Impact of Coastal Construction on Nearshore Ecosystems in Oceania

Maragos, James

During the past century, traditional ownership, control and use of coastal marine habitats in Oceania have declined, exposing then to increased coastal construction for plantation, transportation, military, urban, aquaculture, fisheries, mineral and now resort development. Pragmatism dictates that dredging, filling and other construction on coral reefs, lagoons, mangrove swamps, seagrass beds, estuaries and beaches will continue at high levels. Collectively, these activities have resulted and can continue to result in major adverse ecological impacts, many of which can be avoided or reduced to minor levels. Improvements in the design, siting, and construction of coastal projects can be accomplished by early integration of environmental objectives and activities into the planning and execution of these projects. Ecological baseline surveys, environmental assessments, regulatory conditions, measures to protect ecological resources, guidelines and standards during construction, monitoring of construction, and post-construction evaluations are among the most useful of the environmental tools. Long range planning and research can look beyond the immediate consequences of individual projects and address the cumulative consequences of future development on a regional basis. Coastal resource management provides the best opportunity for long range development provides the best opportunity for long range development and conservation goals for coastal resources. Inventory of coastal resources of importance, projecting future development potential, soliciting public opinions and concerns, and conducting intensive studies at locations with evidence of serious pollution and ecological stress are some of the actions that can fall within the long term framework of coastal resource management. Abstract provided by author.