The potential benefits of water sports for health and well-being in marine protected areas: a case study in the Mediterranean

ABSTRACT

Non-motorized water sports requiring physical efforts such as swimming, scuba diving, kayaking, sailing and surfing are becoming increasingly popular in Mediterranean marine protected areas (MPAs). This research investigates the relationship between these types of water sports and practitioners’ psychological and mental health. It takes the MPAs of Cap de Creus and Gulf of Roses (north-western Mediterranean) as a case study and is underpinned by a literature review and in-depth interviews with specialized water sports instructors. Results provide evidence that doing non-motorized water sports in the sea has positive outcomes for practitioners’ physical and mental health. When done in well-preserved areas, these sports may be a viable tool for both wellness and health recovery, and could be introduced in the community as a preventative and rehabilitation health strategy. This should be accompanied by strategies to address the ecological impacts these sports may have on MPAs.

KEYWORDS:

• Maritime leisure activities
• physical health
• mental health
• marine environment
• marine protected areas

Acknowledgements

The authors thank all participants in the study, particularly Aneliya Trendafilova and Manuel Alcaide, for their assistance with the interviews and compiling the bibliography. The authors also thank the reviewers for their help in reframing and improving the paper, and the editor of the journal (Prof. Wheaton) for their assistance during the revision and publication process.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Notes

1 The WHO acknowledges well-being as an inextricable part of health, defining it thus: ‘Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity’ (https://www.who.int/governance/eb/who_constitution_en.pdf

Additional information

Funding

This project was financed by a MedPAN Small project (MAVA Foundation and Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation) and the Oceans and Human Health Chair. Arnau Carreño was supported by a Ph.D. fellowship from the Tossa de Mar Town Council and the Oceans and Human Health Chair; Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation [grant number MedPan Small Project].

Notes on contributors

Josep Lloret

Dr. Josep Lloret is associate professor and director of the Oceans and Human Health Chair at the Institute of Aquatic Ecology of the University of Girona. His interdisciplinary research focus on the topic Oceans and Human Health (OHH) and comprises different lines including the relationships between marine ecosystems and the health and well-being of people; the conservation of marine ecosystems and resources and the integration of biological, socioeconomic and health criteria in the co-management of the seas and oceans.

Sílvia Gómez

Dr. Silvia Gómez is assistant professor at the Social Anthropology Department of the Autonomous University of Catalonia. Her interdisciplinary research focus on the study of the articulation between social and environmental processes in different contexts, from an ethnographic and historical approach. Her research addresses new forms of government and legal systems of regulation, such as mediation systems, which seek to promote the participation of civil society and communities in conflict management and resolution. Her research also includes small-scale fishing rights, environmental governance, justice and food security, and the study of sustainable livelihoods in the rural context (small-scale agriculture and fishing).

Míriam Rocher

Míriam Rocher PhD is student at the National Institute of Physical Education of Catalonia (INEFC), University of Barcelona. Her research focus on the study of the social and health benefits (physical and mental health) of outdoor activities and sports.

Arnau Carreño

Arnau Carreño PhD is student at the University of Girona. His research focus on the study of the benefits and risks of several maritime activities on health of citizens, particularly in Mediterranean marine protected areas.

Joan San

Dr. Joan San is a neurosurgeon and professor of Applied Neuroscience at the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Girona, and Dean of this Faculty. He is responsible for the scientific dissemination and transfer of knowledge in different Masters related to traumatic brain disorders, neurorehabilitation and neural foundations of creativity.

Eduard Inglés

Dr. Eduard Inglés is Associate professor at the University of Barcelona and director of the National Institute of Physical Education of Catalonia (INEFC). He is researcher in the Social and Educational Research Group in Physical Activity and Sports, member of the Management Committee of ENOS (European Network for Outdoor Sports), member of the Scientific Advisory Board of the Mountains of the Spanish Federation of Mountain Sports and Climbing and coordinator of the Commission of Experts on Natural Environment and Tourism (COPLEFC). His research focus on the study of the social and health benefits (physical and mental health) of outdoor activities and sports.