The ugly side of mass market tourism is rearing its head in the Caribbean. Two recent articles show the before and after of large scale tourism that don't adequately benefit local communities and negatively affect wildlife. While research has showed that tourism on turtle nesting beaches can be done with minimal impact on turtles, large numbers of people and big hotels are never a good thing.
The first article details a study of how tourism is affecting a unique place in the Cayman Islands called "Stingray City". With up to 2,500 visitors at a time(!) coming to feed, stroke, and swim with the stingrays, this study has shown that the rays had weaker immune systems than non-disturbed rays. Boats also injure the stingrays and feeding of wild animals is never a good idea, especially food that they don't normally eat. A lot more of this kind of research is needed to make sure that tourism doesn't destroy what makes a location unique. SEE Turtles promotes "no viewing" areas where wildlife can avoid human stress and has guidelines for preventing impacts on sea turtles and other ocean wildlife.
Meanwhile, in the Dominican Republic, proposed large scale tourism development near Jaragua National Park threatens both the world's smallest reptile (the Jaragua sphaero or dwarf gecko) and one of the largest (leatherback sea turtles). Proposals includes hotels, golf courses, and a bauxite mine. Local groups such as the Jaragua Group are calling on the government to promote local micro-enterprises that would directly enlist the help of residents.
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