Download Patterns and Processes in Human Coastal Development

Patterns and Processes in
Human Coastal
Development**
**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/
Trends Shaping the Coastal
Environment
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Population growth and settlement pattern
Recreation and tourism
Commerce
Energy and mineral resources
Fisheries resources
Environmental quality
Coastal hazards
Government and management
Social trends
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
• Population density in coastal areas
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
Recreation and Tourism
• The most significant economic
activity within the coastal zone
• Government responsible for
providing conditions for these to
flourish
• Much left to be done in this arena
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
Energy and Mineral
Resources
• Federal offshore lands are source of
petroleum
• Imported petroleum comes by ship
• Large fraction of untapped petroleum
in offshore reservoirs
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
Environmental Quality
• Water quality is most important aspect
of environmental quality
• Point source pollution control
successful
– Wastewater treatment plants
– Ocean dumping/dredge deposits
• Non-point pollution increasing
– Growth in population
• Coastal habitats threatened
Water Quality
• Nutrient levels
– Algal growth and harmful algal blooms
• Pathogen contamination
– Source: treated sewage, septic tanks, runoff
– Beach water monitoring important
• Chemicals
– Since 1940, 70,000 chemicals introduced into
marine environment
– Oil spills continue to occur—from rigs and
vessels
• Debris and litter
Coastal Hazards
• Coastal storms
– Increasing population at risk
– Increased property valuation
– Disrupt ecosystems
– Damage and cost decreasing
• Better predictive capabilities
• Better building codes
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