The study showed that the limited number of visitors to the water area of the bay had almost no effect on its ecological state.
Astafiev Bay is located in the Khasansky district of Primorye and attracts tourists with snow-white sand and clear azure water. The water area and the coastline of the bay are part of the Far Eastern Marine Reserve, so there are no recreation centers and cafes here.
For many years, tourism in these places was spontaneous. Officially, travelers could visit the water area in Astafyev Bay only with a pass, but the number of tourists on the shore and in the water was almost never counted.
The assessment of the ecological state of the bay was not carried out either. For the first time, the integrated environmental monitoring program was launched only in June of this year. The research was conducted by experts from the "Land of the Leopard" and the Far Eastern Federal University. For the monitoring period, the scientific council set a limit of 400 visitors: this is how many people a day received the right to visit the water area of the protected bay.
The research work was carried out in several stages. The scientists collected and handed over to the laboratory 75 samples of sea water for microbiological indicators and 60 samples for chemical indicators.
The results of the analysis showed that the chemical parameters were within the normal range throughout the recreational season, including during the peak load.
Scientists also assessed the ecological well-being of benthic organisms, as well as the state of coastal plant communities. At present, nature shows good dynamics of self-healing. For example, after the ban on car arrivals in the coastal zone, the ruts rolled by wheels gradually overgrow.
In addition, photo and video recording of bottom landscapes showed that, with a limited degree of anthropogenic load, local populations of common invertebrate species and concentrations of valuable Red Data Book species are preserved.
Before the start of the new tourist season, a decision will be made on how many tourists will be able to visit the water area of Astafyev Bay daily in 2023. If you want to swim in the protected sea, tourists will need to purchase a double ticket: for passage to the coast and for the actual visit to the Far Eastern Marine Reserve.
Environmental monitoring of Astafyev Bay is planned to continue in 2023.
Participants discussed the boundary between nature and ecotourism, whether mass visits to unique areas can remain safe, the responsibilities of investors, and how to prepare tourists for visiting specially protected natural areas.
The head of state expressed confidence that the Forum will be held at a high level, and that its results will contribute to the development of tourism in Russia and the expansion of humanitarian and business ties.
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