Determination of recreational carriying capacity in sea and beach areas and implementation of visitor management models-A case study Phaselis

Increasing visitor density in the Phaselis recreational area requires work towards sustainable use. This study aims at providing the protection / usage balance of the area and transferring it to future generations by making use of the findings obtained by determining the environmental effects and calculating the carrying capacities. Some suggestions have been made with model methods for sustainable use. In the study, physical, chemical and microbiological sea water quality analyzes were carried out from 9 stations, 1 control point and ecological quality of seawater was determined. Visitors' density and usage information were collected in the coastal and marine areas and the size and type distributions of the boats using the area were determined in order to be used in the calculation of boat carrying capacity. As a result of FTK, GTK and ETK calculations, it has been observed that FTK decreases in administrative, management and meteorological conditions in beaches, picnic and swimming recreational areas. In order to compare with the results of recreational carrying capacity, comprehensive reference values for the LAC model have been established. It is noteworthy that there is a similarity between the ETK and the visitor management model (LAC). The similarity was found to be minimum 41%, maximum 77%. When comparing the results of carrying capacity with that of the LAC model, it was understood that the LAC model responded more quickly, especially if the carrying capacity should be studied together in detail and thoroughly. It is therefore seen that the LAC model is more useful, as it is possible to shape it to match the character of the natural areas of the region.