Patterns%20and%20Processes%20in%20Human%20Coastal%20Development

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Patterns and Processes in Human Coastal
Development

• Biology 561 Barrier Island Ecology

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Trends in Coastal Regions
Presentation based on Bookman, C.A., T.J.
Culliton and M.A. Warren. 1999. Trends in U. S.
Coastal Regions, 1970-1998. http//state-of-coast
.noaa.gov/natdialog/
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Trends Shaping the Coastal Environment

• Population growth and settlement pattern
• Recreation and tourism
• Commerce
• Energy and mineral resources
• Fisheries resources
• Environmental quality
• Coastal hazards
• Government and management
• Social trends

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Population Growth and Settlement Pattern

• Coastal areas crowded
• Current population 141 million in coastal
  counties
• Growth of coastal areas continues
• Population will reach 166 million by 2015
• Natural features are diminished or lost
• Green space/wildlife habitat/water quality
  decrease
• Urban runoff/solid waste production increase

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Social Trends

• Change from concept of infinite resources to
  finite resources
• Resources can be harmed by human activities
• Oceans and coastal areas important to human
  health
• NGOs important players

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Recreation and Tourism

• The most significant economic activity within the
  coastal zone
• Government responsible for providing conditions
  for these to fluorish
• Much left to be done in this arena

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Water-related Commerce

• Both foreign and domestic waterborne
  transportation increasing
• Shift from cargo to passengers
• Ports under pressure to respond to
• Changing intermodal transport systems
• Environmental regulations pertaining to ports
• Requires coordinated national effort to develop
  appropriate infrastructure

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Energy and Mineral Resources

• Federal offshore lands are source of petroleum
• Imported petroleum comes by ship
• Large fraction of untapped petroleum in offshore
  reservoirs

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Fishery Resources

• U.S. fishery landings have increased over the
  past 50 years
• Maximum fish production by oceans and coastal
  waters has been reached
• Seek long-term sustainable fisheries
• Aquaculture may be important alternative to wild
  harvest

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Environmental Quality

• Point source pollution control successful
• Wastwater treatment plants
• Ocean dumping/dredge deposits
• Non-point pollution increasing
• Growth in population
• Coastal habitats threatened

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Coastal Hazards

• Coastal storms
• Increasing population at risk
• Increased property valuation
• Disrupt ecosystems
• Damage and cost decreasing
• Better predictive capabilities
• Better building codes

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Governance and Management

• Coastal zone governed by fragmented, complex laws
  and regulations
• Law of the Sea Convention
• 200 mile exclusive economic zone (EEZ)
• Regional management, e.g. fisheries
• Experience with coastal zone management
• Integrated management
• Bring stakeholders together (economic, social and
  environmental