1. People and coastlines

2. The sea plays an important part in human activities
Large numbers of people live near the coast
People have looked to the sea for energy (oil gas and wave power), transport, leisure and food

3. Interested parties in coastal management
There are many different land uses found in coastal areas - for example, tourism, industry, fishing, trade and transport.

4. Common interest groups
Local residents
Environmental groups
Developers
Local councils
National governments
Tourist boards

5. Why would these groups be concerned about the coast?

6. Concerns about the coast
Erosion is threatening beaches or coastal settlements
People want to develop tourism in the area
There is a danger of flooding if sea-levels rise
There is a problem with sewage and/or pollution.

7. Physical management of the coast

8. Sea walls
Sea walls are built to protect coastal towns from attack by the sea
They have a curved top to deflect waves back out to sea
The wall may be eroded over time

9. Groynes
Groynes are low walls, often made of wood that are built at right angles to the coast
They help trap sand that is being moved by longshore drift
This holds the beach in place

10. Gabions Gabions are wire cages that are filled with small stones
They are placed in front of beaches or sand dunes
This protects them from further erosion

11. Boulders
Large boulders (or rock armour) are placed at the base of cliffs or in front of sand dunes
They help prevent erosion by reducing the power of the waves