Leisure ports planning

Abstract

Leisure ports constitute a separately identifiable leisure option which is normally associated with Maritime Tourism. They form a highly dynamic sector whose expansion has knock-on effects, both direct and indirect, on numerous economic activities. The lack of foresight in the development of leisure ports and indiscriminate local actions aimed at solving the problem of the increase in maritime recreational activity may lead to an irreversible deterioration in the coastal environment in which this activity takes place. An awareness of the gravity of this threat led the Regional Government of the Autonomous Community of Cantabria (Spain) to reflect on several important points: Which are the key factors to take into account when establishing a non-speculative ports policy which respects the coastal environment? How could the degradation of the coastal strip be avoided while, at the same time, the real needs of the region are satisfied? The aim of the present paper is to evaluate the magnitude and economics importance of the recreational fleet, considering these as decisive aspects in the planning decisions finally adopted.