Coastlines are an important part of a nation's natural resources as they can be developed as a port for commercial activities or as a recreational spot for tourists.
However due to several reasons, existing coastlines are fast disappearing on account of erosion and other factors.
Erosion and hurricanes Sand erosion is one of the major concerns as settlements in coastal areas are faced with the threat of submersion in the near future.
Events in the recent past have underlined these concerns.
Hurricanes and storms have affected coastlines around the world with considerable loss to property and life.
Several coastal areas are being assessed for their vulnerability to storms on the basis of factors like water level, waves, currents and sediment flow.
In recent times various efforts have been undertaken to protect the coastline and surrounding environment.
Activities like constructing inlets have enabled ocean tides to be dispersed harmlessly.
Breakwaters, man made reefs and barriers have been successful in shielding coastlines in case of low intensity tides and currents.
Conservation methods Beach nourishment has enabled beaches to be developed in places where the shoreline has moved in.
Land reclamation has been successful in various parts of the world wherein material like sand, rocks and gravel has been deposited in shallow submerged areas.
Estuaries have also been developed wherever possible to serve as a catchment for storm water.
Coastal riverine structures like locks, levees and flow diversions have helped in regulating water flow as well as serving as an efficient network for inland waterways.
Coastline development and environmental issues Coastline infrastructure like ports, resorts or settlements need to be developed with long term effects in mind.
Activities like mining and haphazard construction cause great damage to sensitive marine eco systems often in an irreversible manner.
Any waterfront development requires a thorough study of the infrastructure design and its impact on the environment.
Coastal engineering projects need to focus on the possibilities of environmental degradation and natural disasters.
It happens that the after effects are the only indication of what precautionary measures needed to be taken while developing the coastline.
In areas where the marine ecosystem has been damaged due to human activities measures like marshland restoration and planting of vegetation native to the area has given positive results.
Treatment plants in coastal areas help in improving water quality and protect marine flora and fauna from sedimentation, organic wastes and toxic chemicals like heavy metals.
New age engineering Today, waterfront and coastline development has become a new field in itself encompassing civil, coastal, marine, mechanical, electrical and environmental engineering.
It has enabled safe development of coastal settlements and infrastructure while balancing environmental concerns.