Management of estuarine beaches on the Amazon coast though the application of recreational carrying capacity indices

The purpose of this paper is to determine the Recreational Carrying Capacity of three estuarine beaches (Colares, Marudá and Murubira) on the Amazon coast of Brazil, based on the combined assessment of natural conditions and visitor facilities. In the final analysis, the carrying capacity of Colares beach was estimated to be 1089 visitors per day, and that of Murubira beach, 238 visitors per day. At Marudá beach, however, the inadequate quality of the water resulted in an RCC of zero, indicating that the beach should not be visited for recreational use. The results of this study may provide a valuable diagnostic tool for the development of future state and municipal coastal management programs. We believe that the procedures adopted in this study are applicable to other estuarine beaches on the Amazon coast, as well as in other estuarine beaches elsewhere with similar natural characteristics.Peer ReviewedPostprint (author's final draft

Estuarine beaches of the Amazon coast: environmental and recreational characterization

The Amazon coast is rich in natural resources, with highly valued natural landscapes and ecological systems. These environments include estuarine beaches, which are important areas for recreational activities. The present study provides an environmental and recreational diagnosis of three of these estuarine beaches on the Amazon coast (Colares, Maruda, and Murubira). The study was conducted in July, 2012, 2013 and 2015. An set of variables was assessed: (i) physical variables (hydrodynamics), (ii) microbiological variables (thermotolerant coliform concentrations), (iii) recreational actvities and (iv) the spatial distribution of infrastructure and services. The results indicate that these beaches are moderately hydrodynamic, with tidal ranges of 3-5 m and wave heights of up to 1 m, which are attractive features for beachgoers. The lack of adequate urban planning has caused serious social and environmental problems (e.g. erosion, destruction of dunes and mangroves, inadequate disposal of solid waste). The quality of the water has been affected by the lack of an adequate public sanitation system and the presence of numerous illegal sewage outlets on these beaches, which contribute to the high thermotolerant coliform concentrations recorded. The following measures were recommended: (i) removal of sewage outlets; (ii) collection of garbage from the beach at the end of each day's recreation; (iii) the provision of trash cans along the coastline, and (v) the installation of public toilets. The results of the study emphasize the urgent need for the regulation and planning of the use of the coastal environments of the Amazon region.Peer ReviewedPostprint (published version

Estuarine beaches of the Amazon coast: environmental and recreational characterization

The Amazon coast is rich in natural resources, with highly valued natural landscapes and ecological systems. These environments include estuarine beaches, which are important areas for recreational activities. The present study provides an environmental and recreational diagnosis of three of these estuarine beaches on the Amazon coast (Colares, Maruda, and Murubira). The study was conducted in July, 2012, 2013 and 2015. An set of variables was assessed: (i) physical variables (hydrodynamics), (ii) microbiological variables (thermotolerant coliform concentrations), (iii) recreational actvities and (iv) the spatial distribution of infrastructure and services. The results indicate that these beaches are moderately hydrodynamic, with tidal ranges of 3-5 m and wave heights of up to 1 m, which are attractive features for beachgoers. The lack of adequate urban planning has caused serious social and environmental problems (e.g. erosion, destruction of dunes and mangroves, inadequate disposal of solid waste). The quality of the water has been affected by the lack of an adequate public sanitation system and the presence of numerous illegal sewage outlets on these beaches, which contribute to the high thermotolerant coliform concentrations recorded. The following measures were recommended: (i) removal of sewage outlets; (ii) collection of garbage from the beach at the end of each day's recreation; (iii) the provision of trash cans along the coastline, and (v) the installation of public toilets. The results of the study emphasize the urgent need for the regulation and planning of the use of the coastal environments of the Amazon region.Peer Reviewe

Application of the DPSIR framework to the evaluation of the recreational and environmental conditions on estuarine beaches of the Amazon coast

The present study proposes a diagnosis of the conditions and impacts on estuarine beaches of the Amazonian coast based on the application of the DPSIR (Driving Forces, Pressures, State, Impact, Responses) model, which identifies the natural and anthropogenic drivers affecting the environment. Natural drivers are related primarily to the accentuated hydrodynamic processes, high rainfall and fluvial discharge. The anthropogenic driver is related to the lack of planning for beach development. These human pressures result in a reduction in the quality of the beaches through microbiological contamination, the accumulation of garbage on the sand and in the water, sewage outfalls, and overcrowding which, combined with the intense local hydrodynamics and the lack of planning of recreational activities (zoning, warning signs, lifeguard coverage) may increase the risk of accidents for beachgoers, such as drowning, and injuries caused by motorboats, jet skis and stingrays. Despite all the problems identified, no response whatsoever was observed from the local authorities. The results of the DPSIR analysis indicate an urgent need for the implementation of beach management plans to improve the conditions of the beaches and in particular their safety, as well as identifying the obligations of the local authorities responsible for the future development of the Amazon coast.Peer ReviewedPostprint (author's final draft

Management of estuarine beaches on the Amazon coast though the application of recreational carrying capacity indices

The purpose of this paper is to determine the Recreational Carrying Capacity of three estuarine beaches (Colares, Marudá and Murubira) on the Amazon coast of Brazil, based on the combined assessment of natural conditions and visitor facilities. In the final analysis, the carrying capacity of Colares beach was estimated to be 1089 visitors per day, and that of Murubira beach, 238 visitors per day. At Marudá beach, however, the inadequate quality of the water resulted in an RCC of zero, indicating that the beach should not be visited for recreational use. The results of this study may provide a valuable diagnostic tool for the development of future state and municipal coastal management programs. We believe that the procedures adopted in this study are applicable to other estuarine beaches on the Amazon coast, as well as in other estuarine beaches elsewhere with similar natural characteristics.Peer Reviewe

Application of the DPSIR framework to the evaluation of the recreational and environmental conditions on estuarine beaches of the Amazon coast

The present study proposes a diagnosis of the conditions and impacts on estuarine beaches of the Amazonian coast based on the application of the DPSIR (Driving Forces, Pressures, State, Impact, Responses) model, which identifies the natural and anthropogenic drivers affecting the environment. Natural drivers are related primarily to the accentuated hydrodynamic processes, high rainfall and fluvial discharge. The anthropogenic driver is related to the lack of planning for beach development. These human pressures result in a reduction in the quality of the beaches through microbiological contamination, the accumulation of garbage on the sand and in the water, sewage outfalls, and overcrowding which, combined with the intense local hydrodynamics and the lack of planning of recreational activities (zoning, warning signs, lifeguard coverage) may increase the risk of accidents for beachgoers, such as drowning, and injuries caused by motorboats, jet skis and stingrays. Despite all the problems identified, no response whatsoever was observed from the local authorities. The results of the DPSIR analysis indicate an urgent need for the implementation of beach management plans to improve the conditions of the beaches and in particular their safety, as well as identifying the obligations of the local authorities responsible for the future development of the Amazon coast.Peer Reviewe