The Impact of Coastal Tourism on Social and Environmental Carrying Capacity in the Edremit Gulf: A Spatial Approach Based on Sustainability Indicators
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.15784915Keywords:
Sustainable coastal management, Tourism carrying capacity, Environmental monitoring indicators, Spatial impact analysis, Coastal tourism planningAbstract
This study comprehensively evaluates the impacts of coastal tourism on the social and environmental carrying capacity of the districts of Edremit, Burhaniye, and Ayvalık located along the Edremit Gulf in Balıkesir province. Using sustainability indicators, the research analyzes the environmental effects of increasing tourism activities between 2021 and 2024 through multiple dimensions including per capita waste generation, pollution density per kilometer of coastline, waste composition, and spatial distribution. Data sources consist of the 2025–2029 Marine Litter Action Plan published by Balıkesir Metropolitan Municipality and annual visitor statistics from the Provincial Directorate of Culture and Tourism.
Findings indicate that Edremit district experiences the highest environmental pressure both in total marine litter quantity and waste density per coastline kilometer, revealing that existing infrastructure is insufficient to accommodate the rising tourism-related load. In contrast, Ayvalık has achieved significant progress in mitigating environmental pressure thanks to its extensive shoreline, widespread waste collection efforts, and effective management strategies. Burhaniye exhibits a balanced development profile, serving as a positive example for sustainability.
Waste composition analysis highlights the qualitative and complex nature of environmental pressure, with anthropogenic materials such as plastic, glass, and cigarette butts playing a significant role. The study emphasizes the need for sustainable coastal management approaches that incorporate community awareness and active participation, the establishment of regular environmental monitoring systems, spatially based integrated management strategies, the implementation of sustainable tourism policies, and the promotion of environmentally friendly practices.
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