Theme 2A: Effects of urban structures and associated activities.

Full description

Urban cities generate considerable potential for ecological disturbance leading to environmental degradation (Programme 2: Anthropogenic Disturbances of Coastal Habitats). In particular, there are problems for organisms on hard and soft substrata because of building jetties, seawalls, pilings, etc. Human disturbances include foraging for bait and food and disposal of wastes. The research to understand ecological changes due to these disturbances is time-consuming and long-term, particularly when experimental analyses of processes during disturbances are planned.

Predicting, measuring and interpreting impacts are hamstrung by poor sampling and analysis - often dictated by inadequate statutory requirements for Environmental Impact Statements. One major problem is that natural ecological assemblages of species vary enormously from time to time and place to place. Thus, even when undisturbed by people, ecological patterns are very different from place to place and change rapidly from time to time.

A thriving coastal city needs massive infrastructure in terms of ports, seawalls, outfalls, etc. Building ports and airports, preventing coastal erosion by building sea-walls, creating recreational facilities such as marinas, swimming-pools and moorings for boats all create potential environmental problems. Among the most important are the loss and fragmentation of natural habitats and the creation of very different artificial habitats.

The Centre for Research on Ecological Impacts of Coastal Cities (EICC) has generated many scientific papers and theses from research projects on the effects of urban structures and associated activities. The link to the URL provided in this record provides a link to this research.

Notes

Credit
Centre for Research on Ecological Impacts of Coastal Cities

Purpose
To determine how best to identify, measure and interpret (and, ultimately, predict, manage and prevent) impacts on coastal habitats.