BARSANTI, M., CALDA, N and VALLONI, R., 2011. The Italian Coasts: a Natural Laboratory for the Quality Evaluation of Beach Replenishments. In: Micallef, A. (ed.), MCRR3-2010 Conference Proceedings, Journal of Coastal Research, Special Issue, No. 61, pp. 1–07. Grosseto, Tuscany, Italy, ISSN 0749-0208.

The present paper describes the joint research recently carried out by the University of Parma and the ENEA Marine Research Centre of La Spezia for the characterization of grain-size and petrography of the Native sediments of the Italian marine coastal territory. The work aims to establish a protocol for the evaluation of the “quality’ of artificial beach replenishment fills. GIS technologies have been used to create a national database on coastal cells. The Italian territory is composed of 188 Littoral Cells if coastal stretches less than 5 km long are ignored. On these Cells over two hundred sample couples of dune and beach sediment were collected and analysed for grain-size and thin-section petrography.

The original petrographic classification adopted here is also suitable to the collection of literature data and is based on four fundamental sediment sources named Terrigenous silicate, Terrigenous carbonate, Indigenous and Pyroclastic, that may expand into eight petrographic compositions depending on the prevailing grain type: Quartzitic, Feldspathic, Metamorphilithic, Volcanilithic, Dololithic, Calcilithic, Bioclastic and Tuffitic.

The foreshore sands reach their maximum diameters in Sardinia and Sicily where the Median (D₅₀) ranges 0.801.50 phi (medium and coarse sands, with D₅₀ averaging 0.50 mm). The foreshore sands show their minimum diameters in the Adriatic coast where the Median ranges 2.0–3.0 phi. These grain-size trends are also reflected in the dune sands that reach their maximum values in Sardinia where D₅₀ ranges 1.00–2.50 phi. Beach-dune sample couplets indicate that the sediment textural maturation is poorly effective in the Adriatic coasts and highly effective in the Tyrrhenian coasts.

IN HO, K and JUNG LYUL, L., 2011. Beach Monitoring and Beach Management of Gangwon coast. In: Micallef, A. (ed.), MCRR3-2010 Conference Proceedings, Journal of Coastal Research, Special Issue, No. 61, pp. 8–13. Grosseto, Tuscany, Italy, ISSN 0749-0208.

A periodic and long-term beach monitoring and diagnostic system is developed for the design and assessment of coastal development plans at coastal zones of Gangwon Province. Nearly 300km shoreline appears along the east coast of Gangwon Province. A few beaches are under the control of military forces to keep citizens away. The coastal zone named Donghaean is composed of three major watershed zones. The beaches in this area are heavily influenced by the presence of coastal prevention projects including groins, detached breakwaters and seawall. Dataset of shorelines and beach profiles is consequently stored by the developed monitoring system and used to interpret the consequences of past events, while the beach diagnostic system is developed to predict the impact of future ones. This system covers a large coastal stretch divided into 20 watershed sectors for littoral analysis. One-dimensional inverse method and new sediment transport model (diffraction effects included) are used as a main tool to analyze and predict shoreline changes, respectively. In addition, two types of morphological models are also employed to investigate the more detailed seabed changes in the vicinity of fishery ports or river inlets.

CUMBERBATCH, J and MOSES, J., 2011. Social Carrying Capacity in Beach Management in Barbados. In: Micallef, A. (ed.), MCRR3–2010 Conference Proceedings, Journal of Coastal Research, Special Issue, No. 61, pp. 14–23. Grosseto, Tuscany, Italy, ISSN 0749–0208.

This research investigated Social Carrying Capacity (SCC) in the context of beach management in Barbados. The research contributed to evidence-based decision making by providing data that can inform the enhancement of the beach management plan of the Government of Barbados. Data were gathered from locals and tourists visiting several beaches over a four year period, 2005 – 2009. Questionnaires were used to collect data on variables including: demographics, beach choice and use preferences, beach accessibility, beach amenities and activities, and perceptions of crowding. Findings indicated that there were distinct demographic use patterns with respect to time of use, activities and amenity preferences. It was found that while the existing beach management plan sought to create a balance between ecological and social objectives, it did not sufficiently reflect or take the diversity of the users into account. The study concluded that the diversity of needs and uses had the potential for user conflict, and therefore made recommendations for making the management plan more attentive to social carrying capacity issues.

COLOMBINI, I., FALLACI, M and CHELAZZI, L., 2011. Terrestrial Macroinvertibrates as Key Elements for Sustainable Beach Management. In: Micallef, A. (ed.), MCRR3-2010 Conference Proceedings, Journal of Coastal Research, Special Issue, No. 61, pp. 24–35. Grosseto, Tuscany, Italy, ISSN 0749-0208.

Recreational activities on sandy beaches are basically human centred and there is little concern of their biological components. Terrestrial sandy shore are often regarded as void boxes of sand to be reconstructed where missing, decorated with coastal vegetation and mechanically cleaned for aesthetic and sanitary reasons. But what costs, in terms of biodiversity loss, are we dealing with? Can beach management be sustainable without considering the fact that terrestrial beach macroinvertebrates are hardly taken into account in management practices? Do beach managers know the importance of terrestrial macroinvertebrates for ecosystem functioning? What measures are needed to avoid the massive loss of species? To address these questions a ten year period of study was conducted on the beach of the Maremma Regional Park (Grosseto, Italy). Here direct impacts due to human activities (beach recreation, trampling, etc) were relatively low, but indirect ones (a severe problem of beach erosion at the Ombrone river mouth) were taking place and large sections of the beach had already been destroyed. Since one of the main attractions of the Maremma Regional Park was the beauty of its beaches (used for summer bathing activities), concerns of the public opinion and of park managers were extremely high. A first approach of our study was to evaluated the health of the beach environment through a baseline ecological study and to pin pointed the main factors causing the erosion process. The study showed that the system was in a dynamic equilibrium with an erosion process going on one side and a accretion process on the other. Biodiversity levels followed linear gradients with increasing levels at increasing distance from the river mouth and were related to increases in habitat complexity. Changes rapidly occurring around the river mouth had produced a shift of the macroinvertebrate community in a buffer area at a higher distance from the river mouth where populations were still consistent in species number and abundance. Furthermore, studying beach populations at increasing distances from the river mouth on a monthly basis demonstrated that terrestrial beach invertebrates (amphipods, isopods, tenebrionids), strictly inhabiting the sand, tended to shift horizontally along the beach to avoid human disturbance according to the season. This finding not only has an ecological importance for the resilience of the ecosystem, showing the value of buffer areas as resources for biodiversity, but also it presents practical aspects as it can be used by beach managers to plan actions for sustainable management. In other beaches where impacts are high this tool could be employed to fine tune spatial and temporal beach cleaning events to avoid further losses of beach species and/or the recovery of others. The study, however, suggests the need of an active interaction between scientists, stakeholders and managers. Communication is also needed between beach ecologists and coastal recreational managers to whom this conference is addressed as more often it has occurred that defence measures have been taken without considering the impacts on the biotic components of the beach ecosystem.

FIRMAN, K., KEMP, L, FINCH, D., MALLIA, A and SCIORTINO, J., 2011. Designing a Sustainable Beach Replenishment Scheme for a Site in Malta. In: Micallef, A. (ed.), MCRR3–2010 Conference Proceedings, Journal of Coastal Research, Special Issue, No. 61, pp. 36–43. Grosseto, Tuscany, Italy, ISSN 0749–0208.

The Malta Tourism Authority is planning to undertake environmentally sound beach replenishment along a rocky stretch of coastline immediately south of Qawra Point, Salina Bay. Refinement and confirmation of an initial beach layout through numerical modelling was undertaken to support Environmental Impact Studies required for the development permit for the creation of a recreational beach. There is no offshore sand available for replenishment in Malta. Instead, sand must be crushed from rock originating from an overseas quarry; local limestone is too friable. This reduces the risk of biological contamination and enables the granulometric characteristics of the sediment to be designed to suit the wave conditions and meet the design specifications. The proposed design life for the artificial replenishment, before major replenishment becomes necessary (i.e. when the cumulative dry beach area loss reaches 30%), was set at 10 years. It was recognised that hard modifications to the existing coastline, i.e. control structures, may be required to stabilise the replenishment and prevent migration of the sand however, such modifications were to be kept to a minimum and not compromise the marine environment. Important features of the site included a tidal rock pool (overtopped under certain conditions) along the spit linking Qawra Point to the mainland and the location of nearshore Posidonia oceanica meadows (an Annex I priority habitat under the European Union Habitats Directive) restricting the extent of the beach. Wave modelling was undertaken to establish extreme and morphologically representative wave conditions. The results were used to assess the typical beach plan shape which was found to be quite stable and not subject to large variations. The stable beach profile was assessed to provide an indication of the overall footprint of the beach within the bay and cross-shore sediment transport modelling was used to determine beach draw-down during storm events. Modelling studies showed that it may be possible to create a beach at the site. However, there are several factors for consideration such as the offshore extent of the beach toe, thought to place some risk on the nearshore seagrass, and overtopping from the tidal pool. Mitigation methods suggested included the adoption of coarser, narrowly graded material as well as the use of beach retaining structures. A 3D mobile bed physical model was recommended to further refine the scheme.

TEODORO, A., PAIS-BARBOSA, J., GONÇALVES, H., VELOSO-GOMES, F and TAVEIRA-PINTO, F., 2011. Beach Hydromorphological Analysis Through Remote Sensing. In: Micallef, A. (ed.), MCRR3-2010 Conference Proceedings, Journal of Coastal Research, Special Issue, No. 61, pp. 44-51. Grosseto, Tuscany, Italy, ISSN 0749-0208.

Beach hydromorphological classification is a complex subject. Different beach classification models were presented by several authors. However, fundamental parameters are usually unavailable. Therefore, a morphological analysis using remotely sensed data and image processing techniques is a good approach to identify and to classify beach hydromorphologies. Remote sensing data is an increasingly important component of natural resources monitoring programs. Its usefulness can be maximized by understanding the constraints and capabilities of the imagery and change detection techniques, related to the monitoring objectives. The aim of this study was to explore different remotely sensed data (aerial photographs and a satellite image) and different image processing algorithms in order to identify coastal forms/patterns and further classify beach hydromorphological stage. To achieve that, different image processing techniques were applied to remotely sensed data: pixel and object-based classification algorithms and a pattern recognition approach using artificial neural networks. A stretch of the northwest coast of Portugal was chosen as the study area. The data used in this study consisted in aerial photographs and an IKONOS-2 image. Based on the obtained results two main conclusions could be taken: the pixel-based classification (supervised classification algorithms) showed better results than the object-based classification algorithms; and the pattern recognition approach is the most effective and accurate methodology. Therefore, the association of remote sensing data and image processing techniques is very useful in identifying coastal forms/patterns regarding the classification of beach morphological stage.

RADCHENKO, V and ALEYEV, M., 2011. Blue Flag Program Implementation Prospective in Ukraine. In: Micallef, A. (ed.), MCRR3-2010 Conference Proceedings, Journal of Coastal Research, Special Issue, No. 61, pp. 52–59. Grosseto, Tuscany, Italy, ISSN 0749-0208.

Blue Flag is one of the well known programs of ecological certification leading its participants to an internationally-recognized eco-label award. The program is targeting promotion of sustainable development of the beaches and marinas through the introduction of water quality, environmental education and information dissemination, safety and security, and also ecological management set of criteria based on EU 2006 Bathing waters quality directive requirements. The program has big potential in Ukraine and particularly in the Crimea as a famous recreational region. The longevity of the Ukrainian Black sea coast is approximately 2500 km, with roughly 10% of it being situated in the Crimea. There were about 1007 beaches functioning in Ukraine in 2008 - in Crimea, Donetsk, Zaporozhiye, Nikolayev, Odessa and Kherson regions and in Sevastopol. Among them 881 are sea coast beaches and 126 are located on rivers. However, not all of them comply with national and with Blue flag standards. Due to non-compliance some of them are closed during part of the season. In accordance with national legislation in Ukraine, fresh and marine water quality is monitored by certified sanitary laboratories of the Ministry of Healthcare. There are particular national legislative documents and governmental authorities that are dealing with the issue of drinking water quality (GOST 2874-82, SDSS 383 (186/1940)). Among problems in the field of beach management one could mention problems with the identification of bathing waters itself. There are attempts to introduce ecological management that is regulated by the Law of Ukraine “On environmental protection”. In accordance with this law, the aims of State regulation in the area of environmental protection are implementation of national legislation, control of ecological safety regulations compliance, ensuring that all measures necessary for environmental protection are taken, along with sustainable use of natural resources. The set of safety and services criteria is one of the easiest to comply with. The Ukrainian Ministry of Emergency is responsible for the enforcement of safety standards. However, the national legislation on ecological management is undeveloped. That's why the Blue Flag meets great support in Ukraine at a regional level. In 2008 two Crimean cities expressed interest in the Blue Flag program implementation and as a result, four beaches have participated in pilot stage of the Blue Flag program. After the 2009 season monitoring results, these beaches became participants at full stage of the program in 2010.

WILLIAMS, A.T., LAYTON BROWN, M., CONNEELY, M and MORGAN, R., 2011. The Effect on Coastal Business Due to Grounding of the MV River Princess, at Goa, India. In: Micallef, A. (ed.), MCRR3-2010 Conference Proceedings, Journal of Coastal Research, Special Issue, No. 61, pp. 60–65. Grosseto, Tuscany, Italy, ISSN 0749–0208.

On June 6, 2000, the Merchant Vessel River Princess with a dead weight 114,645 tonnes and length of 261m, grounded on the beach off the Candolim-Sinquerim coast. Goa. India, spilling some 40 tonnes of oil. In the past decade it has sunk some 10m into the sea bed taking in circa 40,000 tonnes of sand. The vessel acts as a massive breakwater and downdrift erosion is occurring of approximately 5 to 10m/annum dependent on monsoon strength with satellite imagery showing that circa 0.13 km² beach loss has occurred since 2001. This degree of erosion is seen by business owners to pose a serious threat to their properties located along this stretch of coast. A number of businesses have already incurred varying degrees of property damage which is believed to be directly attributable to the presence of MV River Princess. There are also significant concerns that the presence of the vessel and beach appearance is deterring many potential visitors from coming/returning. Seventy three percent of business people were of the opinion that their knowledge of coastal issue was moderate-very high; 67% thought that the view of the vessel was unpleasant and 62% perceived it as being dangerous for people; and 53% stated that it was the cause of severe erosion. Functional analyses indicated an ecological scoring of 0.66 and social one of 0.76, inferring that recreation should be the main management aim.

PRANZINI, E., and VITALE, G., 2011. Beach Sand Colour: the Need for a Standardised Assessment Procedure. In: Micallef, A. (ed.), MCRR3-2010 Conference Proceedings, Journal of Coastal Research, Special Issue, No. 61, pp. 66–69. Grosseto, Tuscany, Italy, ISSN 0749-0208.

Beach sand colour is one of the most important components of coastal landscape and particularly, a fundamental factor for beach ecology, as it influences sand temperature. Nevertheless, sand colour is often described in a subjective and qualitative manner, using non-standardised terminology and leading to non-comparable results in environmental studies which consider this aspect. Perceptive distance between colours can be measured, and perceived colour can be similarly assessed, if appropriate colour spaces are used; however, this cannot be achieved by an observer and is not frequently used in imaging systems. Several beach nourishments, performed with limited attention to colour compatibility, have changed the coastal landscape and created conflicts among stakeholders in many locations, resulting in legal controversies. The present paper compares the different “colour spaces” currently available for sand colour assessment (RGB, Munsell, CIEL ^*a^*b^*), tests some procedures for analysing sediments of different size and explains the need for using uniform colour spaces, both for environmental description and for fill sediment compatibility assessment. Case studies of beach nourishments performed in Italy are used to show the relevance of this aspect in Coastal Zone Management.

HALLER, I, STYBEL, N., SCHUMACHER, S and MOSSBAUER, M., 2011. Will Beaches be enough? Future Changes for Coastal Tourism at the German Baltic Sea. In: Micallef, A. (ed.), MCRR3-2010 Conference Proceedings, Journal of Coastal Research, Special Issue, No. 61, pp. 70–80. Grosseto, Tuscany, Italy, ISSN 07490208.

At first glance, present tourism in the southern Baltic Sea region could most likely be described as ‘beach tourism’. Given that the beach is the main point of interest for the majority of coastal tourists, destinations largely rely on the potential of natural beaches. With more than 33 million overnight stays along the German Baltic coast in 2009 of which 70% refer to the beach as the main reason for choosing the destination, an effective management of beaches already today plays a decisive role for success. At present, predominant concerns of coastal communities are losses of sand caused by erosion and storm surges, and summery accumulations of beach wrack. They threaten the recreational use of beaches and are therefore driving elements in stakeholder discussions. In future, global influences such as climate change could be of additional influence. Impacts on a regional level are still being analyzed. Prospective favorable weather conditions in summer might further increase the number of visitors, and thus bring among new challenges also new economic possibilities. Based on these premises, ongoing national as well as European funded projects are conducting research on present and future influences on coastal tourism within the region. Parallel to identifying crucial issues for coastal destinations, relevant stakeholders are brought together in workshops and topical symposiums. Project work aims at initiating a participatory regional stakeholder network and enabling it to develop successful adaptation strategies to a variety of future challenges. In addition, studies on the perception of tourists are carried out and information brochures on climate change and other beach related aspects are devised. The paper summarizes recent results of the RADOST and BaltCICA projects and gives an overview on how current and future changes might affect coastal tourism at the German Baltic coast in the next decades.

VANHOOREN, S., MAELFAIT, H and BELPAEME, K., 2011. Moving Towards an Ecological Management of the Beaches. In: Micallef, A. (ed.), MCRR3-2010 Conference Proceedings, Journal of Coastal Research, Special Issue, No. 61, pp. 81–86. Grosseto, Tuscany, Italy, ISSN 0749-0208.

The Belgian coast has an enormous touristic potential with over 16 million people visiting the coast for a day-trip and a turnover of more than 2500 Million. The ecological value of the beaches is at risk, caused by an extensive use of mechanical beach cleaners. Mechanical beach cleaners not only remove most of the man-produced waste, but unfortunately also take away organic material. Management for more sustainable beaches is necessary, because coastal communities spend yearly over 10.000 per km to keep the beaches clean. The Coordination Centre on Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) is working together with the coastal municipalities in Belgium to improve the ecological value of the beaches by raising awareness, preventing litter and economical costs benefit analysis of beach management. A lot of effort still needs to be done in raising awareness to different sectors as tourism and fishery. The Coordination Centre on ICZM in Belgium started in 2003 with a range of awareness raising activities. Examples are the yearly beach cleanings, competitions for schools or focussed campaigns e.g. on cigarette butts on the beach. Furthermore, coastal municipalities are closely involved in the sustainable beach cleaning, for example through training sessions to reduce the effects of beach cleaners, expert workshops, or pilot projects for manual beach cleaning. The results of the pilot projects, the beach cleaning actions and campaigns are carefully monitored. Cost benefit analyses on beach cleaning showed that manual beach cleaning is not only more sustainable, but also a lot cheaper and gives your coastal community a green image.

MICALLEF, A., WILLIAMS, A.T and GALLEGO FERNANDEZ, J.B., 2011. Bathing Area Quality and Landscape Evaluation on the Mediterranean Coast of Andalucia, Spain. In: Micallef, A. (ed.), MCRR3-2010 Conference Proceedings, Journal of Coastal Research, Special Issue, No. 61, pp. 87–95. Grosseto, Tuscany, Italy, ISSN 0749-0208.

Beach quality was evaluated at 27 sites along the Mediterranean shore of the Andalucian coast (Spain). Beaches surveyed were identified as resort (Williams, Micallef, Anfuso & Gallego-Fernandez), urban (Van Maele, Pond, Williams, Dubsky, 2000), village (Williams & Micallef, 2009), rural (Van Maele et al.) and remote (Simm, Beach & John, 1995) bathing areas. Beach quality was evaluated via the BARE (Bathing Area Registration & Evaluation) technique that rates five beach-relevant parameters (safety, water quality, facilities, scenery and litter) and subsequently classifies beach quality based on parameter rating results. Both parameter rating and beach quality classification processes are beach-type dependent. The system is not limited to an award system but is a registration and quality evaluation one that is very useful tool for beach managers. Based on a five class system, beaches were classified as 5 Star (high) - 1 Star (low). Site breakdown was: 5 Star (WTO, 2006); 4 Star (Williams et al.); 3 Star (Van Maele et al.); 2 Star (Williams, in press) and 1 Star (Williams & Morgan, 1995). The highest beach quality (4 / 5 Star) was identified mainly on remote beaches areas with a second 5 Star beach in a rural area. No large differences in beach quality appeared between rural, urban and village beaches.

AMINTI, P.L., BARTOLETTI, E., BERRIOLO, G., BINI, A., BONINSEGNI, G., MORI, E., PRANZINI, E and VANNUCCHI, V., 2011. Cecina Specially Protected Zone: a Shore Protection Project. In: Micallef, A. (ed.), MCRR3-2010 Conference Proceedings, Journal of Coastal Research, Special Issue, No. 61, pp. 96–103. Grosseto, Tuscany, Italy, ISSN 0749-0208.

The coast north of River Cecina mouth hosts Tombolo Settentrionale Specially Protected Zone (ZPS, according to the 79/409/CEE directive) and is constituted by linear or hummocky dunes covered by pine forest. The beach had been severely eroded since the beginning of the 20th century due to reduced river sediment input and the construction of several shore protection structures (groins and rip-raps) lack a general masterplan. Although this coastal segment is mostly used as a free tourist beach, there are a few restaurants and bathing facilities whose owners made projects in order to defend such structures, having increased erosion in the neighbouring areas. A coastal road was demolished by waves in the 1980's and dunes were continuously exposed to wave action. In the early 1990's, the Livorno Province administration funded a shore protection project based on groins with a submerged extension, and nourishment with sediments quarried within the Cecina River alluvial plain.

This project was supported by a limited budget, and in spite of resulting in an effective stabilisation of the coast, it did not lead to significant beach rehabilitation considering tourism purposes. Due to the Regional Shore Protection Plan, Livorno Province has now financial resources for obtaining a fuller coastal rehabilitation in this area, providing more uniform shaping to the shoreline and reducing the visual impact of emerged structures. All seawalls will be removed (except for a few placed to protect adjacent tourist facilities) and the number of groins will be reduced. The latter will be realigned and many of them will be extended, with a long submerged part in order to favour the sedimentation of sand moving in the surf zone, whereas beaches will be enlarged by means of artificial nourishment. The project considers also the impact a new marina, planned at Cecina river mouth, will have on the coast.

CARIC, H., 2011. Cruising Tourism Environmental Impacts: Case Study of Dubrovnik Croatia. In: Micallef, A. (ed.), MCRR3–2010 Conference Proceedings, Journal of Coastal Research, Special Issue, No. 61, pp. 104–113. Grosseto, Tuscany, Italy, ISSN 0749–0208.

Cruise tourism is new economic, social and environmental phenomena with potential serious impacts on the three pillars of sustainability. This paper will look into the environmental impacts in order to disclose potential hazards in port of Dubrovnik. Subsequently, existing mechanisms to deal with the hazards will be analyzed to determine their effectiveness to mitigate the impacts. This process will use direct pollution costs calculations to enable cost benefit analysis. Other impact analysis will be conducted in form of environmental (pollution) footprinting that compare environmental loads of cruise tourist vs. local inhabitant. The two (cost benefit analysis and environmental footprinting) analysis will provide information on general aspects of cruise tourism carrying capacity and its current direction of development. Finally, the discussion will point to key pollution management issues, possible solutions to some of the pollutions aspects, and stress other direct ecological threats.

DEIDUN, A and VELLA, P., 2011. Marine Ecological Impact Considerations for Cruise Liner Facility Development at Two Coastal Sites in the Maltese Islands. In: Micallef, A. (ed.), MCRR3–2010 Conference Proceedings, Journal of Coastal Research, Special Issue, No. 61, pp. 114–122. Grosseto, Tuscany, Italy, ISSN 0749–0208.

The insatiable demand for cruise liner berthing spaces as a result of the spectacular increase in cruise-mediated tourism has prompted Maltese authorities to identify additional sites to around the Maltese Islands accommodate such a development, including the Grand Harbour in Malta and Mgarr Harbour in Gozo. The study gives a broadbrush overview of the benthic infralittoral biocoenoses and assemblages and attempts to anticipate the significance of cruise terminal development-related impacts on the same habitats and communities. Ecological sampling techniques included scraping for fouling assemblages, coring for infaunal communities and semiquantitative visual census for benthic and pelagic communities. A number of residual impacts are identified within the study, which also forwards a number of mitigation measures for attenuating deleterious human impacts on marine benthic communities. The two coastal sites assessed are contiguous to harbours, although presenting profoundly different abiotic conditions, benthic biotic communities and conservation importance. Putative impacts were classified on the basis of their significance and include the heightened mobilization of fine particles within the water column with a resultant decrease in water transparency, in an alteration of sediment budgets and in hydrodynamic regimes, in submarine noise generation (at least during the construction phase) and in smothering of benthic communities through land reclamation.

MANIGEL, U., 2011. IMCI Blue Star Marina Certification - a Transparent System to Indicate the Quality Level of Marinas. In: Micallef, A. (ed.), MCRR3–2010 Conference Proceedings, Journal of Coastal Research, Special Issue, No. 61, pp. 123–125. Grosseto, Tuscany, Italy, ISSN 0749–0208.

The International Marine Certification Institute (IMCI) is an EU based, independent non-profit association notified by the EU Commission for the CE certification of recreational crafts. Established in 1996, the association is committed to adding value to the worldwide recreational craft industry by assessing the compliance of marinas, companies, products, services and business professionals. IMCI offers the highest professional standards of quality and safety and has worked with more than 2000 clients worldwide to date. The scope of the IMCI Blue Star Marina Certification Program is water based tourism and recreational boating. The IMCI Board has assigned a special committee to create this much needed program in the boating industry in an effort to implement a single world-wide scheme. The IMCI BLUE STAR Marina Certification program uses a range between 1 and 5 stars to indicate the quality of certified marinas. The star system is already in use as an accepted method used for hotels, restaurants and campgrounds. It is a transparent and comprehensible system for the marina user as well as the marina operators. Both the user and operator will benefit from this expected marina service quality.

Certification topics include external presentation, sanitary installation and hygiene, service facilities, food and chandlery supplies, leisure facilities, environmental protection and waste management practices, security and safety. Certification is granted after a positive assessment by an IMCI Inspector. A mandatory re-assessment assures the continuous reliability of the certification and the marina's quality. IMCI ensures the comparability of marinas across all borders by centralising the training of its international net of marina inspectors.

IMCI maintains a list of all assessed marinas by name, location and awarded stars on both internet and in print media, thus, being readily accessible to the boat user. The certified marina receives the certificate along with an outdoor star certification plaque.

MARROU, L., 2011. Nautical Frequentation and Marina Management. In: Micallef, A. (ed.), MCRR3–2010 Conference Proceedings, Journal of Coastal Research, Special Issue, No. 61, pp. 126–132. Grosseto, Tuscany, Italy, ISSN 0749–0208.

The French marina of La Rochelle is one of the most important o the European Atlantic Coast with nearly 3,500 rings and a broad range of seaside activities ranging from nautical building to shiplanding activities including great international nautical events. The prospect of the creation of Marina Natural Park of the Estuary of the Gironde and the Pertuis Charentais makes us focus on the issue of the nautical frequentation in the Pertuis Archipelago. The coast of La Rochelle shelters the marina of Les Minimes, a fishing harbour (called La Pallice). Therefore the traffic is potentially important and it is necessary to know how much and what goes on in order to make the traffic safe and to regulate it properly. The rational marine planning is interesting as this coast shelters one of the most important French Oyster and Mussel production unit.

So we tried to know better the frequentation of the Bay of La Rochelle focusing on the analysis of marina practices. The approach we selected relies on enquiries, counting analysis, observations from land, ad from sea as well as from the air. The first results (2008 and 2009 collects) account for situations quite different from those known up to now: there are numerous sea-outings and a huge difference between the use of sailing boats or motorboats. The selective occupation of the Bay can also be observed. Consequently, these results are liable to change the marina management.

O'DONNELL, V and O'MAHONY, C., 2011. Maintaining a Marine Leisure Industry in a Recession. In: Micallef, A. (ed.), MCRR3–2010 Conference Proceedings, Journal of Coastal Research, Special Issue, No. 61, pp. 133–139. Grosseto, Tuscany, Italy, ISSN 0749–0208.

In 2008, a Marine Leisure Infrastructure Strategy for 719km of the West Cork coast in the south-west of Ireland was published (CMRC, 2008). At that time the new-found wealth of the Irish population put a demand on marine leisure infrastructure. The 2008 Strategy was commissioned to address the lack of leisure facilities by improving infrastructure in old fishing harbours and by developing slipways and associated facilities in popular holiday destinations in West Cork to augment the established services. In 2010, a Marine Leisure Infrastructure Strategy for the remaining coast of Cork (Figure 1 – 500km) was published (CMRC, 2010). This latest Strategy was developed in an economic climate which is radically different to that of 2008, when there was a proliferation of ‘cash-rich time-poor’ city dwellers and foreign tourists willing to spend money along the Irish Coast, and when there was funding available for capital projects through Government agencies, public private partnerships and private developers. Ireland is now one of the most indebted countries in the western world. Unemployment has risen from 4.3% in January 2005 to 12.7% in January 2010 (CSO, 2010) and for those still working, salaries have dropped in some cases by 15–20% leaving little in the way of disposable income to spend on leisure activities. With the aid of community funding schemes and stakeholder input from local and national organisations such as Cork County Council, Town Councils, Port Companies, Fállte Ireland (national tourism agency) and development partnerships/enterprise boards, the 2010 Strategy has put forward achievable milestones which will enable the coastal tourism industry to survive in one of the most difficult economic times. This ‘bottom-up’ approach can easily be replicated in other coastal areas where tourism is needed to supplement local economies but where necessary levels of investment are lacking.

PARRAIN, C., 2011. Sailing Routes and Stopovers: Spatial Disparities Across the Atlantic. In: Micallef, A. (ed.), MCRR3–2010 Conference Proceedings, Journal of Coastal Research, Special Issue, No. 61, pp. 140'149. Grosseto, Tuscany, Italy, ISSN 0749–0208.

Nowadays, sailing is a recreational and professional (racing, deliveries) activity that groups enjoy different practices including cruising and racing. The renown of a few offshore races and the stories of some famous sailors have encouraged more and more people to go and “experience” the ocean. We are interested in the Atlantic crossings that require a certain knowledge of the weather and the routes. Thus, these sailors cross the Atlantic during specific seasons and have some preferred stopover ports. This subject has been analyzed using interviews carried out in the Azores, the statistics of several sailing associations and data provided by some marinas and harbors as well as our own observations during two crossings.

The first results confirm that some Atlantic sailing “territories” - or sea-territories or “merritoires” for the French term - exist. In fact, there is a difference in use between the Northern and Southern hemispheres and also within the North Atlantic. There is also a spatial difference between and within the Atlantic archipelagos, which reveals Atlantic centralities. The European sailors mainly stop over in Madeira and/or the Canary Islands and sometimes in the Cape Verde Islands before reaching the Caribbean. On the way back, Bermuda and especially the Azores represent the main stopovers where offshore sailors relate their sailing experience. The centralities are linked not only to the history and facilities of the different islands but also to the choice of the race organizers and the different motivations of sailors (repairs, tourism or discovery).

By knowing these routes and the main stopovers, the offshore Atlantic sailing pattern shows a hierarchy which may be helpful for policies that take into account this flow of a distinctive type of traveler and user.

BEGO, F and MALLTEZI, J., 2011. Ecotourism Opportunities and Challenges in Butrint, Albania, a Unique UNESCO and Ramsar site. In: Micallef, A. (ed.), MCRR3–2010 Conference Proceedings, Journal of Coastal Research, Special Issue, No. 61, pp. 150–157. Grosseto, Tuscany, Italy, ISSN 0749–0208.

This paper provides ecoturism opportunities in the Butrint National Park (BNP), designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1999 and Ramsar site in 2003. Geographical position, landscape and biodiversity combined with a very rich culture heritage makes the site the most frequented by foreign visitors in Albania. Other new opportunities to bring more visitors in outside of the summer touristic season, including birdwatching, walking trials, biking, scuba-diving are discussed. The paper raises concerns that the ecotourism opportunities are put at risk by a number of uncontrolled human activities, such as illegal urbanization and massive tourism, wetland reclamation, mining, irrational marine aquaculture, hunting, excessive grazing and fires. Finally, some recommendations on how to address these concerns and maximize potential for ecotourism development of this unique UNESCO and Ramsar Site in Albania are suggested.

GALLAGHER, A and PIKE, K., 2011. Sustainable Management for Maritime Events and Festivals. In: Micallef, A. (ed.), MCRR3–2010 Conference Proceedings, Journal of Coastal Research, Special Issue, No. 61, pp. 158–165. Grosseto, Tuscany, Italy, ISSN 0749–0208.

The number and diversity of events and festivals has grown tremendously over recent years reflecting a societal wish of individuals to partake in a wide range of socio-cultural and sporting activities; with marine and coastal events being no exception. This has lead to a growing recognition of associated environmental impacts, and as such explains the conceptual development of sustainable event management (SEM). Sustainability, though still contested in theory, is the key paradigm in which all resource use and development decisions are taken. This includes relevant authorities, and organizations involved in governance, as well as businesses and commercial enterprises, many of which report on their corporate social and environmental responsibilities. In the UK, this has led to the development of a British Standard for sustainable event management (BS89011:2007).

The organization and management of marine and coastal events and festivals should in theory be no different. One of the ways in which this can be assessed, and sustainable practice be ‘measured’ and ‘monitored’, is by the generation of a number of key indicators, whereby data is gathered to help establish whether environmental and sustainability goals are being met. As such, this research aims to develop and test a robust and useable suite of indicators which can be used by the events management industry to describe their sustainable practice.

The research has three distinct phases. Firstly, views are sought from a broad range of event organisers as to how best achieve sustainability, identifying present practice, intended developments, and organisers’ values. Secondly, data is interpreted using NVIVO in order to establish a core set of indicators that the industry identifies as central to its monitoring of sustainable practice; and thirdly this set will be applied to the Isle of Wight Festival, as an example of a coastal and island event.

GIARDINO, A., MULDER, J., DE RONDE, J and STRONKHORST, J., 2011. Sustainable Development of the Dutch Coast: Present and Future. In: Micallef, A. (ed.), MCRR3–2010 Conference Proceedings, Journal of Coastal Research, Special Issue, No. 61, pp. 166–172 Grosseto, Tuscany, Italy, ISSN 0749'0208.

The Netherlands is a low-lying country, where approximately 27 percent of the territory is located below mean sea level and 55 percent is prone to flooding. Protection against flooding is traditionally the primary objective of coastal policy in the Netherlands. However, since 1990 coastal policy has been subject to a number of modifications, and new objectives have been added to cope with the structural erosion problems of the Dutch coast. To fulfil these new objectives, the yearly volumes of sand for nourishment have been constantly increasing. Even higher volumes will be necessary in the future due to more severe sea level rise scenarios predicted.

In this paper, sand volumes in the coastal area were analysed in combination with numerical modelling results of the sediment transport along the entire coast, to assess the effectiveness of the current nourishment policy, in the short and long term. One reference scenario of the current situation and one long-term prediction, including nourishment and sea level rise, were simulated. The results of this analysis show that nourishment has been successful in coping with the past erosion problems. Furthermore, sand volumes in the upper shoreface are now increasing, creating an additional buffer of sand, which might be needed in the future, as shown by the future scenario.

MYLONOPOULOS, D., MOIRA. P and PARTHENIS, S., 2011. The Legislative Framework of the Management of the Protected Area in Greece; the Case of the National Marine Park of Zakynthos. In: Micallef, A. (ed.), MCRR3–2010 Conference Proceedings, Journal of Coastal Research, Special Issue, No. 61, pp. 173– 182. Grosseto, Tuscany, Italy, ISSN 0749-0208.

The protection of areas presenting a particular natural beauty goes back to antiquity. There are references 2,000 years ago about some areas in India where any form of commercial exploitation was prohibited so that natural resources were protected. There was a similar form of protection for hunting sites in Europe. In Greece the first protected area was the National Woodland Park of Mount Olympus, the ‘home of the gods’, in 1938. As the number of the protected areas started increasing significantly the need for policy review with regard to the legal protection and the management of these areas emerged. Although Greece is an insular country with an expanded coastline and a wealth of marine resources, only two marine areas were designated by law as protected areas in 1999: the National Marine Park of Zakynthos (NMPZ) and the National Marine Park of Alonissos Northern Sporades (NMPANS), currently the largest marine protected area in Europe (approximately 2,260 sq. km). Both areas are well-established destinations for domestic and international tourists. However, what is particular is the fact that NMPZ hosts the most important loggerhead sea turtle Caretta-caretta nesting rookery in the Mediterranean while NMPANS hosts the critically endangered species of monk seal Monachus-monachus. As it can be inferred, land-use conflicts for the sake of the economic development of these areas are a common phenomenon nowadays. The purpose of this paper is to examine the particular problems emerging from the enforcement of the legislation governing the operation of NMPZ, which plays host to hundreds of sea turtle nests each season, taking into consideration the fact that the island attracts thousands of visitors every summer. An assessment of the viability of the marine park will be made and solutions with regard to the sustainable development of the area will be suggested. These suggestions could possibly serve as the main platform for review policy of the current legislative framework by the newly-established Greek Ministry for the Environment, Energy and Climate Change.

OTTERSTAD, O., CAPOTA, P. A and SIMION, A., 2011. Beluga Sturgeon Community Based Tourism (Best Combat). In: Micallef, Anthony, (ed.), MCRR3-2010 Conference Proceedings, Journal of Coastal Research, Special Issue, No. 61, pp. 183-193. Grosseto, Tuscany, Italy, ISSN 0749-0208.

This paper is based on a contemporary Norwegian-Romanian project where sustainable tourism is used to counteract an ongoing extinction of an extremely valuable natural resource, the Beluga sturgeon (Huso Huso). This fish is the world's biggest freshwater fish and it has been appreciated by humans since ancient times due to the good fish meat and the fish eggs, better known as the world's most expensive food commodity, the Beluga (also called ‘Russian’) caviar. The decline of the species has several reasons, among them the building of river dams and irrigation systems. During the last decades the most important threat has been intensified fishing. One of the places left to find it is in the lower Danube and the Black Sea, where a ban on fishing was introduced in 2006, but so far with limited success. The project has selected the village Sfantu Gheorghe for a case study. The present trends point to a probable outcome known as ‘The Tragedy of the Commons’, where the result inevitably is the destruction of the common resource. By approaching this particular community the project is trying to convince the locals from fishermen villages along the whole Danube to start protecting this resource against poaching and thus avoid that the most valuable potential tourist attraction in their neighborhoods is destroyed forever. The project uses ‘constructive sociology’ together with high-tech biological research to bring tourists closer to ‘the pregnancy road’ of the sturgeon. It also tries to work with authorities in the environmental and fishery sectors to set up a fishery regime that might give a base for long-term survival for both the fish and these fishing dependent communities. And not least, it works broadly with the local communities in a transparent way that should benefit most of the stakeholder groups.

PIKE, K., JOHNSON, D., FLETCHER, S and WRIGHT, P., 2011. Seeking Spirituality: Respecting the Social Value of Coastal Recreational Resources in England and Wales. In: Micallef, A. (ed.), MCRR3-2010 Conference Proceedings, Journal of Coastal Research, Special Issue, No. 61, pp. 194–204. Grosseto, Tuscany, Italy, ISSN 0749-0208.

Social value is understood by individuals but is itself a contested concept, although community and participation are key associated terms. Arguably social value of protected areas can be viewed as primarily recreational and aesthetic. Perhaps as a result, social value is often much less considered when compared to environmental and economic aspects when planning the establishment and management of protected areas in coastal locations. Understanding how society values these areas could therefore make a significant difference to optimising management direction and outcomes. Furthermore, understanding non-monetary values could help evaluate trade-offs which can be made between scenarios such as alternative development, management and conservation.

Literature on social value touches on many topics including the emotional appreciation of wilderness and theory of visitor management. Ironically, in the future, climate change may raise social value at the coast given a public fascination with dramatic storms and sensational rapid change as a result of coastal processes. In order to identify social value, evaluate how it has been applied, and suggest better future integration, research focussing on selected coastal protected areas in England and Wales has taken an inductive grounded theory approach. A combination of practitioner and public interviews were undertaken to inform the design of a normative statement and model of social value. To understand social values at an operational level a detailed ‘zoning chart’ exercise in conjunction with an expert scoring system was applied to four case studies This work has resulted in validating social value criteria and has highlighted the complexities of measuring social value, particularly using a scoring system to rate the criteria. Tranquillity, for example, is typically subjective. Zoning charts proved to be a productive data collection tool, allowing visualisation of the criteria. All the data collection phases demonstrated that criteria in the ‘spirituality and natural environment’ theme provided the most social value to the public. Criteria in this theme include areas where it is possible to get away from other people in order to experience tranquillity, isolation and remoteness: experiences of views and open coastline: inspirational opportunities for art, poetry and photography: and an outdoor experience in a place where people want to be.

ROCA, E., VILLARES, M and FERNÁNDEZ, E., 2011. Social Perception on Conservation Strategies in the Costa Brava, Spain. In: Micallef, A., (eds.), MCRR3-2010 Conference Proceedings, Journal of Coastal Research, Special Issue, No. 61, pp. 205–210. Grosseto, Tuscany, Italy, ISSN 0749-0208.

This communication presents the results of a research carried out in the protected area of Aiguamolls de l'Empordà, in the heart of Costa Brava, Spain, where a proposal to extend the perimeter of the protected area in order to guarantee the connectivity function of the territory has created a local but severe social conflict. Our main objective is to explore public perceptions of this intervention in order to deepen in the main causes of such social rejection. The research has collected the local opinion on the problem and the perception of the socioeconomic and environmental impacts of the proposal. It is basically an analysis on the institutional performance followed by a social perception study based on a qualitative survey with local stakeholders.

The results show different social positions regarding the proposed solution. Essentially, the intervention is felt as a threat to the future of several socioeconomic activities (i.e. agriculture). Moreover, mistrust on the public administration and the lack of public participation has reactivated the emergence of an old conflict.

ROSSI, A., BOSCOLO, S., FALCONI, A., BARONI, A and CARAVELLO, G., 2011. Landscape Ecology Methods for the Placement of Artificial Reef Units in the Gulf of Venice (Italy). In: Micallef, A. (ed.), MCRR32010 Conference Proceedings, Journal of Coastal Research, Special Issue, No. 61, pp. 211–216. Grosseto, Tuscany, Italy, ISSN 0749-0208.

The project is aimed to shielding and restoring some peculiar submerged areas, which need to be protected against damage caused by drag-net fishing in the Gulf of Venice. Many submarine outcrops are distributed along Venice's coast in the Northern Adriatic Sea. They are locally called “Tegnùe”, relatively to resistance that they offered against trawlers nets. They are “beach rocks” or “reefs”, depending on if they are of clastic or biologic origin. This area is a natural marine oasis where many species can reproduce and live. Our on-going research consists of the analysis of these peculiar parts of the Gulf of Venice sea bottom, with the employment of G.I.S. methodologies and Landscape Ecology principles.

Within the 64 km2 of the study area, there are seven distinct Tegnùe: information about conformation, surrounding layer type and granulometry, benthic colonization state were detected for each of them. Moreover in the whole area marine currents are being assessed, along with nautical routes that could have an influence and with seabed background condition.

In particular our work consisted of:

At the end we have processed collected data to detect optimal spots for placement of artificial habitat blocks. Furthermore the whole project will lead to a better understanding of the major role played by the sea outcrops as an ecological corridor for marine life and to enhance the ecological colonization by the benthic community. Last but not least, we'll be able to provide a better assessment about a possible ecotouristic resource for the littoral territory.

ŞENLIER, N and ÖZTÜRK, G., 2011. Investigation of Fragility to Estimate Tourism Pressure. Micallef, A. (ed.), MCRR3-2010 Conference Proceedings, Journal of Coastal Research, Special Issue, No. 61, pp. 217-220. Grosseto, Tuscany, Italy, ISSN 0749-0208.

Although tourism is a tool promoting regional economies, it turned out to have serious adverse environmental effects since it began to consume nonrenewable sources. Areas having more natural diversity attract more people but intensive visits give these areas more harm. It is an undeniable fact that when the tourism phenomenon, having the potential of damaging these natural areas, is driven by principles of sustainability, it can transform to a system which is protective and productive at the same time. Similar to most of the countries, the coastal regions are exposed to tourist pressure more than the other areas in Turkey too. Owing to economic benefits, coastal areas are considered as tourism regions rather than areas to be conserved. Furthermore, this approach is supported through tourism policies and legal regulations. It is also observed that implementers, considering the economical importance of tourism in development of the country, evaluate the principles of protection of the natural sources and environment in the second place. In this context, this paper aims to present an approach which is trying to orient the ‘audit’ phase of the planning process with sustainability principles. The study investigates a model's usability in Turkey which is enhanced by a study done in Solento region of Italy for the purpose of defining the life cycles of tourism areas. In this study, the usability of Ecological Fragility Model is discussed for a possibility of comparison of the ecological risk levels of Turkey's coastal tourism regions.

CIDALIA TOJEIRO, M., 2011. The Ecotourism Sustainable Strategy: Engagement and Overcoming. In: Micallef, A. (ed.), MCRR3-2010 Conference Proceedings, Journal of Coastal Research, Special Issue, No. 61, pp. 221–225. Grosseto, Tuscany, Italy, ISSN 0749-0208.

The Ecotourism Sustainable Strategy - ESS can be the exit, for the management, preservation and responsible development in small areas of easy control and with great tourist appeal, as Malta has. The concepts of ecotourism and sustainable development, together can promote an alternative for the solution of existing problems and prevent, with security, the mass tourism that is improper in small countries with very high density because this type of tourism drastically modifies the inhabitants routine by provoke discomfort and does not show any concern in keeping clean or preserved the places for where they pass. The ESS demands the joint action between the tourist industry, the government (national and local), the university and the society that, for implantation of the techniques, proposals will promote interest of the local people, generating human resources for the sector and, consequently, it will provoke the investors related to the economic development of the island. The ecotourism is not a mass activity and its adepts - the ecotourists bring in its profile the eager interest for historical, cultural and gastronomic tourism, and Malta has high potential to do so. The engagement and the responsibilities are attributions sine qua non in ESS' implantation, a time that this strategy can point out to the success in problem solution.

SPITERI, C., VAN MAREN, B., VAN KESSEL, T and DIJKSTRA, J., 2011. Effect Chain Modelling to Support EMS-Dollard Managemnt. In: Micallef, A. (ed.), MCRR3-2010 Conference Proceedings, Journal of Coastal Research, Special Issue, No. 61, pp. 226–233. Grosseto, Tuscany, Italy, ISSN 0749-0208.

The Ems-Dollard estuary, located at the eastern side of the Dutch Wadden Sea, is influenced by conflicting human demands ranging from flood protection, shipping, ports and dredging activities, nature preservation, energy demands, fisheries, tourism and recreational activities. This combination of pressures jeopardizes the water quality and ecological functioning and demands for an integrated sustainable development plan.

As part of the strategic management plan for the area, a so-called effect chain modelling framework is being developed. This process-based approach combines biotic and abiotic processes, the main ecological components and the relevant anthropogenic demands. The integrated modelling framework is implemented in Delft3D (developed by former WL | Delft Hydraulics) and is composed of separate building blocks for hydrodynamics (Delft3D-FLOW) and sediment transport (Delft3D-SED), water quality (Delft3D-WAQ/BLOOM) and ecological dynamics (HABITAT) including interactions with higher trophic levels using a GIS-based spatial analysis tool. It allows for the quantification of the impact of a system component, parameter or process on the relevant ecological groups or processes within the marine environment. It results in an improved understanding of cause-effect relationships between the physical, natural environment and system stressors. The ultimate aim of the modelling framework is to develop a robust assessment tool for dealing with management questions related to site-specific issues, such as the relation between high turbidity and oxygen-depleted zones or the effect of nutrient inputs and dredging activities on water quality and habitat suitability.

COSTA CHAMAS, C and SCHMIDT, A., 2011. Ecotourism and Heritage Conservation. In: Micallef, A. (ed.), MCRR3-2010 Conference Proceedings, Journal of Coastal Research, Special Issue, No. 61, pp. 234–241. Grosseto, Tuscany, Italy, ISSN 0749-0208.

This case study presents ecotourism as a tool for conservation of a small island in southern Brazil. CampecheIsland emerged as a tourist destination due to its scenic quality, clear, calm waters and its proximity to the coast.The landscape factors are enhanced by important archeological sites found along the island's rocky shore.The recent increase in tourism on the island began to have negative consequences, requiring protective measures.This was one of the reasons for the recording of Campeche Island as a National Archeological and LandscapeHeritage site in July, 2000, by the National Historical and Artistic Heritage Institute (IPHAN) of the Braziliangovernment.

After this recording, closing the island to visitors to assure the preservation of its archeological sites wasconsidered. However, this would contradict with IPHAN's strategy to have public contact with heritage sitesbecome a tool for conservation. Therefore, IPHAN has developed a process of qualified visitation that has beencharacterized until now as Mass Tourism, in keeping with concepts of Ecotourism.

A Visitation Project has been gradually implemented by IPHAN with the communities involved to provide services responsible for: a) restoring the trail network and establishing a secure infrastructure; b) assessing visiting capacity; c) creating monitor training courses; d) defining and implementing usage regulations; e) defining trails and f) creating monitoring systems.

This paper will detail the methods adopted for organizing visits to the track and underwater trails, presenting quantitative and qualitative data to show that the visitation procedures allow receiving 40 thousand visitors in the most intensive tourist season without harming the natural and cultural patrimony, while involving the public in raising awareness about the importance of conservation measures.

SPITERI, B., 2011. Towards Sustainable Management of Land and Sea Uses Within the Marsaxokk Bay Area. In: Micallef, A. (ed.), MCRR3-2010 Conference Proceedings, Journal of Coastal Research, Special Issue, No. 61, pp. 242–247. Grosseto, Tuscany, Italy, ISSN 0749-0208.

The Marsaxlokk Bay area is located on the south eastern tip of the Maltese Islands. An area which was traditionally best known for its fishing and beach attractions, it has in recent years undergone a transformation with the introduction and intensification of strategic industrial enterprises and an ensuing shift in the type of land and sea use activities concentrated in this area.

The land uses in the Marsaxlokk Bay area range from industrial (the Freeport, power station and fuel storage facilities) to large and small-scale commercial and recreational (aquaculture, fishing, tourism, agriculture and recreation uses) to residential. It is inevitable that this wide continuum of uses leads to conflicts which tend to emerge over time due to proposals which are perceived to influence the overall quality of life in the Marsaxlokk Bay area. This paper starts off by identifying and analyzing the various land and sea uses linked to the main stakeholders together with their associated impacts. It goes on to illustrate ensuing conflicts and synergies, together with any other issues which could have a bearing on any management initiatives in the area. The paper proposes a framework with an overall aim of promoting overall sustainability vis-a-vis the major economic, social and environmental stakeholders in the Marsaxlokk Bay Area by adopting a holistic approach. The paper is not an attempt to provide ready made solutions to the existing land and sea use issues, but portrays an analysis, which could play a part in the overall improvement of the quality of life in the Marsaxlokk Bay area.

KILOT, N., COLLINS-KREINER, N., and SHMUELI, D., 2011. Coastal Resources Management in Israel. In: Micallef, A. (ed.), MCRR3-2010 Conference Proceedings, Journal of Coastal Research, Special Issue, No. 61, pp. 248–256. Grosseto, Tuscany, Italy, ISSN 0749-0208.

This paper explores the management of coastal resources in two regions of Israel: the urbanized area of metropolitan Haifa and the rural coastal belt between Atlit and Hadera. Development pressures on the coastal resources are enormous as a result of population growth and the density of population in the coastal belt. Major non-sustainable uses in the coast are residences for the affluent, which are built under the pretense that they are designated for recreation and tourism. The legal and planning system weaknesses do not provide a sufficient safeguard for the threatened coastal resources.

PIOCH, S., KILFOYLE, K., LEVREL, H and SPIELER, R., 2011. Green Marine Construction. In: Micallef, A. (ed.), MCRR3-2010 Conference Proceedings, Journal of Coastal Research, Special Issue, No. 61, pp. 257–268. Grosseto, Tuscany, Italy, ISSN 0749-0208.

The oceans incorporate three-quarters of the Earth's surface, and most of humanity lives in coastal regions. For example, more than half of the total U.S. population presently lives in coastal areas, and the coastal population is projected to increase by 7 million between now and 2015. Similar projections can be made for other developed countries many of which depend on the coastal zone as a major source of tourism-related income. The long-term ecological health and sustainability of the marine and coastal environments are obviously at risk. Coastal projects such as beach re-nourishment, housing developments, and pipe-line, harbor and marina construction can have negative impacts on the coastal environment that must be minimized and often mitigated. Typically, mitigation is done after the fact at considerable expense and often with a questionable return of ecosystem services. However, multiple research projects clearly show that species-specific and lifestage-specific habitat can be designed into artificial structure. Thus, with forethought, coastal construction can include structural designs that are not only ecosystem friendly but which also return ecosystem services impacted by construction. Structure incorporating fish and invertebrate habitat can often be integrated up front at little or no extra construction cost. This paper discusses the results of some of the artificial habitat research as well as recent examples of coastal construction and design that have incorporated these findings.

BOSCOLO, S., COPPA, S., FALCONI, A., MOTTA, E., FERRO, A and BARONI, A., 2011. Safeguarding of Venice Coastal Area Through Habitat® Habitat. In: Micallef, A. (ed.), MCRR3-2010 Conference Proceedings, Journal of Coastal Research, Special Issue, No. 61, pp. 269–273. Grosseto, Tuscany, Italy, ISSN 0749-0208.

The Gulf of Venice has got a characteristic morphology, for the presence of irregularly distributed rocky substrate in sandy and muddy bottoms. Scientifically these protuberances are called “beachrocks” or “reefs” if their origin is respectively clastic or biological. These solid outcrops are sea bottom obstacles and locally they are called “Tegnùe” because of their resistance to drag-net fishing.

In the “Second International Conference on the Management of Coastal Recreational Resources” in Gozo, Malta, 2006, we presented a research programme for the preservation of this natural environment against the distraction of fishery activity. The protection of the “Tegnùe”, in experimental way, has been achieved by submarine laying of 1630 concrete blocks, called Habitat®, at a depth of about 20 m, in the surroundings of 78 “Tegnùe” overall. These submerged structures purpose, in addition to keep the fishing boats away from the natural environment, to increase the bottom biodiversity and to enrich the local fish populations. So the artificial reefs can promote the presence and the reproduction of some market valuable fish species.

Now, after a four year study (2006 – 2009) the features of the artificial structures that we used in our project and the results of the analysis of the macrobenthos that has colonized the blocks surfaces during one year, are shown and discussed extensively.

Seasonal surveys were carried out to study the trend of species richness and the abundance of the pioneer colonizers of these artificial structures (above all Polychaetes, Molluscs and Crustaceans). During the whole research time, almost 250 species were recorded totally both in artificial and natural environments.

OLIVEIRA, M.R., PITA, C., GONÇLAVES, J.M.S., LEITE, L., COSTA and ERZINI, K., 2011. Ecotourism Snorkelling Routes at Marinha Beach (Algarve). In: Micallef, A. (ed.), MCRR3-2010 Conference Proceedings, Journal of Coastal Research, Special Issue, No. 61, pp. 274–281. Grosseto, Tuscany, Italy, ISSN 0749-0208.

Coastal ecotourism is one of the fastest growing leisure industries in the world and snorkelling is emerging as an important beach-based activity. Snorkelling has the potential to enhance biodiversity conservation when developed within environmental education framework. The aim of this study was to implement and evaluate snorkelling routes, in the Algarve (South Portugal), as a sustainable ecotourism offer. To achieve these objectives, three snorkelling routes were established at the pristine Marinha beach. After the diving experience, a face-to-face questionnaire survey was conducted to collect information about individuals' opinions regarding the underwater routes, their social demographic characteristics, ecological appreciation, opinions about beach facilities and trip expenditures. The survey was undertaken during the summer months of 2008 and 2009, and 202 people were interviewed. Data was analysed using univariate and multivariate statistic methods. Most respondents perceived the existence of routes to be good for the preservation of the local biodiversity and reported this experience as “good” or “excellent”. The only difference in perceptions was observed by visitor snorkelling in groups of more than two people. Interviewers consider that emergency support and sanitary facilities are the most important beach support infrastructures. Overall, these routes seem to be an effective tool for developing ecological awareness in tourists, as they enhance the preservation and the understanding of the marine coastal environment.

AMINTI, P.L., BARTOLETTI, E., BERRIOLO, G., BINI, A., BONINSEGNI, G., MORI, E., PRANZINI, E and VANNUCCHI, V., 2011. Marina Di Cecina Urban Beach: a Shore Protection Project. In: Micallef, A. (ed.), MCRR3-2010 Conference Proceedings, Journal of Coastal Research, Special Issue, No. 61, pp. 282–289. Grosseto, Tuscany, Italy, ISSN 0749-0208.

Marina di Cecina is a tourist town built on the southern side of Cecina river mouth. Its urban beach has been undergoing severe erosion since the early 20^th century as a consequence of reduced river sediment input. Some groins were constructed after the collapse of the first line of houses near the waterline. Immediately the shoreline assumed a characteristic saw-tooth shape and beach use and recreational facilities had to adapt to this uneven sand distribution. In 1990 two of the three main groins were extended with submerged segments and limited artificial nourishment was also performed. Some discontinuous submerged detached breakwaters were added later within the groin field, which resulted in sediment dispersion offshore. The beach was maintained with occasional nourishment, but its width could not support profitable recreational activities and some tourism facilities are still being damaged today by waves during severe storms. To solve these problems, the Livorno Province administration within the Regional shore protection plan, has performed a rehabilitation project at this urban beach. The project is based on the reconfiguration of the whole defence system, removing parallel structures and modifying the groin field; varying the lengths to reach a new alignment of the tips, in order to stabilise a new and more uniform beach to be obtained by means of artificial nourishment. Groin tips will be asymmetric, to reduce wave reflection on the exposed side; some of them will be extended with a long submerged segment made with T-shape concrete precast elements. Groins will be constructed using large flat-faced stones in order to obtain regular slopes, whereas a central pathway made of concrete will allow easy access to pedestrians. Moreover, at the extremities of the field, where parking facilities are present, groins will end with a mildly sloped ramp to give wheelchair users access to the sea.

CIPRIANI, L.E., FERRI, S., LAMI, G and PRANZINI, E., 2011. Human Impact on Shoreline Evolution Along the Follonica Gulf (Southern Tuscany): How Tourism May Kill the Goose That Lays the Golden Eggs. In: Micallef, A. (ed.), MCRR3-2010 Conference Proceedings, Journal of Coastal Research, Special Issue, No. 61, pp. 290–294. Grosseto, Tuscany, Italy, ISSN 0749-0208.

Follonica Gulf beach is subject to widespread low-rate erosion, which started in the 19^th Century due to river diversion for coastal marsh reclamation. Once rivers were re-directed to the coast; land subsidence induced by water extraction sustained erosion. From 1954 to 1984 mean shoreline retreat was approximately 9 m.

In the 1960's, development of coastal tourism villages increased beach use and the need for house protection from storms. Detached breakwaters were built, trapping sand from adjacent coastal sectors. This induced shoreline progradation in protected sectors creating a wider beach, but unprotected coastal sectors experienced severe erosion. Stakeholders requested additional protection: the most developed area was gradually protected by detached breakwaters up to complete closure. Comparing the 2005 and 1954 shoreline positions, we see that out of the total length of approximately 21 km of coastline 8 km are accreting; less than 1 km is stable and over 12 km are eroding. Recently, a marina was built on the eastern margin of the study area; however wave diffraction at breakwater tip induced longshore transport and entrance siltation at the cost of western neighbouring beaches.

Tourism industry stakeholders, whose economy is based on beach width and quality, were responsible for such coastal degradation, but now cooperate with local and regional administrations, accepting reduction in the use of hard defences - although shoreline realignment will end up penalising someone. Some detached breakwaters have been lowered to 50 cm below mean sea level, whereas others will undergo similar reshaping in the near future. The two oldest sets of coastal defence are now under study, in order to find solutions for a gradual return to more natural conditions. Changes to the marina configuration are being designed to prevent siltation, reaching a new equilibrium for the adjacent beach. We now realise that money spent for shore protection in some sectors would have maintained the 1950's shoreline position along the whole Gulf using beach nourishment, with no landscape deterioration.

DI NATALE, M., MAIETTA, M., DI MAURO, A and DERI, M., 2011. Hydrodynamic Dispersion of Pollutant Discharge by Means of Submarine Pipelines. In: Micallef, A. (ed.), MCRR3-2010 Conference Proceedings, Journal of Coastal Research, Special Issue, No. 61, pp. 295–302. Grosseto, Tuscany, Italy, ISSN 0749-0208.

Anthropic activities have an important influence on the ecological state of seawater, so innovative systems able to guarantee water quality and minimize human impact are required. In this paper the pollution of Litorale Domitio coastal waters is investigated. The analyzed coastal areas represent the final discharge of treated wastewater and drainage water. Therefore an evaluation of a technical solution able to make the quality of such waters compatible with the tourism is needed. For this reason, the integration of the depurative scheme with a system of submarine pipelines is proposed. An application of the proposed method is shown with reference to the case of Regi Lagni in Campania. Using numerical models by DHI dedicated software, it is verified that the suggested method contributes to a meaningful reduction of near-shore pollution.

DI PAOLA, G., IGLESIAS, J., RODRÍGUEZ, G., BENASSAI, G., AUCELLI, P and PAPPONE, G., 2011. Estimating Coastal Vulnerability in a Meso-Tidal Beach by Means of Quantitative and Semi-Quantitative Methodologies. In: Micallef, A. (ed.), MCRR3-2010 Conference Proceedings, Journal of Coastal Research, Special Issue, No. 61, pp. 303–308. Grosseto, Tuscany, Italy, ISSN 0749-0208.

The main goal of this study is to estimate the coastal vulnerability on a stretch of coastline by using two different methodologies and to check if both methodologies give rise to similar results or if notably dissimilar assessments are obtained. To reach the above mentioned objective, a new experimental methodology (Benassai et al, 2009) based on inundation of the inshore land and the well known USGS methodology (Gornitz et al, 1994) are applied and compared. In the first approach, a new parameter, named as impact index, is calculated by using wave climate and geomorphologic data. In general, impact index depends on run-up height, seasonal and long term erosion index and the efficiency of existing structures for coastal defence. The relative value of this parameter is contrasted with that of the often used coastal vulnerability index, CVI, which includes geological and physical variables. The application of these methods gives rise to significantly different levels of vulnerability for the same zone. This situation must be attributed mainly to the distinctive nature of the used methods. Thus, taking into account the results, it is remarked that the procedure to choose a methodology for assessing the vulnerability of a given coastal zone must be based on the available information and on the characteristics of the zone. Furthermore, the use of the same method to do risk and vulnerability comparisons is recommended.

LEE, J. L., LEE, J. Y. and KIM, I. H., 2011. Managing Effect of Hot Spot Shoreline Behind a Power Buoy Energy Farm. In: Micallef, A. (ed.), MCRR3-2010 Conference Proceedings, Journal of Coastal Research, Special Issue, No. 61, pp. 309–316. Grosseto, Tuscany, Italy, ISSN 0749-0208.

A powerbuoy energy farm is taken into account to generate and deliver green energy to a small town located in Kangwon coast, Korea. The wave heights are reduced on the lee side of a power buoy energy farm. Therefore, ocean energy devices can also protect the coastline from erosion without changing the physical scenes dramatically. Many coastal communities have suffered from the coastal erosion problem. One of the traditional ways to improve the condition has been to build breakwaters, which reflect waves to adjacent areas. The erosion of the unprotected coastlines then gets worse because the energy has to be released in action here and there. Our numerical study involves two modules: 1) wave dynamics analyzed by a plane-wave approximation, and 2) concurrent wave-induced currents. The numerical approaches of the wave-structure interaction have concerned several authors with the direct inclusion of evanescent modes, which require significant CPU time and computational storage. Recently, Lee and Lee (2001) and Lee and Lee (2003) proposed a simple plane wave, wide-spacing approximation method to add scattering terms to the traditional mild-slope equation without inclusion of evanescent modes. Evanescent modes are only considered in analyzing the scattering characteristics for a single buoy.

MAVRIS, C., 2011. Sustainable Environmental Tourism and Insular Coastal Area Risk Management in Cyprus and the Mediterranean. In: A, Micallef. (eds.), MCRR3-2010 Conference Proceedings, Journal of Coastal Research, Special Issue, No. 61, pp. 317–327. Grosseto, Tuscany, Italy, ISSN 0749-0208.

The objective of this paper is to provide an understanding on the value of the island of Cyprus' coastal resources at risk, as well as an orientation of future management towards their sustainable use. The paper is intended as a platform of discussion, presenting a number of recommendations on Cyprus island sustainability in the Mediterranean, directed at major environmental and political institutions. It focuses on Insular Coastal Area Risk Management in Cyprus and the Mediterranean. In doing so, it determines how tourism development in Cyprus since 1960 affected the environment, especially the coastal area, identifying in the process measures and projects undertaken to overcome adverse environmental effects. The paper concludes with a series of recommendations.

PROENÇA, B., OLIVEIRA, F.S.B.F and SANCHO, F., 2011. Coastal Erosion Management in Algarve (Portugal) — a Beach Nourishment Case Study. In: Micallef, A. (ed.), MCRR3-2010 Conference Proceedings, Journal of Coastal Research, Special Issue, No. 61, pp. 328–334. Grosseto, Tuscany, Italy, ISSN 0749-0208.

In the Portuguese southern coast, national and international appeal turns it into a highly relevant area concerning the country's economy. Vale do Lobo is a resort located in the centre of this coast, where the beach has been suffering from erosion problems for several years now. Local interventions have been executed in order to prevent the erosion of the beach, yet the efficiency of such strategy has not been verified.

This study's main purpose is to enable a better understanding of the evolutionary trends of the coastline between the Quarteira and Ancño inlet and to analyse the efficiency of the beach nourishment interventions as a protection technique for a coastal environment with the wave energy exposure and geomorphologic characteristics of the present one. The study focussed on a 10-year period, during which, 700×10 and 370×10³ m³ of sand with D₅₀=0.76 mm (slightly larger than the D₅₀ of the native beach) were extracted from offshore, and deposited in the foreshore. The wave climate in the study area was processed, analysed and used as input for modelling the nearshore processes. In addition, beach profiles measured alongshore have been analysed to obtain the representative beach profile. Coastlines of different dates have been derived from aerial photographs. The longshore transport model Litdrift and the coastline model Litline were applied to study the sediment dynamics. Litdrift was used to estimate the longshore transport capacity of the beach for the hydrodynamic series considering the representative beach profile previously obtained. These results were then used to calculate the evolution of the coastline due to the incident wave climate with Litline model. Aerial photographs were used to verify the model. The analysis of the two beach nourishments performed allowed inference on the efficiency of this coastal protection technique to delay the erosion process.

SOLDATI, M., MAQUAIRE, O., ZEZERE, J. L., PIACENTINI, D and LISSAK, C, 2011. Coastline at Risk: Methods for Multi-Hazard Assessment. In: Micallef, A. (ed.), MCRR3–2010 Conference Proceedings, Journal of Coastal Research, Special Issue, No. 61, pp. 335–339. Grosseto, Tuscany, Italy, ISSN 0749-0208.

In recent years the interest for coastal hazards has increased significantly due to extreme events, sometimes related to climate change, that frequently occur in different parts of the world, often inducing high risk situations. This paper outlines the objectives, perspectives and preliminary results of a research project entitled “Coastline at risk: Methods for multi-hazard assessment” which aims at providing useful knowledge for the mitigation of coastal instability. The project is managed by the European Centre on Geomorphological Hazards (Centre Européen sur les Risques Geomorphologiques, CERG) and funded by the EUR-OPA Major Hazards Agreement. Investigations are focused on coastal landslides in three different morpho-climatic European environments: Malta (Mediterranean coastline), Lower Normandy (Channel coastline) and Central Portugal (Atlantic coastline). The research outputs are expected to provide a significant opportunity for scientific discussion based on the comparison of data regarding instability situations in the context of multi-hazards assessment. The latter has until now dealt slightly with the coasts of Malta, Normandy and Portugal on which the investigations will be focused, despite significant risk issues present there, as evidenced from a series of accidents and damages recorded after landslide events. The aims of the project will be pursued through multidisciplinary investigations which foresee geomorphological and engineering-geological approaches. Integrated avant-garde research techniques, both traditional and innovative, will be applied with special reference to mapping, monitoring and modelling of coastal instability phenomena. The final objective is to propose a method for coastal multi-hazard assessment that can be used to face and manage coastal hazards.

VIEZZOLI, A., TOSI, L and TEATINI, P., 2011. Application of Airborne Electromagnetics to Effective Hydrogeological Modelling of Delicate Coastal Areas. In: Micallef, A. (ed.), MCRR3–2010 Conference Proceedings, Journal of Coastal Research, Special Issue, No. 61, pp. 340–343. Grosseto, Tuscany, Italy, ISSN 0749–0208.

Understanding the hydrogeological processes is critical for a sound management of water resources in coastal areas. Here lie the majority of human settlements and industrial production. Moreover, human pressure on the environment is constantly increasing, and many studies predict a rising of seawater level in the next 50 years, raging from a few cm up to some tens of cm, depending on location. These are common characteristics of most coastal areas, wetlands, lagoons, and estuaries which also have unique flora and fauna depending on the groundwater-surface water processes. The application of airborne electromagnetics (AEM) for groundwater monitoring and modeling has been steadily rising in the past decade, due to parallel developments of better AEM systems together with processing and inversion methologies. It can greatly improve the data quality and coverage in tidal and coastal areas, together with lagoons, esturaries, and river deltas while cutting significantly the acquisition costs and providing vital informations on issues like saline water intrusion etc. In this paper we present results and applications of AEM to hydrogeological modelling of the Venice lagoon, where the methodology greatly improved the understanding of the general hydrogeology, both within, below and in the proximity of the lagoon.

TARRAGONI, C, BELLOTTI, P., DAVOLI, L., PETRONIO, B.M and PIETROLOETTI, M., 2011. Historical and Recent Environmental Changes of the Ombrone Delta (Southern Italy). In: Micallef, A. (ed.), MCRR3–2010 Conference Proceedings, Journal of Coastal Research, Special Issue, No. 61, pp. 344–352. Grosseto, Tuscany, Italy, ISSN 0749–0208.

Reconstruction of shoreline variations in the area of the Ombrone delta apex has been achieved by comparing aerial photos acquired in 1995, 1998, 2004 and 2006. This reconstruction allowed to define the recent evolution of the Ombrone delta area in terms of erosional and progradation rates. Comparison with older erosional and progradation rates derived from Bellotti et al. (1999a) evidences increasing erosional rates along the delta apex during the investigated interval. Moreover, it has been possible to identify the importance of mouth bar growth as a recurrent mechanism for confining narrow sea stretches. These results have been used as reference for inferring the genesis of a set of four older beach ridges and a lake reported in historical maps. According to previous studies, the modern ponds (locally known as “chiari”) are remnants of the old lake observed in historical maps. Based on the morphological analysis and reconstruction herein proposed the origin of the modern Chiaro Grande pond and Chiaro del Porciatti ponds is independent from that of the old lake, and likely reflects the growth of bars offshore the Ombrone River delta. Lake avulsion during main flood events, however, may have represented an additional contribute to the sourcing of the ponds, as supported by the evidence of washover breaks that connect the ponds with the area at their back where the lake existed until the end of 19^th century.

MAGALETTI, E., BORRELLO, P., SPADA, E., BATALONI, S., DI GIROLAMO, I and GIANI, M., 2011. Surveillance of Potentially Toxic Benthic Microalgae Along the Italian Coast. In: Micallef, A. (ed.), MCRR3– 2010 Conference Proceedings, Journal of Coastal Research, Special Issue, No. 61, pp. 353–358. Grosseto, Tuscany, Italy, ISSN 0749–0208.

Since 1989, the Italian Ministry for the Environment, Land and Sea (MATTM) is carrying out monitoring programs to assess the ecological quality of the marine coastal environment. In the period 2001–2007, phytoplankton communities were investigated every 15 days in 81 areas along the Italian coast and from 2008 also the benthic microalgae communities are being investigated during the Summer months.

In 2006, the Italian Minister for the Environment requested ISPRA to carry out activities in collaboration with the Regional Environmental Agencies (ARPA) aimed at achieving a better understanding of the distribution and bloom dynamics of Ostreopsis species in Italian coastal waters. More recently, the research project “Ostreopsis ovata and Ostreopsis spp.: new risks of microalgal toxicity in Italian seas”, financially supported by the MATTM, has been carried out by ISPRA in collaboration with 10 Italian Universities and Research Institutes. This paper provides an overview of Italian monitoring and research activities on Ostreopsis ovata and other toxic benthic microalgae.

DI NATALE, M and CIARMIELLO, M., 2011. The Role of Coastal Vegetation on Oscillatory Flow Fields. In: Micallef, A. (ed.), MCRR3–2010 Conference Proceedings, Journal of Coastal Research, Special Issue, No. 61, pp. 359–364. Grosseto, Tuscany, Italy, ISSN 0749–0208.

Significant land use changes, mainly due to the growth in tourism and coastal urbanization, may be accompanied by profound alterations of the balances related to coastal sediment transport phenomena. This can cause imbalances in coastal areas with the development of zones characterized by erosion. Both structural and non structural methods for coastal protection (breakwaters, seawalls, beach nourishments) are a valid response for the mitigation of coastal erosion.

In the last decades an important role in coastal protection has been assigned to submerged vegetation. The objective of this paper is to evaluate the effects of coastal vegetation on the fluid structure and velocity modifications. The work was carried out experimentally in an oscillating water tunnel.

Velocities were measured using a 2C Digital Particle Image Velocimetry (DPIV) system. Vegetation was modeled by rigid cylinders. A dataset of phase averaged velocity profiles have been analyzed, for coastal hydrodynamic conditions corresponding to disturbed laminar and intermittently turbulent regimes.

The analysis of velocity profiles have shown that vegetation induces modifications in the velocity distribution, causing a reduction of the phase average velocity respect to the no-vegetated bottom case, confirming the expectation, namely the influence of vegetation on the boundary layer properties.

VIRAPART, C., 2011. Tsunami Prevention and Preparedness Practices for Tourism Sector and Private Entrepreneur in Khao Lak, Phang Nga Province of Thailand. In: Micallef, A. (ed.), MCRR3–2010 Conference Proceedings, Journal of Coastal Research, Special Issue, No. 61, pp. 365–368. Grosseto, Tuscany, Italy, ISSN 0749–0208.

The 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami on 26^th December 2004 caused more than 8,000 casualties for both Thais and foreign tourists in Thailand. Casualties were mainly in the Khao Lak areas, one of the most popular coastal cities of the Andaman Sea of Thailand in Phang Nga Province. Thailand has put in place a disaster early warning system through the establishment of the National Disaster Warning Center (NDWC) in on 30th May 2005. NDWC and its interagency departments and international organizations have implemented knowledge-based capacity building programs to increase awareness and resilience in disaster management at the Government function levels and the community level since 2006. It was found that the tsunami prevention and preparedness practices for tourism sector and private entrepreneurs had not yet been developed. This may result in detrimental impacts if tsunamis of the same magnitude will occur again in the future. A project entitled “Tsunami Prevention and Preparedness Practices for Tourism Sector and Private Entrepreneur in Khao Lak, Phang Nga Province of Thailand” is now proposed to be implemented in about 30 selected hotels, resorts and business areas in Khao Lak, Phang Nga. The objectives of the project are to implement tourism and business entrepreneur strategic early warning and risk management plans to provide participatory planning, disaster preparedness and response practices selected hotels, resorts and business area buildings and to demonstrate utilization of appropriate telecommunication technology for disaster early warning system for tourism and private sector entrepreneur located in Khao Lak Areas, Phang Nga. The project will provide adaptive learning tools in the tsunami prevention and preparedness practices for tourism sector and private entrepreneur in Khao Lak of Phang Nga and can be expanded to other areas which are located in the tsunami prone areas of Thailand and in other countries.

AL-HULAIL, F and NEELAMANI, S., 2011. The Variation of Total Suspended Sediments Due to the Change in Sea Water Depth, Tidal Phase and Elevation of Sea Water Sample Collection in Khor Sabiya Inlet of the Arabian Gulf, Kuwait. In: Micallef, A. (ed.), MCRR3-2010 Conference Proceedings, Journal of Coastal Research, Special Issue, No. 61, pp. 369–374. Grosseto, Tuscany, Italy, ISSN 0749-0208.

The seawater intake channel in one of the power plans in Kuwait is attracting significant settlement of Total Suspended Solids (TSS). Maintenance dredging of about 400,000 m³/year of silt and clay is carried out with a total annual maintenance cost of about 1.4 million Kuwaiti Dinar. There is a proposal to increase the seawater intake for a proposed 2050 MW additional power plant and hence further increase in the TSS settlement is anticipated, if the present sea water intake system is used. Alternative types of seawater intake systems, which can reduce the entry of total suspended sediments, is explored. Before going for another alternative seawater intake system, it is necessary to assess the TSS level in the seawater at different water depths, at different tidal phases and at different elevations. Seawater samples at two different locations (one in a shallow water of 1.37 m and another in a deep water with water depth of 5.67 m with respect to the Kuwait Land Chart Datum (KLCD) is selected. At each location, 24 water samples were collected, at three different elevations (one at the surface, one at mid-depth and one closer to the sea bed) and at 8 different tidal phases, covering the low tide and high tide. The TSS is expected to vary when the tide is varying due to the change in flow velocity of sea water, which results in different sediment carrying capacity of the flowing water. The average TSS value at seabed, mid-depth and at the surface in shallow water is obtained as 289.75 mg/l, 278.63 mg/l and 258.38 mg/l respectively. The average TSS value at seabed, mid-depth and at the surface in deeper water is obtained as 431.88 mg/l, 355.63 mg/l and 248.13 mg/l respectively. It is hence advisable to draw water closer to the free surface in order to reduce the TSS load entering into the power plant system. It is also found that the TSS level reduces significantly (40% to 60%) when the flow velocity of sea water is minimum. Hence it is better to avoid taking in the seawater when the sediment carrying capacity of the seawater is high during high currents. This paper provides the details of variation of TSS with tide level variation at two locations and at three different elevations in Khor-Sabiya, Kuwait. This study will be useful for similar locations around the world for selecting a suitable seawater intake system which will help in the reduction of sediment load entering into the power plant.

ARENA, P., 2011. Protecting Fish Assemblages on Sunken Vessels to Enhance Diving Ecotourism and Local Natural Resources. In: Micallef, A. (ed.), MCRR3-2010 Conference Proceedings, Journal of Coastal Research, Special Issue, No. 61, pp. 375–377. Grosseto, Tuscany, Italy, ISSN 0749-0208.

Sixty percent of the world's human population lives within 60 km of the coastline. The ever increasing numbers of people near the coast leads to higher demand for recreational opportunities in these coastal areas. One very popular activity is SCUBA diving and ecotourism. Divers have consistently shown they enjoy diving on artificial reefs with a preference for sunken vessels. These artificial reef types have been shown to harbor a wide variety and large numbers of fishes. However, these fishes are susceptible to heavy fishing pressure and a conflict exists between fishers who would like to harvest its resources and ecotourists who prefer to observe and photograph these fishes. Fishing on these artificial reefs can rapidly reduce target fish populations and negatively impact local fisheries. However, with protection, some of these sunken vessels can provide a safe haven from fishers and would have a better likelyhood of enhancing local fisheries, while still providing an excellent non-consumptive ecotour destination.

CREO, C and FRABONI, C, 2011. Awards for the Sustainable Management of Coastal Tourism Destinations: the Example of the Blue Flag Program. In: Micallef, A. (ed.), MCRR3-2010 Conference Proceedings, Journal of Coastal Research, Special Issue, No. 61, pp. 378–381. Grosseto, Tuscany, Italy, ISSN 0749-0208.

Local authorities, particularly coastal municipalities are gradually incorporating sustainability as one of the core values to drive the tourism industry forward, in an attempt to be more responsive to current market, environmental and community requirements. Central to this process is the adoption of voluntary initiatives such as environmental guidelines and certification schemes that encourage commitment to change. The Blue Flag Programme, run by the independent non-profit organization Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), brings a reliable guarantee to tourists regarding the environmental quality of beaches and marinas. Therefore it serves to encourage local authorities and other tourism stakeholders to constantly enhance the environmental quality of their destinations as a whole. The Blue Flag works towards sustainable development through strict criteria dealing with water quality, environmental education and information, environmental management, safety and other services at the beach. This study presents the results of work undertaken for a pilot project contracted by ENEA and the University of Bologna, under the patronage of the Foundation for Environmental Education, which had the central aim of conducting research on the role that the Blue Flag award can play, working together with local authorities to build a common conscience, and providing guidance towards sustainable tourism development. The research was performed through a questionnaire, which was sent to all the Blue Flag awarded municipalities across Italy. In future, this method could be extended to all the Blue Flag beaches/marinas around the world. Results confirmed the validity of the Blue Flag Programme as a tool for improving coastal zone management in a holistic way, promoting the incorporation of environmental issues in the decision-making processes of local authorities and their partners.

DIPOVA, N and OKUDAN, E.S., 2011. Sea Caves, Flank Margin Caves and Tufa Caves Observed on Antalya Coastal Cliffs. In: Micallef, A. (ed.), MCRR3-2010 Conference Proceedings, Journal of Coastal Research, Special Issue, No. 61, pp. 382–386. Grosseto, Tuscany, Italy, ISSN 0749-0208.

The caves on Antalya cliffs are of three origin; sea caves, tufa caves and flank margin caves. Sea caves are formed due to wave action on weak parts of the rock. Because the rocks of the Antalya cliffs are heterogeneous and strength varies in a wide range, weak parts of the cliffs are susceptible to cave formation. Tufa caves occurred as blind holes behind tufa curtains which deposited on tufa cascade environment of deposition. The obvious distinguishing features of tufa caves are primary sedimentary structures instead of corrosion morphologies. The flank margin caves occurred due to mixing corrosion at sea and groundwater interface. In this study more attention has been paid on porosity development and related cave formation due to mixing corrosion. Mixing corrosion is a process in which mixed water dissolves calcium carbonate rock, where groundwater and sea water interfere. Cavities which occur in this process can join together and form big chambers. When rock load on this chambers exceeds rocks strength, the roof may collapse and fall into the chamber. This fallen block is also subject to further dissolution resulting in enlargement of the cave. Entrances of the caves on the cliffs are concentrated between present sea level and 5 m below this level. Similarly, on the sea level caves depth of the caves is around 5 m. Starting from a time of constant sea level in the past, and following sea level rise, mixing corrosion and flank margin cave development should have been continued.

FURLANI, S., DEVOTO, S., BIOLCHI, S and CUCCHI, F., 2011. Factors Triggering Sea Cliff Instability Along the Slovenian Coasts. In: Micallef, A. (ed.), MCRR3-2010 Conference Proceedings, Journal of Coastal Research, Special Issue, No. 61, pp. 387–393. Grosseto, Tuscany, Italy, ISSN 0749-0208.

The cliff retreat is the sum of the sustained action of marine and continental factors. Their interrelations depend on the geological and environmental settings of the area. The studied cliffs are cut in the Eocene Flysch, a turbiditic succession composed by centimetric—metric sandstones with millimetric-centimetric interbedded silty marlstones, almost horizontal in the study area. The low resistance of the rock mass allows the rapid retreat of the cliffs and the development of wide shore platforms.

This work aims at evaluating sea cliff retreat and the factors that trigger the collapse of material and its removal from the cliff foot. Different methods have been used: a detailed characterization of the geomechanical properties and the quality of rock masses, the susceptibility to rock falls and a photographic surveying.

The sea cliff retreat in five sites along the Slovenian coast, in the Northeastern Adriatic Sea, has been studied through the comparison of more than 7000 pictures collected since 1998, at precise time steps and under any weather conditions. These data have been subsequently compared with archaeological data, historical maps and the characterization of the geomechanical features of rock masses in order to determine the factors triggering the cliff retreat. Photographic surveying displays a rapid but complex behaviour of the cliff retreat: during long stable-weather periods, cliff modifications are very low and groundwater solution or landslides have been observed. Major changes in the cliff face have been observed after great storm events, because of a complex interaction between marine and non-marine factors.

The integrated method proposed here, including the photographic surveying and the geomorphological-geomechanical characterisation of rock masses is a valuable method for understanding and evaluating the mechanisms of cliff retreat.

IGNATOSKI, V and BAJIĆ, D., 2011. The Seashore for our Prosperity Promotion, Preservation and Sustainable Development. In: Micallef, A. (ed.). MCRR3-2010 Conference Proceedings, Journal of Coastal Research, Special Issue, No. 61, pp. 394–397. Grosseto, Tuscany, Italy, ISSN 0749-0208.

The article describes former and current activities of the association related so far to 2 projects. The first project, still under progress, is systematic filming of the entire coast including islands. This should be an original testimony of the current coasts state intended to be left to future generations. The message is that they are going to leave it to their inheritors one day and hence they have to preserve it as well. The second project, currently under preparation is related to the cleaning of coast from shored rubbish that unfortunately can be observed in great quantities on many locations. The intention is not only to clean the coast from rubbish, but also to promote the beauty of our coast by engagement of volunteers formvthe whole world as well as to raise the culture of environment preservation through the activities of the associated School of Ecology.

MALLTEZI, J and SULÇE, S., 2011. Pathogenic Water Quality at Saranda Bay in Albania. In: Micallef, A. (ed.), MCRR3-2010 Conference Proceedings, Journal of Coastal Research, Special Issue, No. 61, pp. 398–402. Grosseto, Tuscany, Italy, ISSN 0749-0208.

Saranda Bay, located in southern Albania, has a relatively open exchange of water with the Ionian Sea. Seawaer quality of the bay is seriously threatened by anthropogenic activities in the ity of Saranda. The main ontributors of macronutrients, heavy metals and pathogens in the bay include sewage (which is still discharged untreated into the Bistrica River about 400 m prior t its discharge to the sea) sea port waste, city waste, and top soil eroded from slopes in land reclamation activities. Previous studies have indicated that seawater chemical and biological parameters of Saranda Bay are relatively good and the seawater is relatively clean, notwithstanding rising pollution pressures caused by rapid population growth and expanding tourism. The main objective of this study was to monitor environmental parameters that determine seawater quality in the Saranda Bay pursuant the EU Bathing Directive. Seawater samples were taken four times each year during 2007 and 2009 at seven sampling stations. The water quality values varied widely between seasons and sampling points.

Our findings indicate that, pursuant the EU Bathing Directive, the Saranda seawater quality is considered “excellent” and “good” in all but one sampling station with respect to E. coli, and “good” and “sufficient” in most sampling stations with respect to F. streptococcus. The ongoing works for completion of a wastewater treatment facility in Saranda will very likely improve seawater quality.

LEVENTELI, Y., 2011. Potential Human Impact on Coastal Area, Antalya —Turkey. In: Micallef, A. (ed.), MCRR3-2010 Conference Proceedings, Journal of Coastal Research, Special Issue, No. 61, pp. 403–407. Grosseto, Tuscany, Italy, ISSN 0749-0208.

Tahtalı Mountain rises sharply by the sea and reaches a height of 2366 meters in the South-eastern Teke Peninsula, in the Western part of the Antalya Bay, Turkey. It is surrounded by Kemer, Çamyuva, Tekirova which are well known touristic places. The mountain mainly consists of limestone which is characterized by karstic forms such as dolines. These karstic features are filled with snow in winter and recharge the coastal aquifer. Groundwater chemistry reflects rock characteristics in the aquifer. This aquifer supplies domestic water for villages and touristic towns.

A private company is planning to construct a ski resort in spite of restrictions on construction, inappropriate morphology, inadequate snow cover and snow quality which is unsuitable for skiing. The construction of the resort and the aerial cableway has already been finished. As the facility grows, unfortunately, more structures will be built. This will alter the hydrological balance in the coastal area in terms of quantity and quality. The domestic water of the existing settlements will be contaminated because more than 150.000 people will use this area. Besides, the quantity of groundwater will decrease because karstic forms will be filled which means the salt water intrusion along the coastal aquifer will be increased. As an alternative, eco-friendly and recreational tourist opportunities should be explored.

LOZOYA, J.P., SARDÁ, R and JIMÉNEZ, J.A., 2011. Beach Multi-Risk Assessment in the Coasta Brava (Spain). In: Micallef, A. (ed.), MCRR3-2010 Conference Proceedings, Journal of Coastal Research, Special Issue, No. 61, pp. 408–414. Grosseto, Tuscany, Italy, ISSN 0749-0208.

Beaches are complex social-ecological systems that provide several goods and services improving human well being. Both an excessive development of the Tourism industry and an increase of coastal hazards have been identified as important factors inducing coastal degradation and affecting the natural supply of these services. Nevertheless, traditional beach management has been concentrated on geomorphic hazards and beaches recreational uses, overlooking their broader functions. Risk analysis is recognized as a tool to assist decision making, helping managers to prioritize issues and focus efforts in the activities with the greatest potential impact. However, as beach management, traditional risk management overlooks beach environmental values, focusing on damages to assets and not considering the total risk in management. In response to the need to incorporate integrated and proactive tools which assist coastal managers, we apply a beach multi-risk assessment in S'Abanell beach (Spanish Mediterranean), in order to prioritize the most risky hazards and the most affected ecosystem services, helping the manager to decide where to allocate resources to cope with hazards affecting beach's functionality. Seven coastal hazards and five ecosystem services have been characterized. River floods and Coastal storms were the riskiest hazards, while Recreation & Aesthetic was the most affected ecosystem service in S'Abanell beach. Risk valuation has been obtained based on hazards intensities and the ecosystem services economic valuation. The inclusion of these non-market values in the risk assessment improves risk analysis, and should help managers to make more accurate decisions in an integrated beach management process.

MARTINS, E.C MARTINS, F.C., 2011. Social and Environmental Impacts: Perceptions and Values of the People Involved in the Occupation Process on the South Coast of Alagoas, Brazil. In: Micallef, A. (ed.), MCRR3-2010 Conference Proceedings, Journal of Coastal Research, Special Issue, No. 61, pp. 415–416. Grosseto, Tuscany, Italy, ISSN 0749-0208.

This paper proposes a study on the southern coast of Alagoas, in specific areas of the coastal portion, on the perception of psychosocial values involved in the degradation of coastal areas. The study, particularly on local communities, is an attempt to record important information about a fragile environment that is likely to disappear along with popular knowledge about the natural environment and its practical use and management. It must be remembered that the quality of resources in natural environments has finite character, presenting opportunities and constraints and the consequences brought about by the economic effect of tourism generating costs and benefits to people and their environment.

OKUDAN, E.S., DEMIR, V., KALKAN, E and KARHAN, S.U., 2011. Anchoring Damage on Seagrass-Meadows (Posidonia oceanica (L.) Delile) in Fethiye-Göcek Specially Protected Area (Eastern Mediterranean Sea, Turkey). In: Micallef, A. (ed.), MCRR3-2010 Conference Proceedings, Journal of Coastal Research, Special Issue, No. 61, pp. 417-420. Grosseto, Tuscany, Italy, ISSN 0749-0208.

This paper aims to describe the impacts of anchoring on the structure of the seagrass Posidonia oceanica (L.) Delile meadows in Fethiye-Göcek Specially Protected Area (Eastern Mediterranean Sea, Turkey). This area, hosting five marinas with yacht capacity of 1210 and over 2500 yacht visitors per day in the summer season, is one of the important marine tourism centers in the Eastern Mediterranean zone. Besides, during summer months in particular, yachts and daily excursion/blue voyage tour boats have used most of the bays in the area as the pleasure travel and accommodation sites.

In this work, we provide evidence that the anchoring had a negative effect on the meadow cover. Field surveys, including 581 scuba and 335 free dives revealed significant differences in the cover and conservation status of the meadow between areas characterized by the presence of the scars caused anchors and their chains and areas without them.

PENNETTA, M., CORBELLI, V., ESPOSITO, P., GATTULLO, V and NAPPI, R., 2011. Environmental Impact of Coastal Dunes in the Area Located to the Left of the Garigliano River Mouth (Campany, Italy). In: Micallef, A. (ed.), MCRR3-2010 Conference Proceedings, Journal of Coastal Research, Special Issue, No. 61, pp. 421–427. Grosseto, Tuscany, Italy, ISSN 0749-0208.

The dune zone included in the coastal area located to the left of the Garigliano River mouth has been studied. It plays a key role in the balance of a coastal environment for its positive effect on the beach and back beach. The studies have allowed us to conclude that the analyzed coastal area is affected diffusely by erosion processes linked to natural factors as well as to anthropogenic activities of various kinds; as a result the almost complete erosion of foredune occurred. The foredune play a crucial role in the dynamic relationship with the beach and sediment supply of the other dunes. The erosion processes resulted in a significant retreat of the shoreline (about 80–90 m in the northen part and gradually 35–45 m southward in the last 55 years), and the loss in general of a cultural heritage, as well as the alteration of the succession of vegetation assemblages characteristic of coastal environments. Even the secondary dunes is being dismantled, only 50 years ago was tertiary and stable.

PENNETTA, M and LO RUSSO, E., 2011. Hazard Factors in High Rocky Coasts of Capri Island (Gulf of Naples, Italy). In: Micallef, A. (ed.), MCRR3-2010 Conference Proceedings, Journal of Coastal Research, Special Issue, No. 61, pp. 428-434. Grosseto, Tuscany, Italy, ISSN 0749-0208.

Capri island is located in the Tyrrhenian Sea, on the south side of the Gulf of Naples, Italy. Studies of the emerged and submerged coastal zone of the island through direct investigation, the study of aerial and satellite photographs, and bathymetric relief to a depth of -20/-30m has determined the morphological and morphoevolutive features and identified hazard factors that characterize the high rocky coasts of island.

The island is almost completely bordered by high and steep rocky coasts (coastal cliffs) of structural control, often articulated in a succession of prominent headlands and embayments.

The effects of a parallel retreat of the coastal cliffs are evident in the eastern coastal area resulting in a high degree of hazard in this stretch. The morphology of the coastal system consists in a cliff with sloping shore platform at the base of the cliff. The presence of the shore platform, which controls the erosional and shaping activities by wave motion of the cliff, plays an important role and represents the main hazard factor. The other main erosional processes on rocky coast represent subordinated hazard factors. Namely, structural and stratigraphic features (hard limestone, above clastic less resistant rocks, involved in rock falls caused by basal mechanical wave erosion; the rock strata dipping seaward; presence of NW-SE trending fault), high and very steep cliffs and limestone features.

Instead, the western sector of the island of Capri has a limestone coast with a plunging cliff; the water depth at the base of the cliff is greater than the breaker depth. The waves are reflected from the cliff face and the mechanical wave erosion and subsequent mass movements do not occur; weathering and bio-erosion processes are the major erosive mechanisms. As a result the coastal hazard for the western sector is very low.

SCARDALA, S., DI GIROLAMO, I., FATTORUSSO, E., FUNARI, E., GRAMACCIONI, L., BERTOLOTTO, R., ICARDI, G., MATTEI, D., POLETTI, R and TESTAI, E., 2011. Risk Management of Ostreopsis spp. Blooms Along Italian Coasts. In: Micallef, A. (ed.), MCRR3-2010 Conference Proceedings, Journal of Coastal Research, Special Issue, No. 61, pp. 435–439. Grosseto, Tuscany, Italy, ISSN 0749-0208

In the last years Ostreopsis spp. blooms have been reported in several Italian coastal stretches, showing a clear trend towards their extension. In 2005, during summer, an O.ovata bloom occurring in the coastal area in front of Genoa was tentatively associated with some human effects. Symptoms like rhinorrea, cough, fever, conjunctivitis, bronchoconstriction with mild dyspnea, and wheezes were observed in people exposed to marine aerosols, possibly containing algal fragments and/or its toxin. With less severe symptoms, similar episodes have been sporadically recorded in other coastal areas. Up to these events, the institutional monitoring activities were focused only on the surveillance of planktonic microalgae whereas benthonic ones, such as Ostreopsis spp. were ignored. To fill this gap, in 2006 a group of experts was appointed by the Italian Ministry of Health with the task to elaborate specific guidelines to manage the possible riskassociated to Ostreopsis spp. blooms. After their formal endorsement, the guidelines were published in the official site of the Ministry and implemented by local structures. The guidelines identify surveillance activities to be carried out, subdividing them into the routine, alert and alarm phases. These guidelines are currently under revision in order to update the scientific background and refine the approach on the basis of the two-year application experience.

SILVA, I. R., DE SOUZA FILHO, J.R., B.M., FERREIRA, D.F and PAPI, A.G.F., 2011. Recent Carrying Capacity Analysis of Praia do Forte Beach, Brazil. In: Micallef, A. (ed.), MCRR3-2010 Conference Proceedings, Journal of Coastal Research, Special Issue, No. 61, pp. 440-445. Grosseto, Tuscany, Italy, ISSN 0749-0208.

Praia do Forte is located in the city of Mata de Sao Joao, on the Northern Coast of Bahia, Brazil. This is an important tourist destination, especially for its ecological, landscape and cultural capital. The present study is aimed at analyzing use patterns and recreational carrying capacity of Praia do Forte. Parameters used include environmental characteristics and dynamics of coastal occupation. After a description of characteristics, sections of the beach were hourly photographed showing the flow of users throughout the day. Then the number of users per cell (20 meters) was counted during peak hours. Sites with the highest frequency showed area available ranging 9–18 m2 per user. Due to the small width of the beaches, especially during periods of high tide, Praia do Forte has a classified as low-accommodation capacity, compromising its recreational ability. Moreover, the current form of occupation favors coastal erosion processes already evident along the beach.

DE SOUZA FILHO, J.R., SILVA, I.R. and FERREIRA, D.F., 2011. Socio-Environment Analysis as a Tool for Coastal Management: the Case of Maraú Peninsula, Bahia, Brazil. In: Micallef, A. (ed.), MCRR3-2010 Conference Proceedings, Journal of Coastal Research, Special Issue, No. 61, pp. 446–451. Grosseto, Tuscany, Italy, ISSN 0749-0208.

The state of Bahia has the largest coastal extension among all Brazilian states. This extension includes some of the most desirable tourist destinations within the country. The local preference is directed to the model “sun, sand and sea.” The Marau Peninsula represents one of the most important drivers of economic development in the region. The intensification of activities on the beaches of Maraú results in the increase of tourist flow, real estate development and the establishment of support infrastructure resulting in increasing pressure on local ecosystems. After assessing the degree of anthropogenic changes in this coastal extension, the northern portion stands out as the most impacted area. This includes the beaches of Taipus de Fora, and Três Coqueiros e Ponta do Muta. Recreational capacity assessment of these beaches indicates that Taipus de Fora holds more than 2,000 users in its peak time. This represents, respectively, over 6.5 and 12 times the number assessed for Três Coqueiros e Ponta do Mutá beaches. However, it is important to point out that Taipus de Fora offers greater beach length and width, around twice the area (6.34 m²) to its users. During interviews conducted in the area, 80% of users reported feeling comfortable with a medium or low occupation of the beach. The survey also indicated that “infrastructure of goods and services” is an important variable in this occupation model. Around 42% of users surveyed consider the presence of support infrastructure an important decision variable. Only 16% of users responded that these facilities were not desirable. Results indicate that available recreational area and support infrastructure on the beach are important components for attracting tourists. Therefore, it is important to maintain current conditions of use (occupation density) in order to preserve the quality and recreational attractiveness. This will also help in the preservation of costal ecosystems, including coral reefs.

TUGRAL-ICEMER, G and TOPALOGLU, A., 2011. Levels of Yeast Mold and Pseudomonas spp. in Antalya Beaches. In: Micallef, A. (ed.), MCRR3-2010 Conference Proceedings, Journal of Coastal Research, Special Issue, No. 61, pp. 452-457. Grosseto, Tuscany, Italy, ISSN 0749-0208.

The risk of illness has increased due to humans that affect coastal site quality and contaminated areas, such as knee-deep sand, wave zone and dry sand. Most of the risk is caused by pathogen bacteria. In the present study, microbiological indicators (yeast, molds and Pseudomonas spp.) are monitored to assess microbiological beach quality in central Antalya. The beach sands showed great differences in bacterial colonization during June and July. At stations on Konyaalti beach, the highest concentrations of yeast, molds and Pseudomonas spp. were found both in the seawater and sand zones. Children in particular those of the age group 1 to 5 years, are exposed to considerable pathogen risk. Therefore, yeast, molds and Pseudomonas spp. should be analyzed both at the wave zone and in sand, because these zones are areas of recreational activity for bathers and children. It is also important, in terms of public health protection, to include Pseudomonas spp., yeast and molds in the beach sand indicators at swimming and recreational areas, especially in city centers and frequently used beaches.

WONG, H and STEPHENSON, W., 2011. Onshore Bar Migration in a Fetch/Limited Strong Wing Bay. In: Micallef, A. (ed.), MCRR3-2010 Conference Proceedings, Journal of Coastal Research, Special Issue, No. 61, pp. 458-469. Grosseto, Tuscany, Italy, ISSN 0749-0208.

This paper investigates bar migration in a fetch limited strong wind bay (Seaford Beach SE Australia). Onshore bar migration on open ocean beaches is dependant on long period swell wave and occurs during low energy conditions. However, in a fetch limited environment such waves are absent and most studies suggest that during low energy conditions the beach remains in an arrested state (Jackson et al. 2002). This paper spans a three month study period (15^th March – 8^th June 2008). Measurement of near shore morphology and wind data were collected. The two bars at Seaford behaved very differently; both onshore and offshore migration was detected during the three recorded storm events. The paper found that, firstly, wave breaking was incomplete in the middle bar during event 1 — the inner bar migrated offshore. Secondly wave breaking in the middle bar was almost complete during event 2 and the inner bar migrated onshore. Thirdly when wave breaking was complete in the middle bar during event 3 — the inner bar remained arrested on some profiles but bar height increased on others. The wave steepness threshold for onshore migration of the inner bar was parameterized s 0.041 – 0.042. Beach sediment modeling in fetch limited strong wind bays remains understudied. Our results should help to improve the predictive capability of beach sediment budgets in fetch limited strong wind bays.

FURLANI, S., BIOLCHI, S., DEVOTO, S., SALIBA, D and SCICCHITANO, G., 2011. Large Boulder Along the NE Maltese Coast: Tsunami or Storm Wave Deposits. In: Micallef, A. (ed.), MCRR3-2010 Conference Proceedings, Journal of Coastal Research, Special Issue, No. 61, pp. 470. Grosseto, Tuscany, Italy, ISSN 0749-0208.

The accumulation of large boulders resulting from tsunamis or large waves is a phenomenon that has been observed in different areas along the Mediterranean Sea, mainly along the shoreline of the Messina Straits and the Apulian coasts. It is known through historical records that very few large earthquakes have originated close to the Maltese Islands. The seismicity which affects the Maltese coasts is mainly related to the Pantelleria Rift, a graben system which was active in Late Miocene till recent times. This rift system interrupts the shallow platform connecting Europe to Africa.

The Maltese NE coast, mainly the area between Armier Bay and Il-Ponta ta' L-Ahrax is interspersed by large limestone boulders which are scattered on a large terrace which is gently sloping towards the sea. The deposit is about 100m wide and situated at an altitude ranging between 0m and 5m above sea level. This site probably represents the most suitable area for this type of deposition on the island given to the favourable morphological conditions. Most of the NW coast of Malta is characterised by cliffs that prevent the accumulation of wave deposits, while other sectors are characterised by the accumulation of large limestone boulders which have been deposited due to cliff retreat. This work aims to commence a preliminary survey of these deposits.

Block sizes range between few and about 4m3, with the largest one being about 2m×2m×1m in size and with an estimate weight of 10 tonnes. Most of the blocks, mainly in the northernmost sector, are scattered individually while at the central parts of the study area one can find groups of few blocks. The largest boulders show typical coastal karst features (karstic pools, etc) similar to the coastal features found in the area. This suggests that the detachment area is close to the identified deposits. Further studies are foreseen, in particular to determine the nature of the deposits, period of detachment of the blocks and the possibility that the accumulation represents more than a single event (seismic or storm).

IÇEMER., G.T., CAN, E., ATASOY, L AND YILDIRIM, U.B., 2011. The Effects of Yacht Activities on Sea Water Quality. In: Micallef, A. (ed.), MCRR3-2010 Conference Proceedings, Journal of Coastal Research, Special Issue, No. 61, pp. 471. Grosseto, Tuscany, Italy, ISSN 0749-0208.

Nowadays, in our country sea tourism become a popular and growing tourism trend. That's way researches of marine pollution and investigation of sea water quality come into prominence in these days. Marine tourism and yachting are common in Aegean Sea and Mediterranean Sea is the second place in popularity. In the Mediterranean zone, yacht tourism is more common in Antalya coast and lies down from Alanya to Kaş. Antalya - Phaselis - Olympos - Kekova and Kemer - Phaselis - Olympos ship's cruises are the most preferred ways and yacht tourism is done as daily tours or blue cruises in this zone. During the tours, yachts remove their rest and staying needs at the small bays in their cruises. The study area of this research is Phaselis, where daily yachts take meal break and charters stay for a few days. It is placed in the 70. km of Finike - Antalya highway and open to the visitors come from land with a 1,5 km way. There are three small bays at Phaselis ancient city (north, south and center bays). In the high level tourism season this bays are used intensively by yachts and people. As a result of this intense usage, water pollution is occurred. Sometimes, this pollution can't be assimilated and physical carrying capacity of water is exceeded.

Yacht activities in the Bay cause pollution as air emissions, exhaust gases, anchors, solid wastes, shower water, sewage water and noise. The wastes, meal rests, plastic wastes, glasses which launched into the sea from yachts are big problem for the sea ecosystem. On the other hand, most of the wastewater which formed during daily tours is discharged to the sea. Some of the swimmers use sea as a toilette.

In this study, the effects of yacht originated wastes to the sea water quality are investigated. For this purpose, water samples were collected by two weeks intervals and 5 times totally, from five different sampling points of the bay. Then samples are kept in a cold chain and physical, chemical and microbiological (Escherichia coli and Intestinal enterococcus) analyses were done at laboratory. On the other hand, three samples were taken from the shoreline at different times of day (morning, noon and evening) and microbiological parameters (Escherichia coli and Intestinal enterococcus) were analyzed daily during two weeks (one week in August and other in September). As a result of this study, it has seen that water quality is affected in a bad way because of this intensive usage. The nutrient quantity is not serious but there is a significant bacteriological pollution. To add, the bacteria count is not high in the morning but it increases during day in connection with the usage of sea by swimmers and yachts. For a sustainable use of this place everybody have to hold one's end of the bargain up. For this purpose, awareness of the people have to be raised, education must be given to people especially to the yachters. Physical carrying capacity of the bay must be determined and precautions should be taken to protect the bay from excess pollution

SOLDATI, M., BONACHEA, J., BRUSCHI, M.V., CORATZA, P., DEVOTO, S., GONZÁLEZ-DIAZ, A., MANTOVANI, M., PASUTO, A., PIACENTINI, D., REMONDO, J and SCHEMBRI, J.A., 2011. A Comprehensive Approach to Investigate Maltese Coastal Landslides. In: Micallef, A. (ed.), MCRR3-2010 Conference Proceedings, Journal of Coastal Research, Special Issue, No. 61, pp. 472–473. Grosseto, Tuscany, Italy, ISSN 0749-0208.

This paper presents geomorphological and engineering-geological studies carried out along the north-western coast of Malta by research groups belonging to the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia (Italy), the National Research Council (Italy), the University of Malta and the University of Cantabria (Spain). The research are funded by Fondazione Cassa di Risparmio di Modena and the European Centre for Geomorphological Hazards (CERG) and focus on the evolution of coastal landslides with emphasis on the issues of hazard and risk, with respect to the recreational infrastructures present in the area and to the several tourists that visit this stretch of coast.

The area of study extends for about 12 km² in Northern Malta and elevation ranges from the coast to about 110 m above the sea level. In this part of the Island, slope failures are abundant and strictly linked to lithological and structural factors. In fact, in the north-western area of Malta, between Paradise Bay and Gnejna Bay, three geological units outcrop that deeply control the morphological setting and the evolution of landscape: Globigerina Formation, Blue Clay Formation and Upper Coralline Formation. The Upper Coralline Limestone, the younger Formation of Malta Island, forms a karst plateau, bordered by vertical cliffs of varying heights, which ranges from a few meters to 30 m. At the foot of the limestone slopes Blue Clays Formation crops out which develops gently slopes that in some cases can reach directly the sea. The different mechanical behaviour of clays and limestone favours the development of lateral spreading phenomena, which occur in particular at Anchor Bay, at Ghajn Tuffieha Bay and along the western sector of Marfa Ridge. The occurence of this type of mass movement causes the presence of vertical joints and cracks near the calcareous slopes, due to the fragile response of rock material.

Properties of the cracks, such as their aperture and persistence, depend on the different stages of lateral spreading phenomena; in the areas where the phase of evolution is more mature fractures reach lengths that can exceed 200 meters. A consequence of the presence of these wide discontinuities is the accumulation of large boulders along the coast, due to the detachament and fall of blocks from the vertical cliffs. The deposits are wide and the blocks are slowly scattered on the large terrace gently sloping towards the sea. In order to study and understand the complex evolution of coastal slope failures, a multidisciplinary approach has been applied and a complex system of monitoring has been installed. The research carried out so far has included a retrospective study of slope instability events along the north-west coast of Malta, collection and analysis of climatic data, multi-temporal analysis of aerial photos, geomorphological survey and mapping. In addition, the research plan foresees LIDAR surveys and radar interferometric analyses. The results obtained have permitted to outline the causes and evolution of coastal landslides in the north-western coast of Malta, with specific focus on rock spreading phenomena whose movement velocity and direction have been monitored since 2006 in two field sites. GPS network are located at Il-Qarraba and Anchor Bay. The analysis of monitoring data has shown that lateral spreading phenomena are active in both sites and that the displacements range from a few mm/yr to more then 3 cm/yr. The integration of new monitoring data to be acqui

BORGES, P., NG, K and CALADO, H., 2011. Coastal Hazards in the Azores Archipelago - Coastal Storms and Flooding. In: Micallef, A. (ed.), MCRR3-2010 Conference Proceedings, Journal of Coastal Research, Special Issue, No. 61, pp. 474. Grosseto, Tuscany, Italy, ISSN 0749-0208.

The Azores, a small island archipelago, is vulnerable to coastal hazards because of its limited land availability for anthropic activity and its location in the North Atlantic Ocean. In spite of the presence of extreme hazards, most of the population and economic activities tend to cluster along the coast, thereby amplifying its vulnerability. Furthermore, shorelines are recently experiencing increased pressures as a result of rapid population growth along the coast and associated construction and development. These factors contribute to an increase in human vulnerability to coastal hazards. The increased frequency and intensity of coastal storms in the Azores, as well as associated flooding are becoming growing concerns for its residents. Recent finding indicates that the average storm lasts for 2.3 days and the average storm frequency is 3.1 storms/yr, with the lowest intensity storms occurring four times every five years and extreme event occurring on average once every seven years. The extreme storm usually occurs with southwesterly waves of maximum significant wave height of 11.7 m and highest wave height of 22.2 m, which usually result in coastal flooding. Additionally, probability of coastal flooding is further increased when there is a concurrent storm surge resulting in an amplified mean sea-level. This paper discusses historical coastal storm and flooding events in the Azores (e.g. Christmas Day Storm, 1996), presents their associated social, environmental and economic impacts and damages, and explores the various adaptation and mitigation measures applicable for the Azores.

HAASS, H., 2011. Marina Management for Super Yachts and Cruise Vessels. In: Micallef, A. (ed.), MCRR3-2010 Conference Proceedings, Journal of Coastal Research, Special Issue, No. 61, pp. 475. Grosseto, Tuscany, Italy, ISSN 0749-0208.

Marinas and Cruiseterminals are an important element for nautical tourism. They are areas with a high qualified touristic behaviour, but in the most cases are not identified by touristic and economic potentials. The holidays are beginning in the Marina or at the Terminal, so it's necessary to offer a 5 star service for the tourists. The paper should present what can be done for the Marina development and the Cruise terminal planning