Ways to Protect the Environment

Overview | Coastal Development | Introduced Species | What is Being Done?

Coastal Development

How are habitats affected by coastal development?

People use the ocean for food, recreation, medicine, travel, and other purposes. Many human activities cause changes to ocean habitats. Coastal development-the building of homes and businesses along the coast-impacts ocean habitats in many ways.

When buildings are constructed, plants and other vegetation along the coast are often removed. Losing this vegetation has a negative impact due to the fact that vegetation is a natural habitat for many other organisms. In addition, coastal vegetation slows flooding and erosion by keeping sand and sediment from washing into the ocean.

Some species, such as sea turtles, are particularly affected by coastal development for tourism. The more people who visit the nesting sites of sea turtles, the greater the likelihood that the nests will be disturbed. In addition, the lights which are kept on at night in buildings can disorient sea turtles during nesting and interfere with their natural migration routes.

Docks and piers built for recreation affect underwater habitats, i.e. coral reefs. These constructions affect seals, sea turtles, and other animals that use beaches and coastal areas for breeding/nesting, or in the case of seals, relaxing. When there is development along the coast, there is also an increase in pollution and less vegetation and soil to soak up rain water.

Research Links Related to Protecting Habitats:

• Alaska Native Harbor Seal Commission
  Native Alaskan programs for conservation and preservation of Harbor Seal.
   
• Alaska SeaLife Center -- Harbor Seal
  Photo gallery, scientific and environmental research, causes of decline.
   
• Ballast Water
  Basic Info and Fact Sheets from the MIT Sea Grant, Center for Coastal Resources
   
• Caribbean Conservation Corporation -- Green Sea Turtles
  Teacher resources, coloring pages, online newsletter for kids.
   
• Green Sea Turtle - Conservation Issues and Status
  Basic facts with a focus on conservation status and conservation organizations.
   
• NOAA -- Arctic Theme Page -- Polar Bear
  Discussion of how climate change is affecting Polar Bear populations.
   
• NOAA - Green Sea Turtle with Photos
  Species description and links to recovery plans from the Federal Registry.
   
• NOAA - Lionfish Invasion!
  Interesting story and video about an introduced species--the Lionfish.
   
• NOAA -- Marine Debris Program
  Outreach program and education (Marine 101 class) about marine pollution and clean up off New Hampshire coast.
   
• Penguin Science
  How giant icebergs, disappearing sea ice, and shifting weather patterns are affecting penguins. Has a penguin cam plus video and lots of images.
   
• Stop Rats! - Protect Alaska - Rats are Bad News for People and Wildlife
  Impacts of Rats on Alaskan Islands  how boat owners are working to keep their islands rat-free