communities and ensure the sustainability of fishing tourism, the paper recommends legislative reforms and empowerment of fishermen/women through targeted educational initiatives. These recommendations also serve as potential directions for future research. Full article

Harmful algal blooms (HABs) represent an escalating threat in marine and coastal ecosystems, posing increasing risks to ecological balance, public health, and blue economy industries including fisheries, aquaculture, and tourism. This review examines the impact of climate change and anthropogenic pressures on the escalation of HAB occurrences, focusing especially on vulnerable regions in Mexico, which are the primary case study for this investigation. The methodological framework integrates HAB risk assessment (RA) methods found in the literature. Progress in detection and monitoring technologies—such as sensing, in situ sensor networks, and prediction tools based on machine learning—are reviewed for their roles in enhancing early-warning systems and aiding decision support. The key findings emphasize four linked aspects: (i) patterns of HAB risk in coastal zones, (ii) deficiencies and prospects in HAB-related policy development, (iii) how governance structures facilitate or hinder effective actions, and (iv) the growing usefulness of online monitoring and evaluation tools for real-time environmental observation. The results emphasize the need for coupled technological and governance solutions to reduce HAB impacts, protect marine biodiversity, and enhance the resilience of coastal communities confronting increasingly frequent and severe bloom events. Full article

This study investigates the effectiveness of cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) treatment for improving the microbiological and physicochemical quality of wastewater generated in tourism-affected coastal regions. Experiments were performed on influent and effluent samples from the Ravda Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) collected in April, August, and November 2024, representing different seasonal loading conditions. The plasma pre-treatment of influent aimed to minimize toxic micropollutants that inhibit activated sludge activity, reduce pathogenic and opportunistic microorganisms, and enhance oxidative potential before biological processing. The post-treatment of effluent focused on the elimination of residual pathogens, mainly Enterobacteriaceae, and the oxidative degradation of xenobiotics resistant to conventional treatment. Combined fluorescent (CTC/DAPI) and culture-based analyses were used to assess microbial viability and activity. Plasma exposure (1, 3 and 5 min) caused measurable changes in metabolic potential and bacterial abundance across all sampling periods. The results demonstrate that 1 min CAP treatment does not increase pathogen removal, but enhances oxidation capacity of the influent, while 3 min of CAP treatment ensures the disinfection of the effluent. Both can be combined to improve the effluent safety prior to Black Sea discharge. CAP is showing strong potential as a sustainable technology for wastewater management in tourism-intensive coastal zones. Full article

This study examines the occurrence of bacteria resistant to antibiotics and heavy metals in Terra Nova Bay, a coastal area of the Ross Sea in Antarctica that is increasingly recognised as vulnerable to human influence. During the 37th Italian Antarctic Expedition (2021–2022), researchers collected seawater, sediment, and fish samples from the notothenioid species Trematomus bernacchii to evaluate microbial resistance in an environment once considered largely pristine. Fifty heterotrophic bacterial isolates were obtained and tested against twenty-eight antibiotics, revealing a notable presence of multidrug resistance. These multidrug-resistant isolates were then assessed for their tolerance to eight heavy metal salts to understand whether resistance traits extended beyond antimicrobials. Twelve isolates showing resistance to both antibiotics and metals were selected for further genetic screening, targeting key resistance genes linked to tetracycline, vancomycin, sulphonamides, and other antimicrobial classes. The detection of multiple resistance genes in genera such as Pseudomonas, Pseudoalteromonas, and Psychrobacter indicates that both natural selective pressures and local, human-related contamination may be shaping resistance patterns in this region. Overall, the study demonstrates that even remote Antarctic marine ecosystems can host bacteria with complex resistance profiles. While these ecosystems are largely isolated, human activities such as scientific research, tourism, and the introduction of pollutants may contribute to the dissemination of antibiotic resistance genes, raising important ecological and potential public health considerations regarding the spread of resistance in polar environments. Full article

The Veracruz Reef System National Park (VRSNP), located in the central Gulf of Mexico, is one of the country’s most ecologically and economically significant coral systems. Despite its high biodiversity and ecosystem functionality, it is affected by anthropogenic inputs such as fluvial discharges, urban effluents, and port and tourism activities that contribute organic and bacteriological loads. This study aimed to identify the presence of Enterococcus spp. and Vibrio spp. during three climatic seasons—dry, rainy, and north winds—at two water column depths (surface and bottom) across three reefs (Enmedio, Chopas, and Gallega) within the VRSNP during the 2022 annual cycle. Samples were analyzed according to national and international standards. Results showed that Vibrio spp. were influenced mainly by temporal factors, with higher values during north winds and the dry season (>1100 MPN/100 mL); otherwise, rainy conditions reported the lowest load (184.89 ± 15.00 MPN/100 mL). While Enterococcus spp. exhibited greater spatial influence, particularly in surface waters, Enmedio Reef recorded the highest load (478.34 ± 37.28 CFU/100 mL); in addition, Chopas Reef reported the lowest at the bottom (12.43 ± 1.26 CFU/100 mL). The findings highlight the need to strengthen microbiological monitoring protocols in marine coastal ecosystems to assess water quality, public health risks, and the ecological integrity of coral reef environments, as well as the implementation of molecular identification techniques. Full article

The Chiuchiu Pond (CCP) is an inland brackish water body in a pre-Andean scenery in the Atacama Desert, northern Chile. Presently unprotected, the CCP is attractive for tourism and a notable geosite for wildlife characterized by maintaining a fixed water level and chemical composition without surface inlets/outlets. This paper aims to characterize factors accounting for its perennial character by gathering climatic, hydrogeochemical, and morphometric information and microbiological and functional characterization. The CCP is an isolated U-shaped doline with a maximum depth of 17.5 m and vertical walls with more than 80% of soluble salts (halite and calcite) under arid conditions characterized by constant seasonal variation patterns. This is a unique case in that no similar conditions among reported wetlands or ponds have been found in the world. From our studies, it was characterized as an oligotrophic, lentic oligomictic, well-mixed water body, without thermal stratification, stable water level and hydrochemical composition, with water balance conditions from underground flows. Analysis of the microbial community revealed a core composition dominated by Proteobacteria (43.1%), Bacteroidetes (23.5%), and Cyanobacteria (10%). We provide a multidisciplinary contribution to justify urgent actions for the CCP’s conservation, representing a model for other unprotected coastal and inland wetlands in northern Chile and drylands elsewhere. Full article

Microplastics (MPs) are a global concern due to their persistence and capacity to adsorb and transport pollutants. The Canary Islands, influenced by the Canary Current, are particularly vulnerable to MPs accumulation from remote sources. The European Union’s Watch List includes emerging contaminants that require monitoring to assess potential ecological risks, though limited data hinder definitive evaluations. This study conducted a monitoring campaign between December 2023 and September 2024 across eleven beaches on four eastern islands of the archipelago. The aim was to assess MPs pollution (particles between 1 and 5 mm) and the presence of 26 organic contaminants from the EU Watch List adsorbed onto MPs, evaluating seasonal variation and tourism influence. Results show that beaches facing north and east had significantly higher MPs levels—up to an order of magnitude greater (ranged from <10 to >500 items/m²)—due to strong wind exposure, confirming the role of the Canary Current in MPs transport. White/transparent fragments dominated (>50%) among MPs types. Eight Watch List compounds were identified, with UV filters—commonly found in sunscreens—being the most frequently detected, present at nearly all sampling sites. Octocrylene reached concentrations up to 17,811 ng/g in highly touristic beaches. These findings highlight the environmental pressure on insular coastal zones and the relevance of combining MPs monitoring with targeted contaminant analysis in regions affected by oceanic currents and tourism. Full article

The study examines the recent transformation of traditional agricultural landscapes in the transition zone between Sierra de las Nieves and the Western Costa del Sol (Andalusia, Spain), one of the European regions where urban development pressure has reached its peak in replacing agricultural land with residential and tourism uses. Through a diachronic analysis of historical orthophotos (1956–2025), statistical sources (Agricultural Census, SIGPAC), and fieldwork, land-use changes and their impact on ecological functionality and territorial resilience are quantified. Results reveal a widespread loss of agricultural land—exceeding 68% overall—particularly severe in Benahavís, where more than 70% of farmland has disappeared, largely converted to urban areas. In contrast, in Istán and Ojén, the predominant trend is the renaturalization of abandoned agricultural land. These dynamics illustrate a coastal–inland territorial model that epitomizes the Mediterranean “territorial consumption” process, in which tourism-driven urbanization fragments traditional agroforestry mosaics. The study concludes that, despite their regression, traditional agricultural landscapes continue to play a key role in water regulation, soil conservation, and wildfire risk mitigation. Their restoration and maintenance are proposed as a replicable strategy for climate change adaptation and for reconciling territorial sustainability with economic development in other Mediterranean regions under intense urban pressure. Full article

Understanding destination image perceptions is critical for tourism destinations seeking to maintain competitive advantage and foster visitor loyalty. While the traditional literature suggests that first-time and repeat visitors differ significantly in their cognitive and affective destination image perceptions due to experiential differences, emerging evidence from destinations with established branding challenges these conventional assumptions. Thailand, as a globally prominent destination with sustained branding initiatives since 1998, provides an ideal context for examining whether visitor experience moderates destination image formation and loyalty outcomes. This study investigates differences in cognitive and affective destination image perceptions and destination loyalty between first-time and repeat international travellers to Thailand, applying the cognitive–affective–behavioural (CAB) model to examine how these constructs influence revisit and recommendation intentions across visitor segments. Data were collected from 392 international tourists visiting three major southern coastal destinations in Thailand (Phuket, Krabi, and Phang-Nga) through face-to-face surveys using purposive sampling. The sample comprised 185 first-time travellers and 207 repeat visitors. Partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) with multigroup analysis was employed to examine structural relationships and test for significant differences between visitor cohorts using parametric, Welch–Satterthwaite, and permutations tests. Contrary to theoretical expectations, multigroup analysis revealed no statistically significant differences between first-time and repeat travellers across all examined pathways (all permutation p-values > 0.05). Both groups demonstrated equivalent perceptions regarding how cognitive image influences affective image, and how these dimensions affect revisit and recommendation intentions. Affective image emerged as the dominant predictor of destination loyalty for both segments, while cognitive image primarily served as an enabler of emotional responses. These findings challenge traditional assumptions about experiential differences between visitor types suggesting that mature destinations with consistent long-term branding may achieve perceptual uniformity that transcends direct experience. Destination marketing organizations should implement unified rather than segmented strategies, prioritizing emotional engagement mechanisms over rational attribute promotion to cultivate destination loyalty across all visitor segments. However, these findings are specific to coastal leisure destination and may not fully generalize to other destination types. Full article

Ecosystem services provided by coastal and marine environments are increasingly recognised as of paramount importance for human wellbeing. To inform marine spatial planning and its implementation, as well as to manage conflicts between marine resource beneficiaries, we developed a comprehensive estimate of the economic value of the ecosystem services of Algoa Bay (AB) from 2000 to 2019. This is to assist in the development of effective policies concerning the management of marine resources. We quantified and assessed the monetary value by integrating 15 ecosystem services (ES) across five ecosystems using a range of economic valuation techniques and four scenarios. The scenarios differentiate between the local and global beneficiaries of the services and a conservative and alternative valuation estimate. These latter two valuation benefits are calculated using different sets of valuation estimates. We identified that onshore ecosystems, and recreation and tourism services, hold the most value. We estimated that the value grew from USD 613.4 million to USD 1695.9 million for local beneficiaries and from USD 1127.7 million to USD 2787.9 million for global beneficiaries between 2000 and 2019. The local values are roughly equivalent to the municipal budget, implying that the value of the ES is at least equal to that of the combined value of public service delivery. This highlights the significant economic contributions of marine and coastal ecosystems to local economies. This valuation provides a framework to make explicit the value that beneficiaries derive from marine ecosystems and provides a novel perspective on the valuation of ES in the coastal and marine ecosystems. This framework can be replicated elsewhere where there is a need to develop the ocean economy in an equitable and sustainable way. Full article

Bangladesh generates approximately 3000 tons of plastic waste daily, and high mismanagement leads to substantial discharge into soils, rivers, and oceans. Limited research exists on plastic pollution along Cox’s Bazar in southeastern Bangladesh, with no studies spanning the entire coast; this study provides the first comprehensive assessment of the full coastline. This study investigates the abundance, types, and distribution of macro-, meso-, and microplastics in sediments from 23 stations covering Tourism, Active, and Less Active areas. Plastics were classified by size, shape, color, and polymer composition using stereomicroscopy and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), while spatial patterns of microplastic polymers were analyzed using Inverse Distance Weighted (IDW) interpolation. A total of 11,558 plastic particles were identified, with microplastics dominating (409.04 particles/m²), followed by mesoplastics (60.7 particles/m²) and macroplastics (32.8 particles/m²). Expanded polystyrene (EPS) and fragments were the most prevalent shapes, while transparent-white particles dominated in color. Polystyrene (PS), polypropylene (PP), and polyethylene (PE) comprised over 95% of polymers. IDW mapping highlighted Tourism, urban, and industrial zones as microplastic hotspots, with higher abundances in tourism areas. These findings provide a baseline for monitoring coastal plastic pollution and emphasize improved plastic management and recycling, contributing globally to understanding contamination in rapidly urbanizing, tourism-driven developing regions. Full article

Landscapes and heritage sites hold significant historical, scientific, and social value but face increasing threats from climate change and human activities. Coastal and maritime heritage are at risk from sea-level rise, storms, erosion, ocean acidification, and pressures such as urbanization, construction, and industrial development. Assessing vulnerability involves considering physical, geomorphological, and socioeconomic factors, including land use, population density, tourism, and ecosystem sensitivity. Long-term monitoring, interdisciplinary research, and holistic approaches are essential for effective risk assessment and planning. This study focuses on the coastal landscapes of northern Portugal, where climate change adaptation is urgent. These areas contain important historical heritage, especially fortified military structures that reflect regional identity and maritime history shared with other coastal nations. The research highlights significant risks to these monuments because of their proximity to the sea and expanding urban areas, providing insights to guide policymakers and support localized adaptation strategies. A two-phase methodology was employed, beginning with a comprehensive literature review to identify key indicators that informed field observations, surveys, and archival research, resulting in a detailed inventory of coastal and estuarine fortifications. The second phase assessed their vulnerability to sea-level rise, coastal flooding, and shoreline retreat. The study presents a methodological approach that provides local decision-makers with strategic guidance to enhance the protection and sustainable management of coastal heritage. Full article

Mangrove forests are biodiverse and highly productive coastal ecosystems, fundamental to fisheries and tourism. However, they are severely threatened by human activities and invasive species, particularly in port areas such as the Port of Santos, necessitating effective environmental management. This study aimed to analyze the risks of biological invasion in mangrove ecosystems stemming from port activities, with a focus on the Port of Santos (PS), Brazil. To achieve this, we conducted a bibliometric review using the Web of Science and Scopus databases, analyzed vessel traffic flows arriving at the PS over 14 years (from 2010 to 2024), and discussed alternatives to address the challenge of biological invasion. The review revealed a significant gap in the scientific literature, as few studies (9.9%, n = 71) address the intersection of maritime transport, invasive species, and mangroves in Latin American contexts. The intense and constant flow of international vessels into the Port of Santos, totaling 15,193 arrivals from more than 200 ports worldwide between 2010 and 2024, poses a persistent threat of biological invasion. This high-volume connectivity, with several foreign hubs exceeding 300 departures in the period, reinforces the role of ships as vectors transporting exotic species in ballast water and through hull fouling. This can destabilize local ecosystems and cause significant socioeconomic losses unless control measures, mediated by effective policies, regulations, and technologies, are implemented in the short term. A spatiotemporal analysis of vessel traffic flows over a 14-year period revealed persistent high-risk corridors for bioinvasion, directly linking maritime activity patterns to the threat level for adjacent mangrove ecosystems. The data indicate a substantial challenge for the PS, yet one with a high potential for resolution in the medium term, contingent upon investment in technology and regulation. Full article

In coastal regions, the interaction between freshwater and seawater creates a dynamic system in which the spatial distribution of salinity critically constrains the use of freshwater for human consumption. Although saline intrusion is a globally widespread phenomenon, its inland extent varies significantly with hydrological conditions, posing a persistent threat to groundwater quality and sustainability. This study aimed to characterize salinity distribution using an integrated karst-watershed approach, thereby enabling the identification of both lateral and vertical salinity gradients. The study area is in the northwestern Yucatan Peninsula. Available hydrogeological data were analyzed to determine aquifer type, soil texture, evidence of saline intrusion, seawater fraction, vadose zone thickness, and field measurements. These included sampling from 42 groundwater sites (open sinkholes and dug wells), which indicated a fringe zone approximately 5 km in size influenced by seawater interaction, in mangrove areas and in three key zones of salinity patterns: west of Mérida (Celestun and Chunchumil), and northern Yucatan (Sierra Papacal, Motul, San Felipe). Vertical Electrical Sounding (VES) and conductivity profiling in two piezometers indicated an apparent seawater influence. The interface was detected at a depth of 28 m in Celestun and 18 m in Chunchumil. These depths may serve as hydrogeological thresholds for freshwater abstraction. Results indicate that saltwater can extend several kilometers inland, a factor to consider when evaluating freshwater availability. This issue is particularly critical within the first 20 km from the coastline, where increasing tourism exerts substantial pressure on groundwater reserves. A coastal-to-inland salinity was identified, and an empirical equation was proposed to estimate the seawater fraction (fsea%) as a function of distance from the shoreline in the Cenote Ring trajectory. Vertically, a four-layer model was identified in this study through VES in the western watershed: an unsaturated zone approximately 2.6 m thick, a confined layer in the coastal Celestun profile about 9 m thick, a freshwater lens floating above a brackish layer between 8 and 25 m, and a saline interface at 37 m depth. The novelty of this study, in analyzing all karstic water surfaces together as a system, including the vadose zone and the aquifer, and considering the interactions with the surface, is highlighted by the strength of this approach. This analysis provides a better understanding and more precise insight into the integrated system than analyzing each component separately. These findings have significant implications for water resource management in karst regions such as Yucatan, underscoring the urgent need for sustainable groundwater management practices to address seawater intrusion. Full article

Tourism is a key driver of regional economies, but concerns are often raised about the effectiveness with which public resources are managed and translated into tangible outcomes. Despite its importance, research on the efficiency of public spending on tourism remains scarce and mostly confined to national scales. Therefore, this study examines how Apulian municipalities (Italy) convert public tourism expenditure into measurable tourism results, providing new evidence on the efficiency of local governance in this sector. The analysis applies a two-step econometric framework combining Stochastic Frontier Analysis (SFA) and Multiple Linear Regression to data from 247 municipalities over the period from 2020 to 2023. The results reveal generally low average efficiency levels, with only a few coastal destinations achieving high performance. The regression analysis identified key structural and territorial drivers of efficiency, including accommodation capacity, cultural production, coastal and environmental quality, and the presence of agritourism and campsites. The findings suggest that efficiency depends more on the ability of local administrations to coordinate tourism, cultural, and environmental policies than on the amount of spending. Overall, the study provides empirical evidence that an efficient allocation of tourism funds is crucial for achieving long-term sustainability goals, offering practical insights for designing more effective tourism policies. Full article