Assessment of degradation of white and grey dune habitats in the Curonian Spit: a case study of Parnidis Dune (Nida environs, Lithuania)

The present study is aimed at assessing coastal dune changes under anthropogenic load in the most visited area of the Lithuanian part of Curonian Spit and determining the limits of recreational capacity which could serve as a basis for creating measures to control the flows of beach users. The study is focused on assessment of degradation of whiteand grey-sand dune habitats at the Parnidis Dune (environs of Nida settlement). It describes the forms of relief and processes of deflation and accumulation in the study area and identifies the reasons for changes in aeolian substratum. The condition or “healthiness” (good, average, or bad) of sand habitats around the Parnidis Dune (43 m NN)1 is described based on the structure and forms of aeolian sand habitats and species composition of dune vegetation. The number of beach users affecting the aeolian forms at the Parnidis Dune (43 m NN) was investigate, and the critical carrying capacity of beaches (25 beach users per 1 m2 in 6 hours of day) was established. Based on the parameters distinguished for characterization of the state of whiteand grey-sand habitats, the authors developed new data and methods for the evaluation of the degree of degradation of the mentioned dunes.