Throughout the years, there is an increase development in the coastal areas. Unfortunately, there are many negative impacts that can cause destruction to the ocean and the coasts. Some factors that contribute to that include tourism, real estate and recreational activities. To know more about the impacts, continue reading these 15 Impact Factor of Ocean and Coastal Management.
1. Chemical Runoff
Apparently, vehicles that are passing through the roads of the coasts can cause chemical runoffs to the oceans. They can come from leaking fuel and oil. As more and more tourists come to specific beaches, more vehicles would cause the runoff. Small boats that are meant for recreational activities can also contribute to the chemical disaster. Also read the economic effects of ocean pollution.
2. Various Littering
Various littering happens too as a lot of people will be attracted to come to the beach area. Although there might be many trash cans set up, some litter would still somehow end up among the sand on the beaches. Overtime, they will make their way into the ocean with the waves.
3. Sand Erosion
Sand erosion constantly happens when there are buildings set near the coastal areas. Some sand are removed to create a stable foundation for the buildings. It’s the same case for making public roads near the coasts. As these developments continue to increase, the level of sand is decreased. Sand erosion also happens when people take away sands from other places in order to replenish beaches lacking in sand.
4. Plastic Waste
Plastic waste is a huge concern when there are many developments in the coastal areas. Plastic is one of those materials that takes many years to degrade. Moreover, they don’t just dissappear into nothing. They break down into a much small micro plastic which floats around in the ocean. Those particles harm the health of the ocean and also endanger many marine lives. Read on how to prevent plastics in the ocean to make the environment better.
5. Chemical Waste
There is always a high chance of chemical waste from buildings around beaches. The chemical waste can come from leaking septic tanks of homes or hotels that are located in those areas. Other ways would be the toxic chemicals that are diluted with dirty waters as wastes from the buildings.
6. Irresponsible Snorkelling
Not everyone that comes to the coastal areas to do some snorkelling is considerate. There have been reports whereby snorkellers taunt or provoke the marine animals in the oceans. All those actions can cause serious stress to the marine animals. Marine animals are fragile to human actions, irresponsible snorkelling may affect them negatively even more.
7. Changes in Landscape
Due to all the constructions, some changes within the landscape is unavoidable. The shifting shapes may cause the coasts to become more vulnerable to natural disasters or strong waves. Other than that, there could be a disruption in the amount of biodiversity as most marine lives are unable to adapt to the changing landscapes of their homes.
8. Noise Disturbance
Noise disturbance is a factor that can also create a negative impact to the marine animals and also the local people. For instance, some coasts have amusement parks on their piers. The amount of equipments for rides, music and even the people can cause a high level of noise disturbance. Marine animals are vulnerable to sound as that is what they use to survive. Too much outside noise will cause chaos into their ability to live.
9. Poor Water Quality
The quality of the ocean water can suffer too. As more harmful wastes are introduced to the ocean water through human actions, the quality won’t be as good as before. The ocean water may turn murky, dark and full of dirt. As time passes, the water may no longer be used for humans to swim in as it is too toxic.
10. Unsuitable Nesting Ground
There are many marine creatures that rely on sand in the beaches to lay their eggs. This especially applies to the sea turtles. However, there are many factors related to the coastal activities that make the sand become an unsuitable nesting ground. One of them is the eroding beaches. Another one is the renourishment of the sand. Some sea turtles may find it unsuitable as the density of the sand isn’t right. Read about other threats to sea turtles that cause them to become endangered.
11. Air Pollution
There is also air pollution that can happen when there are vehicles moving around the beaches and also constructions that take place in the coasts. All the harmful fumes from all sorts of vehicles and machineries are released into the air and impact the ocean at a closer distance. Any kinds of air pollution in the air will have negative effect on the ocean too. For example, the ocean water can become more acidic because of it.
12. Reduction in Marine Habitat
Marine habitat become threatened as they are destroyed for the coastal development. Some habitats are protected but many are not. As more habitat are ruined, less marine population will be able to thrive. Most of them may even die out. The coastal areas will suffer a huge loss in biodiversity and also create a chaotic ecosystem for the marine creatures.
13. Dredging
Dredging happens more frequently at the shallower water of the coastal areas. Evne though it is a necessary act to replenish sand in the beach, it also harms the ecosystem. Many marine creatures rely on the sediments that are dredged away from them. The sea floor becomes more vulnerable too as there is less sand there. Read more about it on destruction of ocean floor.
14. Less Fish Population
People who come to the coastal areas will want to try out the seafood. A huge amount of people demanding this will mean a huge pressure to fish more creatures. As a result, there could be less fish population in the ocean. It could create an imbalance in the whole marine food chain.
15. Destruction to Coral Reefs
Coral reefs get destroyed at the coasts too. Piers at coasts are sometimes built directly on top of coral reefs. It’s a huge loss of ecosystem as the coral reefs are not protected. Moreover, shipping and boating activities at the coasts can cause a destruction to some of the corals too.
All these impact factors can be avoided with better ocean and coastal management. People should aim for a more sustainable development for the betterment of the ocean environment.