Impacts of recreational boating on the marine environment of Cap de Creus (Mediterranean Sea)

A study was set up in summer 2004 in the marine reserve of Cape Creus (Mediterranean Sea) to estimate the environmental impacts of this activity. The large numbers of recreational boats (most of which are motor powered) that can be found affect the marine environment. In particular, results show that Posidonia oceanica meadows, which constitute an ecologically and vulnerable habitat, are suffering from mechanical damage caused by anchors. Anchoring was the largest threat on the marine environment of the area; the activities conducted by boaters such as sunbathing, swimming, snorkelling and scuba diving had little or negligible environmental impact. Overall, our results indicate that a primary element for coastal management in busy boating areas must be the anchoring of recreational boats and the specific impacts associated with motor craft, such as speed and the discharge of bilge waters.