Beach quality assessment and management in the Sotavento (Eastern) Algarve, Portugal

The purpose of this study on beach quality assessment and management was to evaluate the quality of five beaches in the Algarve Sotavento region of Portugal and to identify beach users’ preferences and priorities regarding their visit to a beach. The Algarve is one of the country’s most internationally known regions and it is generally perceived as a major tourist destination. Because of the increasing level of tourists, there is a specific need to address beach quality, as overcrowding can result in excessive litter, reduce water quality and consequently reduce the socio-economic value of the area. The main methodology for the evaluation of the beach quality in this pilot project was the Bathing Area Registration and Evaluation framework (BARE), which recognizes five beach types (rural, remote, resort, urban and village) through five main priority issues of concern to beach users (water quality, scenery, litter, safety, facilities) and evaluates the beach quality, ranging from one (low) to five (high) stars. After overall bathing area classification, Quarteira-Vilamoura, Ilha do Farol, Ilha Deserta and Ilha da Armona received three-star rating and Quinta do Lago site obtained a one-star rating. The quantitative research data on beach users’ preferences and priorities was obtained through administration of 50 questionnaires per beach and showed that beach users at all sites expressed the need for improved cleanliness, safety and facilities on the beach. The BARE framework, together with the questionnaire surveys, allowed the identification of management priorities required to improve the quality of individual beaches and therefore increase income from tourism.

Beach morphodynamics at Nazaré coast using video monitoring

Tese de doutoramento, Geologia (Geodinâmica Externa), Universidade de Lisboa, Faculdade de Ciências, 2014

The effect of shore armoring on beach slope in mixed sand-and-gravel beaches

Senior thesis written for Oceanography 445

Beach sand and the potential for infectious disease transmission: observations and recommendations

Recent studies suggest that sand can serve as a vehicle for exposure of humans to pathogens at beach sites, resulting in increased health risks. Sampling for microorganisms in sand should therefore be considered for inclusion in regulatory programmes aimed at protecting recreational beach users from infectious disease. Here, we review the literature on pathogen levels in beach sand, and their potential for affecting human health. In an effort to provide specific recommendations for sand sampling programmes, we outline published guidelines for beach monitoring programmes, which are currently focused exclusively on measuring microbial levels in water. We also provide background on spatial distribution and temporal characteristics of microbes in sand, as these factors influence sampling programmes. First steps toward establishing a sand sampling programme include identifying appropriate beach sites and use of initial sanitary assessments to refine site selection. A tiered approach is recommended for monitoring. This approach would include the analysis of samples from many sites for faecal indicator organisms and other conventional analytes, while testing for specific pathogens and unconventional indicators is reserved for high-risk sites. Given the diversity of microbes found in sand, studies are urgently needed to identify the most significant aetiological agent of disease and to relate microbial measurements in sand to human health risk.

Women's Volleyball Team (1981-82)

Back Row: Maura Purdon (Coach), Kelly Grantham, Liz Jansen, Diane Thiesen, Louise Argenta, Rhonda, Oatman, Kelly Fahlenbock (Asst. Coach) Middle Row: Kaaren Quartermain, Sherri Crossman, Sue Crowley, Kin Zamecnik Front Row: June LeDrew, Darlene Danis Absent: Margo Schijns

Men's Volleyball Team (1981-82)

From left to right: H. T. Lillies (Coach), Rudolph Ambacher, Bill Hadfield, Michel Thibodeau, Bill Haines, Larry Plummer, Bill Smale, and Kelvin Oda (Manager). Absent: Gordon McNeice, Tom Dagg, Hong Wey Kang, Darrel Murphey, Darren Cannell, Ian Shackel, John Bernie.

Women's Volleyball Team (1972-73)

Back Row: Marsia Antolak (Manager), Marcia Liddycoat, Wendy Krasovev, Violette Lavigne, Elanie Keith, Jean Nairn, Kathy Kirkpatrickm Pat Hueston (Coach) Front Row: Beth Craig, Lee Bartley, Judt Trowbridge, Jeanie Dulewicz, Miriam Ganton