The Arguments For and Against Coastal Protection Schemes

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Emma-Jane Carvell                12/18/2007

The Arguments For and Against Coastal Protection Schemes

The sea is constantly eroding the coastline. This destroys property, and people living nearby have reduced value on their houses. Natural beauty spots and walks are lost, reducing tourism in seaside towns. Solutions to this are coastal protection schemes that slow the waves down and delay the process of erosion on the cliffs.

The arguments for sea defence schemes are as follows…

Sea protection plans help to prevent further loss of economy caused by coastal erosion, for example; reduced property prices in ‘at-risk’ areas, less tourism due to destruction of tourist spots (which results in less money), and the replacement of important sites e.g.: industrial areas, ports and places of historical and geological interest would be expensive.

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Coastal protection schemes protect the habitats of plant and wildlife, which cannot be replaced.

        The arguments against sea defence schemes are…

Most sea defence schemes are expensive to build and maintain, and this money is taken from taxpayers. Some people say their money is wasted, because the coastal defences themselves will eventually be eroded away. Coastal defences create visual pollution, and ruin the natural atmosphere of the beach. Also, if they are poorly maintained, they may pose a hazard to swimmers and sunbathers.

 Methods of protecting the coast are:

Sea wall. This is a barrier that reflects the waves and ...

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