Impact of recreational load on marine mammals and seabirds in the Murmansk Oblast: Assessment and prospects for regulation
https://doi.org/10.21443/3034-1434-2026-4-1-6-24
Abstract
In this review article, we set out to assess the impact of tourism activity on the populations of marine mammals, seabirds, and aquatic birds in the coastal waters of the Murmansk Oblast of Russia. The negative effects of uncontrolled tourism are estimated and the respective regulating measures aimed at reducing the recreational load on animals are proposed. Particular attention is given to the physiological changes and behavioral responses of animals during peak tourism periods. The main effects of excessive recreational load are revealed, including changes in the spatial distribution of animals and their migration routes, violation of feeding behavior, and decreased reproductive potential. It is concluded that a systematic approach to effectively regulate tourism activities is needed. Among the proposed recommendations aimed at limiting the volume of recreational activity are setting minimum distances, restricting the time of interaction with animals, and controlling the number of vessels in the water area.
About the Authors
A. A. Kunitsa
Marine Mammals Council
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Anastasia A. Kunitsa — Member of the Council of the Interregional Public Organization for the Conservation of Marine Mammals “Council on Marine Mammals”
Moscow, 111401, Metallurgov ul., 23/12, apt. 23
A. V. Ezhov
Kandalaksha State Nature Reserve
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Alexey V. Ezhov — Senior Researcher
RINC ID: 150886;
Scopus ID: 36914214100;
Web of Science ID: S-5788-2019
Kandalaksha, 184042, Lineynaya ul., 35
A. A. Iurmanov
Murmansk Arctic University
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Anton A. Iurmanov — Cand. Sci. (Biol.), Associate Professor, Department of Ecology and Technosphere Safety
RINC ID: 1271794;
Scopus ID: 57200179180;
Web of Science ID: AAO-4528-2021
Murmansk, 183038, 15 Kapitan Egorov ul.
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For citations:
Kunitsa A.A., Ezhov A.V., Iurmanov A.A. Impact of recreational load on marine mammals and seabirds in the Murmansk Oblast: Assessment and prospects for regulation. Arctic and Innovations. 2026;4(1):6-24. (In Russ.) https://doi.org/10.21443/3034-1434-2026-4-1-6-24
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