Beaches: An Overview of the Environmental Issues

Beaches are some of the most unique and enjoyable natural resources on our planet. The beauty and calm are two of the main reasons why the coast continues to be a prime place for fun, and for setting up housing and other developments. It is mainly this human intervention, however, that is putting a strain on coastal environments and is both slowly and quickly tarnishing their natural splendor. Here are a few of the main issues the beach faces today, that we should all start taking more seriously.

Pollution

Even if you’ve never had to surpass swimming at your local beach due to a pollution warning, the problem is more widespread than you think. In 2009 alone, over 18,000 swimming advisories and closings were issued by the Natural Resources Defense Council, an organization that monitors water quality. Waters can be polluted by storm runoff containing pesticides, fertilizer, trash, and anything else that the rain catches on its natural path back to the ocean. Oil spills, sewage leaks, and boat discharge are another leading cause of beach pollution.

Erosion

Beach erosion happens when the sand that had previously built up a beach and made it perfect for the multi-use purposes we all love, like sunbathing, swimming, and fishing, has been removed and taken back out to sea. Usually the disappeared sand ends up in nearby habitats, like estuaries, inlets, or bays. One U.S. Environmental Protection Agency official cites that 80-90% of the beaches in America are eroding every year, some losing only inches, while others lose feet of surface area. Although beaches are natural features that are always changing, this current rate of erosion is not “natural.” Its causes are numerous: dammed waterways prevent sand and sediment from traveling down rivers and streams to the beach; rising sea levels due to global warming eat away at the precious sand; the changing climate creates more storms which wash sand back out into the ocean.

Development

Since half of the world’s population lives within 100 miles of the coastline, you can bet development isn’t going to stop anytime soon. The increase of human activity on the beach definitely takes a toll on the integrity of the natural environment, however. Construction of structures directly on the beach, like marinas or seawalls, can contribute to erosion. Human activity means more trash and debris left on the beaches. And, this increase in development can drastically affect species that use the beach to survive, like sea turtles.

Sources:

Testing the Waters. (2010). Natural Resources Defense Council.
What Causes Beach Erosion? (2008) Scientific American.
Ask An Earth Scientist. (2010) University of Hawaii.
Coastal Development. (2010) See Turtles.