The application of carrying assessment to Gozo's most frequented dive sites : is it a realistic approach?

Abstract

In this study the author sets out to investigate whether Gozo's six most popular dive sites have exceeded their Carrying Capacity. After analysing data gathered how tourist and local divers, diving school operators and the Director of Tourism and Economic Development perceive the idea, the author came to the conclusion that Gozo's six most frequented dive sites exceed Carrying Capacity during the peak season and in certain wind conditions and directions. The author also investigated whether a Carrying Capacity Assessment would be effective and found that it is not the right solution. The author came to the conclusion that a CCA is not suitable for our dive sites since it is most effective when dealing with closed and easily controlled spaces. Neither is the wish of operators, divers and the Director to make a CCA. Constraints could cost dearly since tourism is the mainstay of Gozo's economy and SCUBA diving is fast emerging as one of the best tourism niche markets in Gozo. The author concludes the study by seeking and recommending a number of alternative solutions to distribute divers among the several dive sites to relieve the stress from the most intensely visited sites in order to reduce the concentrated environmental impact on the latter sites.