TOURISM IMPACT STUDIES
The bays surrounding Akumal are such unique places that give us the opportunity to encounter sea turtles along the year which has led to incredible growth in tourism-related activities. Since 2013, there has been a three-fold increase in visitors, which often impacts the health of vulnerable marine ecosystems.
Our projects
Tourism Impact Studies
Primarily due to the lack of effective environmental regulations on tourism activities and inadequate wastewater treatment and drainage, the marine ecosystems in Akumal have been degraded.
In 2015 alone, there were more than 400,000 visitors in the bay and since 2016 the coral reef structures have declined over 50% while the amount of invasive algae overgrowth on the coral has tripled.
Our Purpose
The overall purpose of this project is to understand the impact of tourism on the marine ecosystems and present scientific-based evidence to support;
-
the development of sound protection strategies;
-
integral coastal management practices of Akumal;
-
the promotion of best environmental practices to the community.
Our Work
We have developed simple, but effective techniques that allow us to document and evaluate different indicators of the effect of tourism activity on the coastal marine ecosystem in three specific areas:
1. Sea Turtle Photo Identification
Juvenile sea turtles are counted and identified in Akumal Bay and their feeding zones are geo-referenced.
2. Tourist Behavior and Impact on Sea Turtles
In-water observation and studies collect information on the behavior of tourists (number of people and/or specific actions) that provoke specific behaviors or cause stress on the sea turtles.
3. Water Dynamics & Visibility
By conducting in-water observations, we are able to document the dynamics of the reef lagoons are determined through different procedures and physical parameters.
4. Uses of the Bay /Video Surveillance / Patrols
By conducting different observations on the beach, we are able to document and estimate the tourism impact to the Akumal bays.
GET INVOLVED!
ADMISSION DATES
Tourism Impact
(4 weeks)
TUESDAYS FROM JANUARY 2021 ONWARDS.
Lionfish population control in Akumal Bay
In the Coastal Management Program, we are promoting a campaign of weekly hunting tours of the Lionfish, recording weight and size at each outing, as well as the area where the individuals were captured.
Although the capture of this species is the only extractive activity allowed, in the decree of the Akumal Fishing Refuge Zone, we intend to promote this activity in an orderly manner, by especially inviting local commercial operators and giving them a brief training, to avoid further damage to the marine environment of the area. To be able to specify an approximate characterization of the population of this species, additionally, it would be essential to reorient the strategies for its control, synergistically favoring the health of the coral community of the bays of Akumal.
Gallery
