Coastal Community Development |
Coastal Communities and Economies Theme |
The deterioration of our aquatic systems and changing quality of our coastal communities are due in large part to unsustainable development patterns. The pace of development has markedly increased in recent years, and now far outstrips the rate of population growth. The amount of urbanized land in U.S. metropolitan areas grew 47% between 1982 to 1997, while the nation's population grew by only 17 percent. Current development is affecting coastal areas disproportionately. Seventeen of the 20 fastest growing counties are coastal, and coastal areas will absorb more than half of the country's future population growth. Population density on the coast, already five times higher than in the country's interior, is projected to increase nearly 20% between 1998 and 2015.
In the face of these development pressures, improved resource management is needed to protect the integrity of coastal ecosystems, preserve the character of traditional waterfront communities, and protect residents from the threats of coastal hazards. NOAA Sea Grant is uniquely positioned to assist our coastal communities to take stock of their resources and prepare for a sustainable future.
THE CHALLENGE
Healthy CoastsDirect environmental impacts of current development patterns include habitat loss and fragmentation, and degradation of water resources and aquatic ecosystems. Building on undeveloped land can destroy and fragment habitat, degrade water quality, and alter watershed hydrology.
Strong Economies
Lost and degraded coastal habitats and polluted waters also lead to lost revenues for regional fisheries, the tourism industry, and other water-based businesses. In addition, local economies incur direct costs when development is dispersed rather than concentrated in metropolitan areas, as communities spend more for new roads, utilities, and other infrastructure and services than is gained in tax revenue.
Sustainable Communities
Even in areas where reinvestment is occurring in existing coastal communities, poorly planned re-development often results in the displacement of traditional, water-dependent enterprises such as marinas, ports, and commercial fishing operations. Also of concern to coastal communities are the risks posed by sea level rise and land subsidence, which are rapidly eroding coastal wetlands, beaches and other habitats in many areas, threatening not only aquatic ecosystems, but also life, property, and essential infrastructure.
When coastal communities work to foster quality development, they can enhance economic competitiveness and quality of life, while conserving the natural resources upon which continued prosperity depends.
SEA GRANT'S ROLE
NOAA Sea Grant is dedicated to working in partnership with coastal communities throughout the nation to help sustain our coastal heritage and secure the vitality of our coasts for generations to come. To this end, the Coastal Community Development Program assists the public, coastal planners and local leaders to understand the linkages among well-designed communities, strong economies and healthy habitats, and to recognize the importance and value of thoughtfully modifying the way their communities grow.The Coastal Community Development Program provides:
- Education for local officials on reducing the impacts of land use on water quality
- Land and water use planning assistance to protect critical resources, engender economic sustainability, and consider vulnerability to coastal hazards
- GIS resources and analysis in support of planning and coastal management efforts
- Waterfront revitalization guidance that encourages economic development, protects quality of life, traditional uses and coastal access, and integrates conservation of natural resources
- Decision-support systems to manage boat-congested waterways, design small-harbor dredging strategies and maintain a quality recreational environment
For more information on Coastal Community Development Program activities and extension agents in your area, contact Jim Murray at: (301) 713-2431 or Jim.D.Murray@noaa.gov.
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A publication of the National Sea Grant Office (NSGO), National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) & U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC)
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