Hydrosphere Contents

5. Aquatic Habitats

Impacts of human activities on the marine environment can be successfully mitigated

Humans can impact the marine environment

When a development project, such as enhancing the infrastructure or tourism attraction in an area, destroys or alters a marine environment, the local, state or federal management authorities are able to enforce mitigation of the effects which have been caused. This is a coastal management concept, which requires developers to purchase an area of a similar type to that which they have damaged, and arrange for it to be maintained in its natural state. Alternatively they may be required to purchase an area that has been damaged and abandoned, and re-engineer it to its former state. Mitigation can be very successful in preserving some habitats and species, and encourages developers to think carefully before they overdevelop an area.

How can the impacts of human activities on the marine environment be successfully mitigated?