Many coastal areas are known for their resources and economic wealth, and many are famed for their scenic beauty. Use functions of the coast include among others fishing, shipping, port development, recreation, conservation, coastal defense or military defense. On the other hand coastal and marine areas experience physical and ecological as well as social and economic change caused by pressure from climate change and globalization processes. This change may include changes in species composition, hydrodynamic and morphological patterns, but also new patterns of land and sea use, all together translating into challenges for planning and management. Read More
