Abstract
In general, ocean energy refers to renewable energy for human consumption, but less often relates to conservation and environmental protection. Within this context, this study describes and investigates energy-biotopes as a new concept, based on energy features, to use as a relevant resource for reefs conservation, marine-based tourism, and the harvesting of renewable ocean energy for Cozumel Island. Cluster analyses and linear trend models indicate an energy-tourism-economy connection with a similarity >90% and a correlation >0.976 between tourist arrivals, total revenue (US$ 161.74), and electric energy consumption (~64.62 Wh), per tourist. Moreover, field measurements of ocean current velocities (U) were conducted to assess the spatial distribution of kinetic energy density (ED) over the western coast of Cozumel Island. These results were compared with information obtained from prior studies on reef cover, benthic distribution, and tourism activities to identify the environment-energy-tourism relationship. Results indicate that marine biotopes with low and intermediate energy values (ED < 60 J/m3, U < 0.34 m/s) correlate with reef structures that are highly attractive for tourism and with moderate flow velocities for drift-diving, which represents the basis of tourism and the primary source of income for Cozumel Island. In contrast, high-energy biotopes (ED > 250 J/m3, U < 0.70 m/s) may contribute to meeting energy demands through the use of marine energy and the resulting increase in tourism and economic development in the area. However, the effects on marine organisms that are not typically attractive for tourists, but are of ecological significance, should be considered. Environmental habitats and electric energy demands are discussed regarding the local economy, which supports a floating population of 4.10 million people and where the reef environment plays an essential role both as part of the marine landscape and in the formation of globally unique energy-biotopes.