Case Study
New ways for the blue outdoor recreational life
Contact name
Mikkel Eeg
Institution name
Skjoldungerens land national park
Region & country
Northern Europe
Summary
Skjoldungernes land National park (DK), Kosterhavet National park (SE) and Raet National Park (NO) worked on a project supported by The Nordic Council in 2019-2020.
The project was based on case studies where different blue outdoor recreational activities were considered and ways of limiting disturbance on sensitive areas were discussed. The project report aims to be a source for ideas and with the follow-up seminars we hope to encourage more exchanging of ideas among countries in Northern Europe.
The report included a research survey done on disturbances of primary seabirds and ranged these disturbances from 1-10. The increasing effect of irrational movements, high speed and access in shallow waters places waterjets on top.
Background of the project
All the national parks had conflicts between various blue recreational outdoor activities, including waterjets, boats, sailing, windsurfing, SUP, canoeing, kayaking, hiking, dog walking, riding etc and sensitive species/areas in the park. The report focuses on seabirds, but also marine mammals, seabotton vegetation and cultural sites are mentioned.
All the parks are in need of stronger legislation to effectively protect sensitive values, but that would often affect outdoor recreational use negatively. Through adaptive management, substitutional measurements and active information sharing to recretational sites, groups and organisations, the awareness of sensitive species and areas may increase.
Solution and actions taken
The case studies discuss active information sharing, and both Skjoldungernes land and Raet have sucessfully designated certain areas to blue watersports like windsurfing and sailing. Skjoldungernes land has tested out floating jetties to prevent windsurfers from entering bird areas for resting, and has made recommended routes and resting places that avoid sensitive areas. Raet national park is developing a model of up to date analog information on birds in Hovekilen.
The project involved interviews with inhabitans, groups, organisations and companies that either participate or organize blue outdoor activities in the areas. The analysis of disturbance included a survey of publications and reports on disturbance for blue outdoor activities.
Other institutions or parties involved
Skjoldungernes land NP (Project leader)
Aarhus University
Raet NP
Kostehavet NP
Funded by the Nordic Council
Results
We have not had the seminar to round up the project yet, due to Covid 19.
Challenges
The managers in the park have too little time to spare, and during the high season it is difficult to arrange interviews. Solutions need funding.
Lessons learned
The challenges in managing highly visited marine recreational areas are universal; networking with other would be highly beneficial to exchange on experiences and ideas. We hope for an annual meeting/seminar that may include all the marine protected areas in northern Europe.
Contact name
Mikkel Eeg
Institution name
Skjoldungerens land national park
Website(s)
