Mapping Environmental Impacts on Coastal Tourist Areas of Oceanic Islands (Gran Canaria, Canary Islands): A Current and Future Scenarios Assessment

Abstract

The combination of the current sea level rise (SLR) and an increase in the frequency and severity of sea storm events and surges, will have important environmental impacts on coastal tourist areas located in oceanic islands that are often heavily dependent economically on tourism. Importantly, coastal tourist resorts and their associated beaches are commonly located in the S-SW of these islands where they are protected from the effects of the NE trade winds but exposed to these storms. This study analyses the current and future conditions of SW sea storm events. Then, through mapping using orthophotos, LiDAR data, and bathymetry with high spatial resolution, it studies the environmental effects that these events are having now and will have in the future on tourist zones of oceanic islands. This is of particular importance, as in the case of the Macaronesia islands, SW sea storm events are occurring with ever greater frequency. The case study considers the SW sector of the island of Gran Canaria (Canary Islands, Spain). Regarding the analysis of SW storms, the results obtained show an increase in the frequency of events, especially since the 1990s, with 104 events detected (67.5% between 1958 and 2018). The most affected areas during these storms are usually beaches (severe erosive processes). Breakwaters and seafronts usually resist the impact of waves well, however, as is discussed that in the future scenario, their implementation will mean a high economic cost for local administrations.

A Comparative Analysis of Sparisoma cretense in Island Environments: Unraveling Metal Accumulation Differences in the Canary Islands (Spain, NW African Waters)

“…The island of Gran Canaria is located in the center of the archipelago and has a high population and tourist density. Finally, the island of Lanzaorte is the easternmost island of the archipelago along with La Graciosa [35,40,41]. Two samplings were carried out each year, in February (the cold season) and September (the warm season).…”

“…In the Canary Islands, it is one of the most appreciated and emblematic fish and constitutes the most important demersal species (in terms of landings), included as a separated stock in the framework of the Fishery Committee for the Eastern Central Atlantic (FAO/CECAF), in which the assessment has not been possible so far [33]. In the changing context among islands in the Canary archipelago, adapted management strategies to sustain healthy and sustainable fishing practices must include the potential intra-islands variability, a supposedly significant challenge for fishery management [34][35][36][37][38][39]. Therefore, investigating how different environmental conditions affect the metal composition in S. cretense tissues may contribute to the knowledge necessary to provide sounded scientific advice about the health status of this species, not only in terms of fishing production, but also relating food security, via analysis of the variability of the metal content (Al, Cd, Cu, Fe, Pb and Zn) in parrotfish along with its the longitudinal distribution in the Canary Islands.…”

A Study of Environmental Organizations in Puerto Rico Advocating for Social and Environmental Justice

“…Both Puerto Rico and the Canary Islands, like other islands, face natural disasters from climate change. See García-Romero et al (2023) and Lloréns (2019) as well on this. Consequently, the co-author of this paper is also utilizing the materials developed in this Puerto Rico study to conduct a similar, comparative study in The Canary Islands.…”

Patterns of Endemism in Lichens: Another Paradigm-Shifting Example in the Lichen Genus Xanthoparmelia from Macaronesia

“…This transformation escalated significantly with the tourist boom that emerged in the islands in the early to mid-20th century, continuing to the present day. This has turned the Canary Islands into one of the primary destinations for mass tourism in the European context, attracting around 16 million tourists annually [ 28 ]. As a result of this substantial human impact and pressure, there is an imperative and pressing need to study biodiversity, especially those organisms that have traditionally been neglected, like lichens.…”