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Sea defence and nature conservation: Threat or opportunity
Author(s) -
Doody J. P.
Publication year - 1992
Publication title -
aquatic conservation: marine and freshwater ecosystems
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.95
H-Index - 77
eISSN - 1099-0755
pISSN - 1052-7613
DOI - 10.1002/aqc.3270020307
Subject(s) - natural (archaeology) , habitat , environmental ethics , nature conservation , process (computing) , environmental resource management , environmental planning , geography , ecology , environmental science , computer science , archaeology , biology , philosophy , operating system
1. New land has been ‘won’ from the sea by the process of embankment for centuries. It is perhaps not surprising, given the long term commitment to the protection of the land so created, that current works are concerned largely with reinforcing the existing line of sea defence. 2. Those concerned with nature conservation have likewise in the past, expended considerable energy in trying to protect natural and semi‐natural habitat from destruction and exploitation by man. This has included land claim and associated sea defence works. 3. This paper examines these two perceptions of ‘coastal protection’ and suggests a more enlightened approach which accepts change as an important part of coastal development, and provides a more positive way forward. Those concerned with sea defence and nature conservation may have to accept that protection of the current line of sea defence or existing coastal habitats, may not be the best option in all cases.