How Tos for Turtle Tourism: a Review of Sea Turtle Tourism, Its Impacts, and Guidelines to Inform Stakeholders in Martinique
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HOW TOS FOR TURTLE TOURISM: A REVIEW OF SEA TURTLE TOURISM, ITS IMPACTS, AND GUIDELINES TO INFORM STAKEHOLDERS IN MARTINIQUE by Melissa L. Whaling Advisor: Dr. Lisa M. Campbell 26 April 2017 Master’s Project, submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Master of Environmental Management degree Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University Whaling (2017) How Tos for Turtle Tourism | ii TABLE OF CONTENTS EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ........................................................................................................ 1 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ..................................................................................................... 3 I. INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................... 4 1.1. THE STATE OF TOURISM IN MARTINIQUE AND THE CARIBBEAN ......................... 4 1.2. SEA TURTLES AND THEIR MANAGEMENT IN MARTINIQUE .................................... 6 II. METHODOLOGY ............................................................................................................. 7 III. SEA TURTLE TOURISM TYPES ................................................................................... 9 3.1. SEA TURTLE VIEWING (IN WATER) ........................................................................................ 9 3.2. SEA TURTLE VIEWING (NESTING) ........................................................................................ 10 3.3. SEA TURTLE HATCHERIES ........................................................................................................ 11 3.4. SEA TURTLE ECOTOURISM ....................................................................................................... 11 3.5. VOLUNTEER, RESEARCH, SCIENTIFIC, & EDUCATION TOURISM ......................... 13 3.6. MASS TOURISM, CRUISE TOURISM, & ADD-ON SEA TURTLE TOURISM .............. 14 IV. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS OF SEA TURTLE TOURISM .................................. 15 4.1. NEGATIVE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS ........................................................................... 15 4.1.1. Negative Impacts from Sea Turtle Viewing (In Water) ..................................................................... 15 4.1.2. Negative Impacts from Sea Turtle Viewing (Nesting) ........................................................................ 16 4.1.3. Negative Impacts from Sea Turtle Hatcheries .................................................................................... 17 4.1.4. Negative Impacts from General Tourism Development ....................................................................... 17 4.2. POSITIVE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS ............................................................................... 20 4.2.1. Positive Impacts from Sea Turtle Tourism (In Water, Nesting, and Hatcheries) ................................ 20 V. MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES FOR SEA TURTLE TOURISM ................................. 23 5.1. BEST PRACTICE GUIDELINES .................................................................................................. 23 5.2. INTERPRETATION PROGRAMS ............................................................................................... 25 5.3. TOUR GUIDE PROGRAMS .......................................................................................................... 26 5.4. MONITORING PROGRAMS ........................................................................................................ 27 5.5. CO-MANAGEMENT WITH NGOS ............................................................................................ 29 5.6. COLLABORATION WITH HOTELS, RESORTS, ETC. ........................................................ 29 5.7. EDUCATIONAL CAMPAIGNS .................................................................................................... 30 5.8. INDUSTRY CERTIFICATIONS.................................................................................................... 31 5.9. PROTECTED AREAS ...................................................................................................................... 31 5.10. GOVERNMENT INTERVENTION & INTERNATIONAL AGREEMENTS .............. 32 5.11. OTHER GENERAL TOURISM REGULATIONS ................................................................. 32 VI. RECOMMENDATIONS ................................................................................................. 33 VII. ANNOTATED BIBLIOGRAPHY WITH KEY REFERENCES ................................. 38 VIII. REFERENCES .............................................................................................................. 49 APPENDIX ........................................................................................................................... A-1 Whaling (2017) How Tos for Turtle Tourism | 1 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Background The Caribbean island of Martinique is a popular resort destination, attracting thousands of tourists to its beautiful beaches and diverse landscapes each year. Yet, challenges remain; tourism distribution in the region is unequal, and competition is fierce. Amid recent changes and declines in local tourism, some individuals and groups in Martinique have begun experimenting with new tourism offerings known as sea turtle tourism (STT), often as “add on” activities to other types of tours (e.g. kayaking, diving, and boating). STT can be defined as a niche market of nature-based tourism that involves viewing sea turtles in their natural habitat or in captive enclosures. In Martinique, little is known about the state of STT and its associated developments, or the potential costs and benefits for sea turtles and island residents. As a result, several stakeholders are interested in better understanding local STT and reviewing guidelines for its development. This report is designed to advise local actors and the larger research study, to facilitate informed discussions of future planning and management of STT and related offerings in Martinique. This report has been created for two main actors: 1. Direction de l'Environnement, de l'Aménagement, et du Logement de la Martinique, or “la DEAL” (Martinique’s Department of the Environment, Planning, and Housing), and 2. Réseau des Tortues Marines (the Sea Turtle Network, a local NGO) in Martinique. It is in collaboration with a larger research study being conducted by Dr. Zoë Meletis at the University of Northern British Columbia, which seeks to investigate various aspects of emerging STT in Martinique. Other agencies that may benefit from this document are: • Office de la Chasse et la Faune Sauvage, or “l’ONCFS” (France’s national office of hunting and fishing), and • Comité Martiniquais du Tourisme (Tourism Committee of Martinique). Research Methods The research required for this report consisted of an in-depth literature review and analysis of sources discussing internationally known STT sites, programs, and practices, as well as related impacts and management tools. Three main topics were explored: (1) the scope of STT in and beyond the Caribbean; (2) the environmental impacts of STT, both positive and negative; and (3) how STT tends to be managed in practice. Finally, preliminary recommendations were crafted, to highlight management practices frequently used across STT sites. Summary of Findings How and where is STT happening? STT is occurring in 59 countries and territories worldwide, in every major ocean basin where sea turtles can be found. The scope of STT offerings is diverse, and can include in-water snorkel or dive tours, boat excursions, guided walks on nesting beaches, and visits to turtle farms or hatcheries. Sea turtles may also be used as “add-on” tourism attractions for other types of tourism offerings, rather than serving as the central theme. STT overlaps with other various tourism sub-industries, including both alternative tourism (e.g. ecotourism and volunteer tourism) and mass tourism. Whaling (2017) How Tos for Turtle Tourism | 2 How does STT impact sea turtles? The literature suggests that STT can either harm or help sea turtles, based on how it is managed. Sea turtles face many STT-related threats, from tourist disturbance (e.g. riding or feeding turtles) to habitat loss (e.g. artificial lighting or pollution), and even serious injury (e.g. boat strikes). These factors can compromise reproductive and foraging success, among other things. Nonetheless, when properly controlled, STT can stimulate environmental awareness among visitors and residents, and provide alternative livelihoods and revenues for sea turtle monitoring, protection, and research. What are some ways STT is managed in practice? Working to reduce negative impacts associated with STT by implementing suitable policies and management tactics is essential for sustainable STT in the long run. STT can be managed using several different strategies, such as tour guide training programs, collaboration with hotels and NGOs, interpretation/educational programs, and protected areas. Yet the success of these programs depends on the unique context and resource availability of the concerned area. Recommendations 1. Proposals for STT development and management should be considered on a case-by-case basis, in order to consider possible context-specific impacts. 2. Stakeholder interests and community input should be sought when implementing STT programs and management strategies. 3. When conducting in-water sea turtle tours, care must be taken not to disrupt feeding, breeding, resting, breathing, and swimming patterns of sea turtles.