Indicators to measure pressure, state, impact and responses of surf breaks: The case of Bahía de Todos Santos World Surfing Reserve.

Abstract

Using the Driving Forces-Pressure-State-Impact-Response (DPSIR) framework, this paper proposes indicators to measure human activities affecting three surf breaks located within Bahía de Todos Santos World Surfing Reserve (BTSWSR) in Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico. To develop these indicators, a learning community was formed where interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary teams gathered information through document analysis, participatory methods (transect walks, focus groups, problem tree, participatory mapping) and participant observations of the actions undertaken by the BTSWSR Local Stewardship Council, between 2015 and 2018. Together, academics, surfers and decision makers defined the parameters and criteria for the assessment of surf breaks, developing a set of indicators that drew on both qualitative and quantitative data. These indicators enabled the identification of specific anthropogenic activities affecting surf breaks, their impact on the environment, and actual or possible responses to human activities. DPSIR indicators enabled comparison of states and trends in different surf sites, allowed BTSWSR co-managers to focus on critical issues in need of attention at each surf break, and facilitated the development of specific strategies for an Adaptive Co-management plan at BTSWSR. This model could be adapted to other surf breaks around the world, providing new strategies for conservation and management of surf zones and contributing to global marine conservation efforts.