Appendix 15.2: Pasha Dere Beach Usage Survey

Transcription

1 Appendix 15.2: Pasha Dere Beach Usage Survey URS-EIA-REP-22375

2

3 Table of Contents 15.2 Pasha Dere Beach Usage Survey Introduction Beach Surveys Survey Dates, Times and Weather Conditions Survey Teams Methodology Beach Survey Results Survey One August, Survey Two September, Other Survey Observations and Activities Summary of Key Findings URS-EIA-REP i

4 Appendix 15.2 Pasha Dere Beach Usage Survey Tables Table August Survey Dates, Times and Weather Conditions... 1 Table September Survey Dates, Times and Weather Conditions... 2 Table General demographic breakdown of visitors to Pasha Dere Beach 18 to 22 August, 212 (Total Number of Visitors)... 5 Table General demographic breakdown of visitors to Pasha Dere Beach 2 to 24 September, 212 (Total Number of Visitors)... 8 Table Beach activities observed at Pasha Dere Beach in August (Total Number of Visitors) Table Number of temporary structures (Total Number of Structures) Figures Figure Number of visitors to Pasha Dere Beach August Survey... 4 Figure Daily volume of visitors to Pasha Dere Beach (% of estimated maximum daily volume)... 6 Figure Number of visitors to Pasha Dere Beach September Survey... 7 Figure Daily volume of visitors to Pasha Dere Beach (% of estimated maximum daily volume)... 8 Figure Recreational fishing... 1 Figure Watersport activities Figure Camper vans and tents observed at Pasha Dere Beach Figure Location of Camping Sites at Pasha Dere Beach ii URS-EIA-REP-22375

5 15.2 Pasha Dere Beach Usage Survey Introduction Surveys of Pasha Dere Beach were undertaken from 18 to 22 August 212 and from 2 to 24 September 212 to observe and monitor the number of people visiting Pasha Dere Beach and the type of activities being engaged in by beach users. Pasha Dere Beach is away from the main road and there are no sealed roads leading to the beach, only unsealed roads (dirt roads) and tracks. As such, the beach is not easily accessible by car due to the poor quality of the unsealed roads and many visitors use off-road and 4x4 vehicles in order to reach the beach. There are two main road approaches: 2 km via the Rightof-Way of the Galata Gas Pipeline, and 1 km from Rakitnik and Chernomorets Beach. There is also a southern access road which appears to be less frequently used. Pasha Dere Beach and the adjacent Liman protected area are not managed, although they are officially within the jurisdiction of the municipal authorities. There are also no facilities, such as potable water, electricity, or toilets at the beach Beach Surveys Two surveys were conducted to evaluate a possible variation in beach use from peak season (August) to off-season (September). The following section outlines the survey activities, dates and times and the methodology followed Survey Dates, Times and Weather Conditions Survey one was conducted from 18 to 22 August 212 on the following days and times, in weather conditions as indicated in Table Table August Survey Dates, Times and Weather Conditions Date Time Weather conditions Time Weather conditions Max temperature reached on the day Saturday, 18 August am Sunny, no wind 3.3pm Partly cloudy 29 Sunday, 19 August am Sunny, slight wind 3.3pm Partly cloudy, windy 29 Continued URS-EIA-REP

6 Appendix 15.2 Pasha Dere Beach Usage Survey Date Time Weather conditions Time Weather conditions Max temperature reached on the day Monday, 2 August 212 Tuesday, 21 August am Sunny, no wind 4.3pm Sunny, slight wind am Sunny, no wind 3.3pm Sunny, slight wind 34 Wednesday, 22 August am Sunny, cloudless, slight wind 3.3pm Sunny, cloudless, slight wind 3 Complete. Survey two was conducted from 2 to 24 September 212 on the following days and times, in weather conditions as indicated Table : Table September Survey Dates, Times and Weather Conditions Date Time Weather conditions Time Weather conditions Max temperature reached on the day Thursday, 2 September am Sunny, mild wind 3.3pm Sunny, mild wind 24 Friday, 21 September am Cloudy, rainy, strong wind 4pm Cloudy, rainy, strong wind 16 Saturday, 22 September am Cloudy, no rain, windy 4.3pm Cloudy, no rain, windy 21 Sunday, 23 September am Sunny, mild wind 3.3pm Sunny, warm, mild wind 27 Monday, 24 September am Sunny, warm, mild wind 3.3pm Sunny, warm, mild wind Survey Teams They surveys were carried out by a team from the Bulgarian sub-consultants Povvik AD. 2 URS-EIA-REP-22375

7 Methodology Survey design The methodology for undertaking the beach usage surveys was developed specifically to address the data needs of the socio-economic assessment of the Project on beach users at Pasha Dere Beach. The survey zone included the entire length of Pasha Dere Beach as well as the forest areas immediately behind the beach. The beach was surveyed at weekends, considered to be the peak time for beach usage, as well as on three weekdays in both August and September. Surveyors were present at the beach between approximately 8am and 6.3pm each day, and took precise counts of the number of users along the entire beach twice a day; once in the morning and once in the afternoon. The duration of each survey observation was approximately one hour due to the time required to walk from one end of the beach to the other and accurately record the data. For each survey, a count was taken of the number of visitors, types of activities, and of the approximate demographic characteristics of users. In addition, other observations of interest were recorded throughout the survey period. Observations were recorded on a consistent basis for each survey in order to obtain a sample of data to allow comparisons between survey periods to be made. Data collection methods A pro forma form was used to capture data during survey periods and was prepared by the surveyors. Survey data was recorded for the following activities: Sunbathing; Fishing; Dog walking; Watersports; Beach sports; Organised activities; and Semi-commercial activities. The surveys also included other observations so that information about special events, unusual occurrences or site features could be recorded. For each visitor to Pasha Dere Beach, a record was also taken of demographic characteristics, including age and gender. Age was classified into: Children (up to 15 years old), young adults (15-2 years old), adults (21 to 6 years old) and senior adult (aged 6 and above). Observations are based on the surveyor s interpretation and are therefore approximate. However, the data collected is considered to be reliable and consistent across both survey periods. URS-EIA-REP

8 Appendix 15.2 Pasha Dere Beach Usage Survey Beach Survey Results Survey One August, 212 Survey one was carried on from Saturday 18 to Wednesday 22 August, 212. The following section details the statistical results from this survey period and any observations on beach usage. Statistical Results The volume of beach visitors recorded in the morning and again in the afternoon, are shown in Figure Figure Number of visitors to Pasha Dere Beach August Survey Number of visitors Dates of observations Morning Afternoon Temperature RHS Temperature C The figure shows that the highest number of visitors to Pasha Dere Beach was on the weekend. The highest peak of visitors on Sunday was between 11am and 12pm, and by 11.3am there were approximately 5 cars and 322 people on the beach. On Saturday more visitors to Pasha Dere Beach arrived in the afternoon; however, on Sunday the majority of visitors arrived at the beach in the morning. The lowest number of visitors to Pasha Dere Beach is on Monday. Most visitors to the beach on Monday and Tuesday arrived during the morning but on Wednesday, more visitors arrived during the afternoon. Table shows the general demographic breakdown of visitors to Pasha Dere Beach. 4 URS-EIA-REP-22375

9 Table General demographic breakdown of visitors to Pasha Dere Beach 18 to 22 August, 212 (Total Number of Visitors) Date and Hour Sat, Sun, Mon, Tues, Wed, 18 Aug 19 Aug 2 Aug 21 Aug 22 Aug 1:3 15:3 11: 15:3 11:3 16:3 11:3 15:3 11:3 15:3 Total Male Female Couples (no children) Families with children No. children per family* Children Young adults Senior adults No. of groups Average size of group* Estimated Bulgarian and non-bulgarian beach users* Children (-15 years); Young adults (15-2 years); Older adults (6 and above) * Estimated ratio only, based on observations of languages being spoken by those people on the beach. Table shows that on Saturday and Sunday there was a higher proportion of women than men at the beach; however, this changed on Monday through to Wednesday, with more men than women visiting the beach. The majority of families visiting the beach with children were at the beach on Sunday, with most of these families arriving in the morning. The number of young children (up to 15 years old) was highest on Sunday afternoon, while the number of young adults (15 to 2 years old) and senior adults (above 6 years) was highest on Sunday morning. Based on general observations over the entire day, the overall daily volumes of visitors to the beach have been estimated as a percentage of the maximum daily volume to show average visitor number patterns over an entire day. See Figure URS-EIA-REP

10 Appendix 15.2 Pasha Dere Beach Usage Survey Figure Daily volume of visitors to Pasha Dere Beach (% of estimated maximum daily volume) Percentage of daily maximum 1% 9% 8% 7% 6% 5% 4% 3% 2% 1% % 8:3 1:3 12:3 14:3 16:3 18:3 Observation time Observations On Sunday, people began arriving at Pasha Dere Beach at 8am and tended to sit in the trees at Rakitnik and Chernomorets Beach. The usual daily peak of visitors occurred between 11.3am to 12.3pm. At 1pm to 2pm, the temperature peaked at 29 degrees for the day and visitors began to leave the beach at that time. At 3pm to 4pm there, visitor numbers increased again although the number of visitors did not exceed the earlier peak. Many of these visitors stayed on at the beach for the rest of the day. At approximately 6pm most visitors left the beach. By 6.3pm, with the sun lower in the sky and the beach becoming overshadowed by the forest and landfall to the west, the beach was almost completely free of people. However, people camping in tents did remain in the area. On Saturday and Sunday, approximately 2 tents with an estimated 6 people camped for the night in the camping area Survey Two September, 212 The second survey of Pasha Dere Beach was carried out from Thursday 2 to Monday 24 September 212. The following section details the statistical results from this survey period and any observations on beach usage. Statistical Results The volume of beach visitors recorded in the morning and again in the afternoon, are shown in Figure URS-EIA-REP-22375

11 Figure Number of visitors to Pasha Dere Beach September Survey Number of visitors Dates of observations Morning Afternoon Temperature RHS Temperature C Figure shows that there were far fewer visitors to Pasha Dere Beach in September. This is likely to reflect both the fact that it was the off-season and the number of people on holiday is lower. However, visitor patterns during the September survey also reflect the weather and temperature conditions that prevailed over the survey period. For example, on Friday and Saturday the temperatures were relatively low and there were no visitors observed; however, on Sunday the temperatures were higher (approximately 27 degrees) and there were a surge of visitors to the beach, peaking in the afternoon. Although temperatures remained high on the Monday (26 degrees) there were far fewer visitors to Pasha Dere Beach. See Table 2 for temperature and weather conditions recorded throughout the survey periods. Based on general observations over the entire day, the overall daily volumes of visitors to the beach have been estimated as a percentage of the maximum daily volume to show average visitor number patterns over a day. See Figure URS-EIA-REP

12 Appendix 15.2 Pasha Dere Beach Usage Survey Figure Daily volume of visitors to Pasha Dere Beach (% of estimated maximum daily volume) Percentage of daily maximum 1% 9% 8% 7% 6% 5% 4% 3% 2% 1% % 8:3 1:3 12:3 14:3 16:3 18:3 Observation time Table shows the general demographic breakdown of visitors to Pasha Dere Beach. Table General demographic breakdown of visitors to Pasha Dere Beach 2 to 24 September, 212 (Total Number of Visitors) Date and Hour Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun, Mon, 2 Sep 21 Sep 22 Sep 23 Sep 24 Sep 1:3 15:3 11: 15:3 11:3 16:3 11:3 15:3 11:3 15:3 Total Male Female Couples (no children) Families with children Continued 8 URS-EIA-REP-22375

13 Date and Hour Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun, Mon, 2 Sep 21 Sep 22 Sep 23 Sep 24 Sep 1:3 15:3 11: 15:3 11:3 16:3 11:3 15:3 11:3 15:3 No. children per family* Children 1 6 Young adults 4 Senior adults No. of groups 3 Average size of group* Estimated Bulgarian and non-bulgarian beach users* Children (-15 years); Young adults (15-2 years); Senior adults (6 and above) * Estimated ratio only, based on observations of languages being spoken by those people on the beach. Complete. In September, the highest number of visitors to Pasha Dere Beach were male. Young adults and children visited the beach much less frequently. Observations There was an overall decline in the number of visitors to Pasha Dere Beach observed during the September survey. The start of the school term in September usually marks the end of the holiday season, and during the rest of September Pasha Dere Beach is only infrequently visited by people. The weather in September appeared to be the other factor determining the number of visitors to Pasha Dere Beach. In general, Pasha Dere Beach appeared to experience an increase in visitors once the temperature rose beyond 22 to 23 degrees. The weekend continues to be the peak time for visitors, although in September this shifts from the morning to the afternoon. It was also observed that people did not camp overnight by the beach in September. The demographic breakdown of visitors to Pasha Dere Beach in September was similar to that observed in the August survey; however, young adults (aged 15-2 years old) were largely not observed at the beach. There was one artisanal fisherman, one motor boat and one sailing boat observed over the September survey period. On Sunday, five dogs were observed on the beach with their owners. URS-EIA-REP

14 Appendix 15.2 Pasha Dere Beach Usage Survey Other Survey Observations and Activities The following section details observations of the various activities engaged in by beach users. This includes both passive and active activities. Activities Sunbathing Sunbathing was the most popular activity for visitors to Pasha Dere Beach, with approximately 9 to 95% of visitors sunbathing. As there are no privatised or managed sections of the beach, most visitors brought their own beach equipment, including tents, tables, umbrellas, chairs, and beach toys (e.g. ball, bat, bucket). At the north and south ends of Pasha Dere Beach there are also small numbers of naturists sunbathing. Fishing There was some recreational fishing taking place from Pasha Dere Beach, although this accounted for a small proportion of overall beach users; with approximately 3 to 5 artisanal fishers fishing from the beach using fishing rods, as well a few people fishing in a single boat (Figure ). Figure Recreational fishing 1 URS-EIA-REP-22375

15 The fishermen were observed early in the morning, before the first count at 11am. The catch (mullet and scad) was small and for personal consumption, as often the fishermen were part of the camping groups and would cook the fish over camp fires in the early evening. In addition, the fishermen would dive to collect black sea mussels: on Monday, one fisherman with a harpoon was observed. Dog Walking Some families and groups brought their dogs with them to Pasha Dere Beach. Approximately two to five dogs were observed, with most dog walkers visiting the beach at the same time every day during the survey period. Watersports Watersport activities are only carried out by a small number of visitors to Pasha Dere Beach (Figure ). The watersport activities observed were kayaking, and on Sunday, two jetskis and one motorboat. It is likely that these visitors came from beach areas to the north of Pasha Dere Beach, e.g. Fichoza. Figure Watersport activities URS-EIA-REP

16 Appendix 15.2 Pasha Dere Beach Usage Survey Beach Sports The most popular beach sport was beach volleyball, particularly on Saturday and Sunday. Organised Activities On three consecutive days (Saturday to Monday) an organised group consisting of approximately 2 Russian-speaking teenagers and a small number of group leaders came to Pasha Dere Beach. These groups had yellow bracelets, indicating that they were from a nearby all inclusive resort. Table shows the number of visitors engaging in beach activities. Table Beach activities observed at Pasha Dere Beach in August (Total Number of Visitors) Date and Hour Sat, Sun, Mon, Tues, Wed, 18 Aug 19 Aug 2 Aug 21 Aug 22 Aug 1:3 15:3 11: 15:3 11:3 16:3 11:3 15:3 11:3 15:3 Sunbathing Fishing Dog walking Watersports Beach sports Organised activities Semi-commercial* * Small scale, informal commercial activity, such as people selling mussels and soft drinks, has been witnessed on other occasions; however no such activity was witnessed during the beach surveys. Other Observations The cars in the informal car park primarily had Varna District number plates, with only a few cars from outside of Varna. Camping Tents were observed near Pasha Dere Beach, with some groups located near to Liman protected area and other groups located north of the Liman protected area (close to one of the entry points to the beach). See Figure and Figure URS-EIA-REP-22375

17 Figure Camper vans and tents observed at Pasha Dere Beach The number of tents, and other temporary structures (i.e. camper vans and bivouac tents), located on the beach or within 3 metres of the beach were recorded and are shown in Table No commercial activities were observed during the survey period. Table Number of temporary structures (Total Number of Structures) Date and Hour Sat, 18 Aug Sun, 19 Aug Mon, 2 Aug Tue, 21 Aug Wed, 22 Aug 1:3 15:3 11: 15:3 11:3 16:3 11:3 15:3 11:3 15:3 Tent Camper vans Bivouac tents URS-EIA-REP

18 Appendix 15.2 Pasha Dere Beach Usage Survey Figure Location of Camping Sites at Pasha Dere Beach 14 URS-EIA-REP-22375

19 Summary of Key Findings The beach survey confirmed that Pasha Dere Beach is a popular recreational asset, especially during the summer season. The number and frequency of visitors to Pasha Dere Beach is dependent on the weather and climate conditions. When the weather conditions are warm (above degrees) and sunny, the beach has more visitors. The majority of beach users engaged in passive recreational activities, such as sunbathing, rather than physically active activities, although recreational fishing was observed, as well as some watersport activities. URS-EIA-REP