Sustaining Playa Piskadó: Balancing Conservation and Tourism - shot by Zena Rigaud

Introduction
The booming tourism industry in Curacao largely depends on a fragile ecosystem. Therefore, it is essential to balance human interests and the well-being of our natural ecosystem, especially our marine life. This book highlights the story of Playa Piskadó, a beloved beach that locals have cherished for generations. The beach faces rapid development and gentrification that threatens its unique biodiversity. We will also highlight the importance of sustainable tourism and showcase the resilience and adaptability of the local communities. Playa Piskadó's narrative is a compelling call to action to protect our island's natural marvels for future generations. By uniting in conscious efforts and thoughtful engagement, Playa Piskadó can remain a haven of natural beauty and biodiversity, fostering a harmonious space where wildlife and humanity coexist.

A unique travel experience causes ecological dilemma
A beach overwhelmed by vehicles, a pier crowded with tourists, and a sea brimming with people snorkeling alongside turtles. Playa Piskadó on the western shore of Curaçao has emerged as a beloved tourist destination. This local gem combines stunning natural beauty, vibrant marine life, and a profound cultural legacy. However, not everyone is happy with its increased popularity. While it is an unmatched journey for many, it presents a complex ecological and social dilemma. Through the pages of this book, we will delve into the charm of Playa Piskadó, exploring its magnificence and the environmental challenges it faces.




Playa Piskadó
Playa Piskadó, also known as Playa Grandi, is one of the most popular beaches on the island. It is a 'relatively' long drive, about 50 minutes from the capital, Willemstad, but it is undoubtedly worth the trip. Nestled in the quaint fishing village of Westpunt on the island's western coast, the beach entrance welcomes visitors with an array of colorfully painted trees and artistic installations. Driving through a lush green tunnel to the beach leads you to a cozy and genuine ambiance. The crystal-clear turquoise waters and vibrant coral reefs surrounding the beach make it a paradise for visitors. Tourists sunbathe on one of the rentable beach beds, water sports enthusiasts snorkel or dive, and locals enjoy fresh fish and the pleasant setting.






Fishing on the island
Playa Piskadó was originally not a tourist hotspot but has recently become a significant attraction on the island. This surge in popularity is because of the unique opportunity to swim alongside wild sea turtles. "Playa Piskadó" translates to "Fisherman's Beach," a name that reflects its original daily hustle. Fishermen sail to sea in iconic small boats to catch their daily fish. The beach is home to a facility where fish are cleaned and sold directly to visitors and local seafood lovers. Watching the fishermen clean their catch is captivating: they showcase large fish, crack jokes, and interact with onlookers. If you are considering buying a fish, remember to carry cash and a cooler box to ensure its freshness on your journey home. The seafood is delicious, offering a taste that's as fresh as it gets.

Playa Piskadó's fishing pier is a central hub for traditional fishermen. While technically competitors, these fishermen embody the spirit of collaboration. They are ready to lend each other a hand, whether helping to beach a boat or to transport catches. This friendship makes them a tight-knit family united by their shared passion. Fishing is not just an occupation on the island; it's a vital part of its culture. However, Curaçao's fishing community faces challenges. Increasing fuel prices and the dwindling size and number of fish have made the profession less appealing to the younger generation. Even experienced fishermen acknowledge the hardships: "They must rise early and gain little. You can't blame them for looking elsewhere."

The scarcity of fish is not just a local concern; some countries have even established "no fishing" zones. Curaçao has also introduced these zones, but their implementation is often driven by commercial interests, with corporations acquiring beaches for touristic development. There is a debate on the island about the necessity of "no fishing" zones. Given that large-scale, net-based fishing operations, which can significantly deplete fish stocks, are not prevalent here. Fishing in Curaçao retains a traditional character, which, if practiced responsibly, is believed to be more sustainable. Local fishermen are seeking more significant support from the government. They argue for enhanced unity and oversight, emphasizing the need for cooperation and stricter regulation to ensure the sustainability of their livelihoods.

Local beach to touristic staple
A few years ago, the beach was primarily visited by working fishermen and locals. Interestingly, the practice of discarding fish scraps into the sea began attracting sea turtles to the area. These majestic creatures have begun to attract visitors, providing a unique opportunity for both experienced and beginner snorkelers. Nowadays, the beach is often bustling with tourists, some arriving by bus to observe from the pier, others joining snorkeling groups, hoping to glimpse these remarkable reptiles. With their graceful movements through the clear blue waters, the turtles provide a beautiful spectacle. Visitors can capture stunning photographs and swim alongside them, provided they maintain a respectful distance and do not touch them. This beach offers a chance to immerse oneself in Curaçao's culture and natural beauty. Still, it is crucial to remember that nature should not be treated like an amusement park. What began as a simple act by fishermen has evolved into a complex situation that demands careful management.

Fishermen returning with their catch face challenges as they navigate the crowds of tourists in the sea, aiming to safely dock their boat at the pier. The tourists are so engaged in watching the turtles that they often fail to notice the approaching boats. This not only complicates the fishermen's work but also poses significant risks to the tourists themselves. According to Sea Turtle Conservation Curaçao (STCC), the presence of tourists impacts the turtles adversely. "Tourists hovering over the turtles prevent them from surfacing peacefully to breathe. We receive daily reports of people touching and even grabbing the turtles." Despite clear signage urging visitors not to touch the turtles, these warnings are frequently disregarded.

The influx of tourists to Playa Piskadó has not only impacted the sea turtles but also the local community. Locals who want to buy fresh fish directly from the local fishermen or restaurant find their access to the pier hindered, as parking spots near the beach are mainly taken by day visitors. This change disrupts the businesses and the traditional community atmosphere of the area. A balanced approach to tourism is needed, one that respects the needs of both the visitors and the local community.

In 2022, neighborhood residents united to protest by blocking the road to Playa Piskadó. They were overwhelmed by the influx of visitors flocking to the beach to observe the turtles, which disrupted the fishermen's work and caused significant frustration due to the visitors' parking behavior. The community of Westpunt has expressed long-standing grievances and feels unheard. They aim to capture the government's attention and seek resolution through such demonstrations.

The Hustle of Playa Piskadó
The growth of tourism in Westpunt brings potential advantages, providing the local community with opportunities to generate income, such as selling goods to tourists. Entrepreneurs in the area are capitalizing on the bay's popularity by renting out beach chairs, snorkels and umbrellas. This encourages tourists to spend more time and money on the beach, buying drinks from local vendors, picking up souvenirs from market stalls, and purchasing fresh fish from the fishermen. However, the influx of large tour buses can create disorder, reaffirming the necessity for improved management and organization.

Green & Hawksbill Sea turtles
Most turtles encountered at Playa Piskadó belong to the Green Sea Turtle species. However, you can also spot a single Hawksbill Sea Turtle. Both species are classified as endangered or critically endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). They are protected from exploitation in most countries, making it illegal to collect, harm, or kill them. Despite these protections, turtles remain at risk due to human activities. In some countries, poachers still hunt turtles and their eggs for consumption.

The Caribbean Sea hosts one of the world's largest sea turtle populations and nesting sites, second only to the Great Barrier Reef in Australia. These turtles undertake long migrations between their feeding grounds and nesting beaches. Curaçao is a significant habitat for these turtles, with both previously mentioned species known to nest on its beaches. During nesting season, female turtles emerge onto the beaches at night to dig nests and lay eggs. The hatchlings later emerge and make their way to the water. Those that reach maturity may live up to 90 years in the wild.

The diet of Green Sea Turtles undergoes a notable change as they age. While juveniles are carnivorous, they transition to a predominantly herbivorous diet as adults. Adult Green Sea Turtles typically inhabit shallow lagoons and mainly feed on various species of seagrasses. They play a crucial role in their ecosystems, feeding on seagrass in a manner that trims the top while leaving the roots intact, thus promoting the health and growth of seagrass beds. These rich seagrass beds, in turn, provide habitats and feeding grounds for many species of fish and crustaceans. Furthermore, the nutrient-rich eggshells from hatched turtles contribute essential nutrients to the ecosystem of their nesting beaches.

Problem with Playa Piskadó and taming of turtles
Feeding sea turtles with fish leftovers presents a detrimental cascade of consequences, particularly concerning for green turtles. These turtles undergo a critical dietary shift as they mature. Feeding them fish leftovers leads to them becoming accustomed to human presence. This habituation poses a significant risk when they migrate to other coastal zones, such as Venezuela, where their tameness—fostered by tourist feeding activities—makes them easy targets for capture. Tragically, these tame turtles are often slaughtered for consumption precisely when they should be reaching reproductive maturity. In regions like Curaçao, where large shallow waters and seagrass beds are scarce, this practice leaves these turtles vulnerable, forcing them to seek new habitats where they face increased threats and diminished chances of survival. Thus, the seemingly innocuous act of feeding sea turtles with fish leftovers contributes to their exploitation and jeopardizes their population sustainability.   -Ard Vreugdenhill, Field director Sea Turtle Conservation Curaçao



Preserving paradise: Sustainable Tourism and Turtle Conservation in Playa Piskadó
Feeding sea turtles has become a pivotal concern in the delicate balance of Playa Piskadó's ecosystem and its flourishing tourism. The suggestion to cease feeding these turtles poses a real risk of them abandoning the beach in search of new feeding grounds. Such a shift could dramatically impact Playa Piskadó, potentially stripping it of its main economic driving forces. Unlike popular neighboring beaches like Cas Aboa, Grote Knip, and Porto Marie, known for their pristine white sand beaches, Playa Piskadó is primarily visited by tourists because of its turtles. Without these majestic creatures, the businesses built around this unique attraction face the grim prospect of closure, putting the livelihoods of many in Westpunt at risk.

Sea Turtle Conservation Curaçao suggests utilizing several buoys as feeding stations to mitigate the consequences of turtle feeding and to foster a sustainable interaction with these endangered species. Rotating these and varying feeding times could manage tourist numbers through scheduled viewings and stimulate the turtles' natural foraging behavior. Designated beach hours present another solution, giving fishermen and locals exclusive access during certain times or even days, thus preserving Westpunt's traditional lifestyle and reducing tourism pressure.

Educational initiatives can raise awareness among tourists and locals about the ecological significance of sea turtles and the impact of human interaction. These could include workshops, guided tours, and informative signs that promote respectful wildlife observation and emphasize the importance of not feeding wildlife.

Collaborating with environmental experts to devise a sustainable tourism strategy can help limit visitor numbers to sensitive areas, encourage tourism outside peak seasons, and diversify attractions away from solely turtle watching. Additionally, deploying more security personnel and snorkeling supervisors on the beach to monitor activities can enhance oversight and safety. Fostering alternative livelihoods for locals that are both ecologically and economically sustainable can offer new income sources without harming the environment. Ultimately, tourist education and online booking systems to regulate access can further ensure wildlife's health and manage the flow of visitors.

Conservation strategies collectively intend to balance the preservation of traditional lifestyles with the demands of growing tourism. By implementing a more controlled and respectful approach to interacting with Playa Piskadó's natural residents, the community aspires to a future where both turtles and humans coexist harmoniously.





To effectively manage the challenges at Playa Piskadó, the government must implement holistic strategies that acknowledge the full spectrum of the ecosystem and the hidden costs of tourism, such as pollution. By viewing tourism as an integral part of the natural and social ecosystem and conducting comprehensive assessments that weigh both its benefits and disadvantages, we can develop a sustainable approach that truly understands and addresses the complex issues facing Playa Piskadó. -Juny Martina




Take-away message
As Playa Piskadó navigates the tides of tourism and conservation, its story reveals the urgent need for balance—a reminder that in safeguarding our natural treasures, we protect our shared heritage and future.