Impact of frequentation on a Mediterranean embayed beach: Implication on carrying capacity

The assessment of beach carrying capacity should consider different aspects, including physical and anthropogenic stress factors. This paper evaluates the impact of beachgoers on an embayed Mediterranean beach, in terms of sediment moved off the beach and modifications in its morphology during high tourist season. This impact was estimated by means of a simulative experiment aimed at evaluating the potential loss of sand trapped in users' feet. Beach profiles were also acquired in different conditions of beach occupancy, in order to assess the effects on the beach morphology caused by the trampling of users. The amount of sediment carried away by users, depends on the sector from which the user is leaving the beach, with a maximum value of 34.8 (+/- 3.5) g per user. Only restricted areas of the beach are affected by trampling with a resulting decrease of about 0.1 m in beach profile elevation. This work emphasizes that an evaluation of carrying capacity should not neglect considering physical parameters such as morphological modifications or sediment budget implications. This is particularly important on those embayed beaches with low or null sedimentary budget. The proposed methodology could easily be applied by local authorities and the results could help beach managers to promote and design sustainable beach plans. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.