Journal of Coastal Zone Management

Coastal Anthropogenic Pressure

The high productivity of coastal ecosystems and the diversity of coastal biotopes account for the extraordinary abundance of natural resources in the coastal zone. Based on the classification system it is possible to distinguish the following types of coastal zone resources: foodstuffs (biological), raw materials (mineral, chemical, water), energy, recreational and health resources. Since coastal zone resources are so attractive to people shores around the world are focal points for various human activities. The principle forms of anthropogenic activity in the coastal zone are: fishing; aquaculture; coastal agriculture, forestry, hydro-technical engineering and coastal construction, mining, shipbuilding (in dockyards), oil extraction, transfer and transportation, electric power generation, cabotage (coastal navigation), seaport operation, naval operations, tourism and recreation. The sum of all these activities forms the anthropogenic pressure experienced by the coastal zone.