Ecotourism in Crimea aims to preserve the environment
The press service of the "Land of the Leopard" National Park announced the results of another monitoring conducted in Astafiev Bay in the Far Eastern Marine Reserve. Samples for chemical and biological indicators indicate that the water in the bay remains pristine despite the popularity of this location among tourists. This year, the data was compared for the first time with samples from another protected bay, called Srednyaya. Swimming in it is currently prohibited. Previously, such comprehensive studies were not conducted.
Despite the fact that, in general, the ecosystem of Astafiev Bay is healthy, scientists still see risks for it in the foreseeable future. A difference in the species diversity of animals inhabiting the soil of the two protected bays is already observed. Astafiev Bay is home to two times fewer species of bottom organisms than Srednyaya.
The bottom of Astafiev Bay is regularly covered with soil and earth from erosion-prone land areas, as well as from nearby roads and trails. Experts suggest that the improvement of roads in the vicinity of the bay could reduce this negative impact and improve the condition of its bottom population.
Astafiev Bay is part of the Far Eastern Marine Biosphere Reserve in the south of the Primorsky Territory. Swimming here is regulated in accordance with specially calculated norms of recreational load. Up to 800 people a day can relax here if they purchase a special bracelet. The bay attracts tourists with picturesque views, crystal clear turquoise water and a sandy beach.
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