Resumo

SILVA, Iracema Reimão; BITTENCOURT, Abílio Carlos da Silva Pinto; DIAS, J. A.  e  FILHO, José Rodrigues de Souza. Recreational quality and carrying capacity of Bahia State Northern coast beaches, Brazil. RGCI [online]. 2012, vol.12, n.2, pp.131-146. ISSN 1646-8872.

The Beaches of Bahia State Northern Coast are stretched over seven municipalities - Lauro de Freitas, Camaçari, Mata de São João, Entre Rios, Esplanada, Conde and Jandaíra - approximately 200 km of coastline. The first three counties are closer to the Salvador Metropolitan Area (the State Capital). They include mostly urbanized and developed coastline segments, or sections being developed. The remaining counties present mostly pristine or uninhabited coastlines interrupted by occasional lightly-occupied areas. This study is aimed at evaluating the recreational quality and carrying capacity of these beaches, as well as its ecological constraints, providing scientific basis for local development planning. The recreational quality of these beaches was evaluated based on an approach involving indicators geo-environmental quality indicators (twenty) and available infrastructure (twelve). These indicators were identified and described during fieldwork (data collecting) undertaken between October 2010 and January 2011. The indicators were classified under three different levels of attractiveness: 1 for the lowest and 3 for the highest quality. The average area occupied per person (current scenario) was estimated for all beaches. The available area was measured and the carrying capacity was estimated based on "user perception" of "ideal occupation" for recreational activities. According to this approach, the beaches of Vilas do Atlântico, Buraquinho, Itacimirim, Praia do Forte, Imbassaí and Subaúma were classified as providing high recreational quality for their users. Conversely, the beaches of Busca Vida, Interlagos, Santo Antônio, Porto Sauípe, Massarandupió, Baixio and Sitio do Conde were classified as providing low recreational quality. In the first group, most beaches had naturally sheltered areas allowing safe water activities and a reasonable service infrastructure (restaurants and lodging). In addition, these beaches are apparently free of sewage and other man-made structures impacting recreational activities. Most beaches classified as providing low recreational quality offered no naturally protected areas for water activities or acceptable recreational infrastructure such as restaurants, snack bars, restrooms, lodging, etc. Regarding the carrying capacity analysis, the beaches of Buraquinho, Vilas do Atlântico, Ipitanga, Itacimirim, Interlagos, Santo Antonio, Praia do Forte and Barra do Itariri presented recreational area during low tide inferior to 100,000 m², comprising the lowest values for carrying capacity (<10,000 people/day). The study assumes 10 m²/person (user) as the ideal carrying capacity scenario. The beaches classified as having superior carrying capacity are Massarandupió, Sitio do Conde, Baixio and Costa Azul, all superior to 300,000 m² and carrying capacity beyond 30,000 users/day. Buraquinho, Barra do Jacuípe, Itacimirim, Praia do Forte, Imbassaí, Porto Sauípe, Massarandupió, Baixio, Barra do Itariri, Costa Azul and Mangue Seco beaches presented more restrictive carrying capacity limits - based on parameters such as plant cover, vulnerable ecosystems (mangroves, coral reefs, lagoons and dunes) near the coastline and density of man-made permanent structures within the coastal strip (50 meters from the shoreline). Only Ipitanga beach presented less restrictive ecological limits. The reaming beaches of Costa dos Coqueiros Region showed intermediate ecological limits. Therefore, most beaches included in the present study should have implemented tools for limiting their use based on their ability to accommodate users and provide them with recreational services. Although Ipitanga beach has presented less restrictive ecological limits, one must be aware of its low carrying capacity. Tourism and beach development planning must take into account geo-environmental and infrastructure constraints for they will affect recreational quality. Beaches providing superior recreational quality tend to attract more users but occupation must respect local ecological limits. Therefore, each beach must be dedicated to uses consistent with their capabilities and constraints.

Palavras-chave : recreational quality; carrying capacity; local development planning.

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