Negative Impacts of Tourism on Grenada's MBMPA - Essay Sample

introduction

One of the activities that have negatively affected the Moliniere-Beausejour Marine Protected Area (MBMPA) is that of tourism. Situated in the Caribbean region, Grenada's MBMPA was seriously affected by tourism activities such as snorkeling, cruising, diving, and intertidal trampling (Oracion et al., 2005, Roby, 2010). The marine reserves have a unique aesthetic appeal that contributes to the creation of massive tourism attraction and activities in the MPA (Anderson et al., 2014; Agardy, 1997). Individuals, including the tourists, are also increasingly becoming aware of nature, thus the interest to visit the MPA (Bustamante et al., 2018). The tourism infrastructure in St. George's is exceptional, with popular beaches such as the Grand Anse Beach (Government of Grenada, 2014). Although the coastal area in Moliniere- Beausejour are characterized by rocky shores and precipices, it is very popular with tourists (Nimrod et al., 2017); this means that they still visited the MPA despite the effort to restrict human activities. According to Anderson et al., (2014), the numerous developments of tourism sector has seen companies developing MPAs to attract more tourists. The poor legislation and lack of commitment from the government have seen developers coming up with new structures that ultimately destroy this environment. The economic inducement from tourist activities has neglected the environmental mandate of protecting these areas. These differences have further escalated the destruction of MPAs. Some of the ways in which the activities of these tourists affect marine life include the dilapidation of coral reefs, marine pollution, and general environmental pressures that destroyed marine life (Frew, 2011).

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Another activity that has a negative impact on marine wildlife in MBMPA is Overfishing. According to Baldeo et al. (2012), overfishing in Beausejour led to a reduction in herbivory, and an increase in pollution which initiated the overgrowth of microalgae on corals. The microalgae then destroy the ecosystem, because its overgrowth covers the coral reefs. Frew (2017) adds that the sedimentation that arises from the pollution and nutrient traps, is a major catalyst for coral reef destruction. The coral reefs in Grenada are at risk. Due to overfishing and high nutrient levels, the general percentage of microalgae cover increases while the live coral cover decreases (Jeffrey et al., 2012; Agardy, 1997; Bustamante et al., 2018). As a result, there is a higher number of branching corals as opposed to massive ones, creating a weaker coral reef system. In the past, overfishing took place despite the efforts of the authorities to curb it. Although the MBMPA incorporates attempts, such as information campaigns, fishing restrictions, patrols and the introduction of antillarum to conserve the coastal line, these efforts have not borne fruit (Nimrod et al., 2017). According to Bustamante et al. (2018), the MBMPA has not reported any significant changes in the microalgae levels. Anderson et al., (2012) notes that overfishing has further been promoted by illegal fishing by foreign companies. The costliness of Grenada is known for large volumes of fish as a result of its good ecosystems. Illegal companies from China and Japan have been caught in several occasions crossing into Grenada's territorial boundaries. These activities have further fueled the reduction in the population of fish. When the fish population is destroyed, the entire ecosystem is destroyed since the growth of coral and planktons rely on wastes excreted by fish. It means that overfishing has continued to hurt marine life in Grenada. Although there are demarcations in the MPAs, users do not abide by it and this contributes to the challenges that the MPAs face (Patel et al., 2010).

Agricultural activities also affect marine life in a negative way. The farmers in Moliniere-Beausejour produce various food crops. The communities that live near the MPAs engage in small scale farming activities (Bustamante et al., 2018). However, improper farming activities, such as the poor application of farm inputs and fertilizers, lead to eutrophication and sedimentation (Milazzo et al., 2002; Roby, 2010). These activities amount to pollution of the marine environment thus grossly affecting marine life, particularly the sea-grass beds and coral reefs. Area (2010) argues that new technologies that have been introduced in farming have further accelerated the destruction of MPAs. The author provides case scenarios of how technologies aimed at boosting agriculture leads to the dumping of wastes into the ocean. The chemicals and fertilizers used in farming activities have destroyed the ecosystem affected the growth of aquatic lives and vegetation. Although agriculture is one of the major economic activities in the Caribbean region, it is not closely monitored, and this explains why it has continued despite the negative impact it has on marine wildlife.

Caribbean aquatic systems, and Grenada's marine and coastal environments were deprived of species due to the constant threats and stressors, like development requirements and a rapid tourism sector, that affected sediment runoff; such activities contribute to land-based pollution (Tietenberg & Lewis, 2016). Likewise, Campbell, Harvey, and Ince (2017), researched the threats on coastal marine ecosystems. Their results aligned with Tietenberg and Lewis (2016) since it also identified many similar threats on coastal marine ecosystems which included: the lack of sustainable fishing, overexploitation of some commercial species, destruction of the food web, habitat destruction, and overstressing marine protected areas. Aquatic activities have also contributed to pollution which has resulted in the depletion of marine life. There has also been a rise of mining activities in the Caribbean which has contributed to the destruction of the ecosystem. Companies engaging in mining lack appropriate methods of waste disposal which has seen industrial wastes being released to water sources (Glasgow et al., 2018). As these wastes get to MPA, its destruction of coastline environment. The destruction further affects the efforts to reclaim and restore the coastline ecosystem. These negative impacts have aided in the destruction of the marine ecosystem despite the revenue it brings. Awareness campaigns would be important in educating the public on how to engage in sustainable tourism and fishing (Weible, 2006).

Various scholars have registered their concerns over the growing rates of marine life destruction. After doing various research, they seem to agree that there is a need for specific monitoring and management plans to be undertaken in each MPA in the Caribbean region. These plans can be implemented through legislation, policy, training, and sensitization (Oracion et al., 2005; Nimrod et al., 2017; Bustamante et al., 2018). Although activities such as agriculture and tourism are mainly economic, the scholars agree that they should not be exploited at the expense of marine life. If these activities must be carried out, they must be sustainable. Fishing activities also need regulation to ensure that they are sustainable to conserve the marine ecosystem. Above all, the public should be educated on the conservation procedures and activities that they can engage in.

References

Anderson, R., Morrall, C., Jossart, J., Nimrod, S., Bolda, E., Musser, K., ... & Balza, R. (2014). Marine Protected Area monitoring in the nearshore waters of Grenada, Eastern Caribbean: benthic cover and fish populations. Revista de Biologia Tropical, 62, 273-286.

Anderson, R., Morrall, C., Nimrod, S., Balza, R., Berg, C., & Jossart, J. (2012). Benthic and fish population monitoring associated with a marine protected area in the nearshore waters of Grenada, Eastern Caribbean. Revista de Biologia Tropical, 71-87.

Area, M. B. M. P. (2010). Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry & Fisheries Grenada.

Glasgow, L., Langaigne, B., Thomas, C., Harvey, O., & Campbell, E. A. (2018). Public Knowledge and Attitudes towards Climate Change and Its Impacts on Ecosystems in Grenada. American Journal of Climate Change, 7, 600-610.