Establishing new bathing sites at the Curonian Lagoon coast: an ecological-social-economic assessment

A new bathing site at the Curonian Lagoon coast can be established despite poor water quality, but its economic viability is uncertain. The study, using a participatory Integrated Coastal Zone Management approach, found that while lagoon water quality and swimming opportunities are not top priorities for tourists on the Curonian Spit, a beach could extend the summer bathing season and serve as an additional tourist attraction. Socio-economic analyses and model simulations were used to assess the feasibility of new beaches against the backdrop of improved sewage treatment. High lagoon water temperatures may help prolong the bathing season, but the study underscores the importance of systematic stakeholder involvement for successful implementation.

Schernewski, G., Baltranaitė, E., Kataržytė, M., Balčiūnas, A., Čerkasova, N., & Mėžinė, J. (2017). Establishing new bathing sites at the Curonian Lagoon coast: an ecological-social-economic assessment. Journal of Coastal Conservation, 23(5), 899–911. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11852-017-0587-4