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122 F. Badalamenti et al.

vol. 1, ed. C.R. Wilkinson, S. Sudara & L.M. Chou, pp. 23–31. equipment (9.9%); and tank refilling (4.5%). Only a very
Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand, 16–20 May, small part of the above amount was spent in Port Cros. Most
1994. was spent on the mainland, even though the tourist-attracting
Zabala, M. (1996) Impacto biológico de la creación de una Reserva
power was considered to be attributable exclusively to the
marina: el caso de las Islas Medes. In: La Gestión de los Espacios
Marine Park (Richez 1991).
Marinos del Mediterráneo Occidental, pp. 55–103. Inst. Estudios
Almerienses. Diputación de Almería.
Lavezzi
Richez (1993) also investigated tourist diving activity (skin
Appendix 1
diving excluded) in Corsica in summer 1991, with special
Case studies from Mediterranean EU MPAs regard to the MPA of Lavezzi. Tourists were attracted by the
natural beauty of the MPA seascape and its flora and fauna.
The following is a country-by-country account of the studies
Three out of 10 divers came to Corsica to dive at Lavezzi.
which have been conducted on the cultural and socio-econ-
Although tourists declared themselves to be attracted by the
omic aspects of EU Mediterranean MPAs.
wealth of the marine flora and fauna, they were badly
informed about the diving sites of the MPA and, generally
France speaking, visitors had a low level of knowledge of the island
(Richez 1993). Calculations of the economic return derived
In France there are approximately twenty protected zones
from underwater activities indicate that, in the two months
which can be divided into six categories of different levels of
under consideration, in the whole of Corsica (approximately
protection (Meinesz et al. 1983; Augier 1991). Etablissements
30 diving clubs) 76 618 dives were carried out at a cost of
de pêche and cantonnements de pêche can be considered fishery
Euro 1 612 290, including tank refilling. To this figure must
reserves. They are generally small and of limited duration,
be added Euro 3 875 906 for derived activities and Euro 971
going back to 1852 and 1915 for the établissements and 1963
405 for transport, and thus a total expenditure of Euro 6 459
for the cantonnements. Nature reserves also have a long
601. These expenditures were not specifically for Lavezzi,
history. Their institution began in 1930 and they were first
although they indicate that approximately Euro 83.8 were
gazetted with a 1976 law. Their aim is to conserve nature and
spent in total per dive.
safeguard the environment and its plant and animal species.
Diving and spear fishing are prohibited, while small-scale
fishing is permitted but controlled. Scientific research and Scandola
In the nature reserve of Scandola diving is prohibited.
environmental awareness activities are conducted. MPAs
As part of a study on tourist attendance at a number of
may each contain up to three zones with different levels of
sites, Richez (1992) conducted an investigation of pleasure
protection, namely a zone with the highest level of protection
boating in the MPA. This study focused on gaining an
where all human activities are prohibited, a peripheral buffer
understanding of the main characteristics of the pleasure
zone and a zone of general protection or ‘park’, where a
boaters, the way in which they use the area, their motivation
number of human activities can be carried out and tourism
and, above all, their reaction to the possible prohibition or
which respects the natural environment is permitted. The
limitation of their activities. On this last issue, 42% declared
law defining these MPAs goes back to 1960 but a number of
themselves to be against, 22% in favour, 22% in favour with
interpretative problems have arisen. At Port Cros, for
certain conditions, and 11% did not express an opinion.
example, small-scale fishing is tolerated and no buffer zone
exists (Augier 1991).
The MPAs with the highest levels of protection are gener- Carry le Rouet
ally found inside marine parks and all activities, apart from Bachet (1991) assessed the economic impact of the Côte
authorized science, are prohibited. Biotope protection zones Bleue regional marine park of Carry le Rouet. The aim of the
derive from a relatively recent legislative measure (1977) MPA is to maintain traditional economic activities (i.e. a
aimed specifically at the protection of two areas of Corsica small-scale fishery consisting of about 22 boats and 35
where a number of activities are prohibited. Data are avail- fishers), protect the natural environment and educate visi-
able for the following MPAs: Port Cros, Lavezzi, Scandola, tors. Increased fishery production, greater productivity from
and Carry le Rouet, this last is a cantonnement de pêche. an artificial reef system located near the MPA, greater fishing
selectivity and reduction in overall fishing effort due to the
Port Cros artificial reef and an anti-trawling system, income from an
Visits by scuba divers (snorkellers excluded) to Port Cros educational programme for the schools of the surrounding
National Park during summer 1990 were investigated by area, income from scientific meetings, income from diving
Richez (1991). Total spending by divers in July–August was centres and diving trips in both the MPA and the artificial
estimated to be Euro 505 337, divided into: transport, food, reef areas are reported (Bachet 1991). Bachet (1991) high-
equipment hire, souvenirs (in total 51.3%); occasional lights the need for better quantification and documentation,
expenses for diving, clubs and charters (34.3%); purchase of especially of tourist activities.