|
|
| | | Navigate the Atlas:  | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| | | |
Text-only Printer-friendly version
| | Physical alterations in the coastal zone | | | | There is little argument that physical adaptations to land ecosystems are probably the greatest threats to terrestrial biological diversity, however, few realise that the same is true in the marine environment. Excavation, oil and gas exploration and exploitation, mining, such as sand and aggregate extraction, the building of ports and marinas and building of coastal defences and other activities linked to urban expansion are giving rise to alterations of coral reefs, shorelands, beachfronts and the seaf loor. Important habitats are being destroyed. Wetlands are being transformed into agricultural lands and through coastal development. | | | | Tourism, unrestricted and uncontrolled aquaculture, clearance of mangroves and destructive fishing practices, such as the use of dynamite and chemicals, are also causing the physical destruction of important habitats. The introduction of alien species can also have serious effects upon marine ecosystem integrity. Spawning grounds, nurseries and feeding grounds of major living marine resources of crucial importance to world food security are being destroyed. This destruction of habitat exacerbates overharvesting of these living marine resources leading to a growing risk that they are being depleted. This is an increasing threat to the food security of coastal populations, in particular in developing countries. The damming of river systems can result in upstream sedimentation, possible changes in estuarine conditions and interference with fish migration. These adversely affect biological diversity and biological productivity. The practice of saltwinning from saltpan construction in coastal areas can also affect salt concentration levels and biological diversity. | | | Larger populations have greater effects on their surrounding environment and as the human race is growing at such a phenomenal rate the physical alterations to marine related habitats shall be a priority issue in years to come.
Based on: UNEP's GPA Website pages on physical alterations
See More... | | | | |
 | | | | |
| Maldives' disappearing coast prompts appeal to UN space agency
by Environmental News Network 07 June 2009 | |
| | The Maldives, one of the nations most threatened by global warming, is appealing to the United Nations space agency to help the island country plan its defenses against rising sea levels. | |
Read more at http://www.enn.com/top_stories/article/40026.
| |
Other News |
|
|
|
979 Topics - 5276 Related Knowledge - 11278 Members - 48 Editors |
freeMem:165,780,328 totMem:479,789,056 reqNum:143124 openSessions:0 generationTime:2013/06/20 12:38:13 |
E-Mail Topic link