Types of Physical Alterations

As discussed, a disproportionate number of humans live close to coastlines. This population needs food, energy, space, and protection. And activities related to gaining these essentials and comforts can be very costly to estuarine and marine habitats.
 
It is the manner in which these activities and changes are undertaken that ultimately dictates whether the community is worse or better off. In the case of sedimentation from land reclamation, encircling meshes and nets can be used to ensure minimal turbidity in the surroundings. If they are not then environmental disruption is inevitable.
 
Proper planning and thinking through of subsequent possible scenarios is essential when working with ecosystem change in this way. Ecosystems are massive interconnecting webs of life and a change in one element of this web will create a cascade of changes through to other important elements. Giving consideration to possible consequences and taking precautions against unwanted ecosystem changes is the key to making physical alterations, such as dams, sea defences, and dredging, without environmental problems.

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