A procedure for assessing recreational carrying capacity of coastal resort areas

Abstract

Increased recreational pressure in coastal areas adjacent to resort towns has in many areas resulted in degradation of the resource and a reduction in the quality of the recreation experience. It is therefore imperative that recreation planners and decision-makers determine the appropriate level of recreational use that can be sustained by the coastal resources of an area before approving applications to extend resort towns and expand recreational facilities. In this paper, a systematic procedure for assessing recreational carrying capacity of coastal resort areas is described. The concept of recreational carrying capacity as used in the assessment procedure is defined and problems associated with its interpretation and practical application in planning and decision-making are discussed. The procedure proposes a series of linked activities comprising nine consecutive stages and relies on data obtained at previous stages to advance to succeeding stages. The procedure seeks to acquire pertinent information, ascertain current recreational pressure, project resource demands, and assess the physical, ecological and social carrying capacity of the area for major recreational activities. Constraints associated with the development proposal are identified and finally the appropriate level of recreational use for the area is determined.