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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 • • • • • • • • • 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