Tourism

Although tourism in coastal areas and the recreational use of marine habitats may be the best sustainable alternative to more consumptive and destructive activities in many areas, it may also contribute to the physical degradation and destruction of those habitats. Therefore, a precautionary approach should be used in any development of tourism and recreation use.

Physical damage to marine and coastal habitats can be caused during coastal development for tourist activities, or caused by ship or boat grounding, anchor damage, souvenir-collecting or physical contact from divers and swimmers.

Aside from the ecological threats that these activities pose to marine habitats, they additionally threaten the socio-economic values associated with the goods and services provided by these habitats.