Glossary

10.1 Coastal livelihoods and economies

12 min read•august 21, 2024

and economies are vital to global prosperity, but face unique challenges. From fishing and tourism to shipping and resource extraction, these industries support millions of jobs worldwide while grappling with climate change, pollution, and resource depletion.

Understanding the economic importance of coasts is crucial for effective resilience planning. Coastal regions contribute significantly to national GDPs, provide diverse employment opportunities, and facilitate international trade. However, socioeconomic vulnerabilities like poverty and dependence on single industries require targeted adaptation strategies and economic resilience measures.

Types of coastal livelihoods

  • Coastal livelihoods encompass diverse economic activities that rely on marine and coastal resources, playing a crucial role in coastal resilience engineering
  • Understanding these livelihoods helps in developing strategies to protect and enhance coastal communities' economic stability
  • Coastal economies often face unique challenges and opportunities due to their proximity to the sea, requiring specialized approaches in resilience planning

Fishing and aquaculture

Top images from around the web for Fishing and aquaculture

  • Fishing - Wikipedia View original

    Is this image relevant?

  • Aquaculture key to food security and nutrition? | UCT News View original

    Is this image relevant?

  • Fishing - Wikipedia View original

    Is this image relevant?

1 of 3

Top images from around the web for Fishing and aquaculture

  • Fishing - Wikipedia View original

    Is this image relevant?

  • Aquaculture key to food security and nutrition? | UCT News View original

    Is this image relevant?

  • Fishing - Wikipedia View original

    Is this image relevant?

1 of 3
  • Commercial fishing supports millions of jobs worldwide, contributing significantly to global food security
  • Includes various methods such as trawling, longlining, and purse seining
  • Aquaculture involves farming of aquatic organisms (fish, shellfish, seaweed)
    • Rapidly growing sector addressing increasing demand for seafood
    • Requires careful management to minimize environmental impacts (nutrient pollution, habitat destruction)
  • Artisanal fishing provides subsistence and income for many coastal communities
    • Often uses traditional methods and small-scale operations
    • Vulnerable to overfishing and competition from industrial fleets

Tourism and recreation

  • Coastal tourism generates substantial revenue through activities like beach visits, water sports, and cruises
  • Ecotourism focuses on sustainable, nature-based experiences (whale watching, snorkeling)
  • Recreational fishing and boating contribute to local economies through equipment sales and charters
  • Coastal resorts and hospitality industry provide employment opportunities
  • Seasonal nature of tourism can lead to economic fluctuations in some regions

Shipping and port operations

  • Ports serve as crucial hubs for global trade, handling vast quantities of goods
  • Maritime transport industry employs millions worldwide (seafarers, port workers, logistics personnel)
  • Shipbuilding and repair services support the shipping industry
  • Port cities often develop into major economic centers due to associated industries and services
  • Requires significant infrastructure investment and ongoing maintenance

Coastal agriculture

  • Unique agricultural practices adapted to coastal environments (salt-tolerant crops)
  • Includes cultivation of specific crops suited to coastal climates (coconuts, rice in deltas)
  • Mariculture combines agriculture with aquaculture in coastal areas
  • Challenges include saltwater intrusion and limited arable land
  • Often integrates traditional knowledge with modern farming techniques

Resource extraction industries

  • Offshore oil and gas extraction provides energy resources and employment
  • Sand mining for construction materials impacts coastal morphology
  • Desalination plants produce freshwater but can affect marine ecosystems
  • Renewable energy installations (offshore wind farms, tidal energy) emerging as new coastal industries
  • Mineral extraction from seabed (deep-sea mining) presents potential future opportunities and environmental concerns

Economic importance of coasts

  • Coastal regions significantly contribute to national and global economies through diverse industries and resources
  • Understanding the economic value of coasts is crucial for prioritizing resilience efforts and allocating resources effectively
  • Coastal economies often serve as economic engines for entire countries, highlighting their importance in resilience engineering

Contribution to GDP

  • Coastal areas generate disproportionately high percentage of many countries' GDP
  • Marine fisheries contribute billions annually to global economy
  • Coastal tourism accounts for significant portion of GDP in many nations (Caribbean islands)
  • Port activities and maritime trade substantially impact national economic output
  • Value of (storm protection, carbon sequestration) often underestimated in GDP calculations

Employment opportunities

  • Coastal industries provide millions of jobs worldwide across various sectors
  • Fishing and aquaculture employ over 59 million people globally
  • Tourism and hospitality sector offers diverse employment options (tour guides, hotel staff)
  • Maritime transport and port operations create both direct and indirect jobs
  • Emerging sectors (offshore renewable energy, biotechnology) present new employment prospects

Export and trade significance

  • Ports handle majority of global trade volume, facilitating international commerce
  • Seafood exports contribute significantly to many countries' trade balances
  • Coastal agricultural products often form important export commodities (tropical fruits)
  • Manufacturing clusters in coastal areas benefit from easy access to shipping routes
  • Free trade zones in port cities attract foreign investment and boost exports

Tourism revenue generation

  • Coastal tourism generates substantial foreign exchange earnings for many countries
  • Cruise industry contributes billions to global economy through passenger spending and port fees
  • Beach resorts and coastal attractions draw millions of visitors annually
  • Marine protected areas and national parks generate revenue through entrance fees and associated tourism
  • Cultural and historical coastal sites attract heritage tourism, diversifying income sources

Challenges to coastal economies

  • Coastal economies face unique challenges that threaten their long-term sustainability and resilience
  • Understanding these challenges is essential for developing effective coastal resilience engineering strategies
  • Many of these challenges are interconnected, requiring holistic approaches to address them effectively

Climate change impacts

  • Sea level rise threatens coastal infrastructure and habitats
  • Increased frequency and intensity of storms pose risks to coastal communities and industries
  • impacts marine ecosystems and fisheries
  • Changing ocean temperatures affect fish stock distributions and migration patterns
  • Extreme weather events disrupt tourism and other coastal economic activities

Overfishing and resource depletion

  • Unsustainable fishing practices lead to declining fish stocks worldwide
  • Impacts food security and livelihoods of coastal communities
  • Illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing exacerbates the problem
  • Depletion of other marine resources (coral reefs, mangroves) affects ecosystem services
  • Requires implementation of sustainable fisheries management and marine protected areas

Pollution and environmental degradation

  • Marine plastic pollution affects tourism and fisheries
  • Industrial runoff and agricultural nutrients lead to eutrophication and harmful algal blooms
  • Oil spills and chemical pollution damage marine ecosystems and coastal economies
  • Noise pollution from shipping and offshore activities impacts marine life
  • Habitat destruction (mangrove deforestation, coral reef damage) reduces coastal protection

Coastal erosion and land loss

  • Natural and human-induced erosion threatens coastal property and infrastructure
  • Loss of beaches impacts tourism industry
  • Saltwater intrusion affects coastal agriculture and freshwater resources
  • Subsidence in delta regions compounds effects of sea level rise
  • Requires costly coastal protection measures and strategies

Urbanization pressures

  • Rapid coastal development leads to loss of natural habitats and ecosystem services
  • Increased population density in coastal areas strains local resources and infrastructure
  • Urban sprawl often occurs in high-risk flood zones
  • Gentrification in coastal cities can displace traditional communities
  • Balancing development with environmental conservation presents ongoing challenge

Socioeconomic vulnerabilities

  • Coastal communities often face unique socioeconomic challenges that increase their vulnerability to environmental and economic shocks
  • Understanding these vulnerabilities is crucial for developing targeted resilience strategies in coastal engineering projects
  • Addressing socioeconomic vulnerabilities requires interdisciplinary approaches combining social sciences with engineering solutions

Poverty in coastal communities

  • Many coastal communities, especially in developing countries, experience high poverty rates
  • Limited access to education and healthcare exacerbates poverty cycles
  • Dependence on natural resources makes communities vulnerable to environmental changes
  • Lack of financial resources hinders adaptation to climate change impacts
  • Informal settlements in coastal areas often lack basic infrastructure and services

Dependence on single industries

  • Over-reliance on one economic sector (tourism, fishing) increases vulnerability to shocks
  • Economic downturns in dominant industry can lead to widespread unemployment
  • Limited alternative livelihood options in some coastal areas
  • Skills mismatch when transitioning to new industries
  • Requires strategies for economic diversification and skills development

Seasonal fluctuations in income

  • Tourism-dependent economies often experience significant off-season income reductions
  • Fishing communities face income variability due to seasonal fish migrations and regulations
  • Agricultural cycles in coastal areas can lead to periods of low income
  • Challenges in budgeting and financial planning for individuals and businesses
  • Need for year-round economic activities and income smoothing mechanisms

Limited access to resources

  • Coastal communities may have restricted access to freshwater resources
  • Land scarcity in coastal areas can lead to high property prices and limited agricultural land
  • Overfishing and habitat degradation reduce available marine resources
  • Energy access can be challenging in remote coastal areas
  • Limited access to financial services and credit hinders economic development

Adaptation strategies

  • Adaptation strategies are crucial for enhancing the resilience of coastal economies and communities
  • Effective adaptation requires integration of with scientific and engineering approaches
  • Coastal resilience engineering plays a key role in developing and implementing these strategies

Diversification of livelihoods

  • Encourages development of multiple income sources to reduce vulnerability
  • Promotes skills training for alternative employment opportunities
  • Supports transition to sustainable industries (renewable energy, eco-tourism)
  • Encourages value-added processing of local resources
  • Facilitates market access for diversified products and services

Sustainable resource management

  • Implements ecosystem-based fisheries management to prevent overfishing
  • Establishes marine protected areas to conserve biodiversity and support fisheries
  • Promotes sustainable aquaculture practices to reduce pressure on wild stocks
  • Implements for balanced resource use
  • Utilizes remote sensing and GIS for improved resource monitoring and management

Community-based initiatives

  • Empowers local communities in decision-making processes
  • Establishes community-managed conservation areas
  • Develops local early warning systems for natural disasters
  • Promotes traditional knowledge in and climate adaptation
  • Facilitates community savings groups and microinsurance schemes

Ecotourism development

  • Promotes low-impact, nature-based tourism activities
  • Generates income while preserving natural and cultural heritage
  • Involves local communities in tourism planning and benefits sharing
  • Educates visitors about coastal ecosystems and conservation
  • Develops eco-friendly infrastructure and accommodations

Economic resilience measures

  • Economic resilience measures aim to strengthen coastal economies against various shocks and stresses
  • These measures often involve a combination of financial, infrastructural, and human capital development
  • Coastal resilience engineering incorporates these economic considerations into physical planning and design

Insurance and risk transfer

  • Develops parametric insurance products for climate-related risks
  • Establishes government-backed insurance pools for high-risk coastal areas
  • Promotes microinsurance schemes for small-scale fishers and farmers
  • Utilizes catastrophe bonds to transfer large-scale disaster risks
  • Implements risk-based pricing to encourage resilient development practices

Infrastructure investment

  • Constructs climate-resilient port facilities to ensure trade continuity
  • Develops green infrastructure for coastal protection (mangrove restoration, artificial reefs)
  • Improves transportation networks to enhance economic connectivity
  • Invests in renewable energy infrastructure to reduce dependence on fossil fuels
  • Upgrades water management systems to address saltwater intrusion and flooding

Skills training and education

  • Provides vocational training in emerging coastal industries
  • Enhances digital literacy to enable participation in the digital economy
  • Offers entrepreneurship education to foster local business development
  • Incorporates climate change and environmental education in school curricula
  • Facilitates knowledge exchange between traditional and modern coastal management practices

Microfinance and small business support

  • Establishes microfinance institutions tailored to coastal community needs
  • Provides low-interest loans for sustainable fishing gear and aquaculture equipment
  • Offers business development services for coastal entrepreneurs
  • Supports the formation of cooperatives to enhance market access
  • Implements mobile banking solutions to improve financial inclusion in remote coastal areas

Policy and governance

  • Effective policy and governance frameworks are essential for managing coastal resources and economies sustainably
  • These frameworks provide the foundation for implementing coastal resilience engineering projects
  • Successful coastal governance often requires collaboration across multiple levels of government and stakeholder groups

Integrated coastal zone management

  • Coordinates various sectors and stakeholders in coastal planning
  • Balances economic development with environmental conservation
  • Addresses land-sea interactions in policy and management decisions
  • Incorporates long-term climate change projections into planning processes
  • Promotes adaptive management approaches to deal with uncertainty

Marine spatial planning

  • Allocates ocean space for different uses to reduce conflicts
  • Identifies areas for conservation, fishing, energy development, and other activities
  • Utilizes GIS and remote sensing technologies for data-driven planning
  • Considers cumulative impacts of multiple activities on marine ecosystems
  • Facilitates blue economy development through strategic spatial planning

Stakeholder engagement processes

  • Involves local communities, industries, and NGOs in decision-making
  • Utilizes participatory mapping techniques to capture local knowledge
  • Implements co-management arrangements for natural resources
  • Establishes formal consultation mechanisms for coastal development projects
  • Promotes transparency and accountability in coastal governance

International cooperation frameworks

  • Develops transboundary agreements for shared coastal and marine resources
  • Participates in global initiatives for ocean conservation and sustainable use
  • Facilitates knowledge and technology transfer between countries
  • Coordinates regional responses to climate change impacts
  • Addresses issues of maritime security and illegal fishing through international collaboration
  • Emerging trends in coastal economies present both challenges and opportunities for resilience engineering
  • Anticipating these trends allows for proactive planning and adaptation strategies
  • Innovative approaches in coastal management can create new economic opportunities while enhancing resilience

Blue economy initiatives

  • Promotes sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth
  • Develops ocean renewable energy sectors (offshore wind, wave, tidal)
  • Explores marine biotechnology for pharmaceuticals and industrial applications
  • Implements circular economy principles in coastal industries
  • Enhances sustainable tourism through innovative experiences (underwater hotels, eco-resorts)

Renewable energy development

  • Expands offshore wind farms to meet growing energy demands
  • Explores potential of ocean thermal energy conversion in tropical regions
  • Develops wave and tidal energy technologies for commercial application
  • Integrates renewable energy systems with coastal infrastructure (energy-generating breakwaters)
  • Creates new job opportunities in clean energy sectors

Sustainable aquaculture practices

  • Implements integrated multi-trophic aquaculture systems
  • Develops land-based recirculating aquaculture systems to reduce environmental impacts
  • Explores open-ocean aquaculture for increased production capacity
  • Utilizes selective breeding and biotechnology for resilient and productive aquaculture species
  • Integrates aquaculture with coastal restoration projects (oyster reefs for shoreline protection)

Ecosystem services valuation

  • Quantifies economic value of coastal ecosystem services (carbon sequestration, flood protection)
  • Develops payment for ecosystem services schemes in coastal areas
  • Incorporates natural capital accounting into national economic assessments
  • Uses ecosystem service valuation to inform cost-benefit analyses of coastal projects
  • Explores innovative financing mechanisms based on ecosystem service provision (blue bonds)

Case studies

  • Case studies provide valuable insights into the practical application of coastal resilience strategies
  • Analyzing both successes and failures helps refine approaches in coastal resilience engineering
  • These examples demonstrate the diverse challenges and solutions in different coastal contexts

Successful coastal economy transformations

  • Belize's managed access program revitalized fisheries and improved livelihoods
  • Netherlands' Room for the River project combined flood protection with economic development
  • South Korea's Sihwa Lake tidal power plant generates clean energy and supports ecotourism
  • Oman's transformation from oil-dependent to diversified coastal economy through tourism and fisheries development
  • Vietnam's mangrove restoration efforts improved coastal protection and supported local livelihoods

Failed adaptation attempts

  • Maldives' artificial island of Hulhumalé faced challenges in population resettlement and infrastructure
  • Philippines' large-scale seawall projects led to unintended erosion in adjacent coastal areas
  • Florida's beach nourishment programs proved unsustainable due to increasing costs and sand scarcity
  • Senegal's failed attempt to relocate fishing communities from eroding coastlines
  • Indonesia's top-down approach to mangrove restoration resulted in low survival rates and community resistance

Innovative livelihood programs

  • Costa Rica's payment for ecosystem services program incentivizes coastal conservation
  • Bangladesh's floating gardens adapt traditional agriculture to rising sea levels
  • Iceland's transformation of geothermal areas into wellness tourism destinations
  • Thailand's community-based tourism initiatives in former fishing villages
  • New Zealand's customary fishing rights system empowers Maori communities in resource management

Measuring economic resilience

  • Quantifying economic resilience is crucial for assessing the effectiveness of coastal management strategies
  • Measurement tools help identify vulnerabilities and track progress in building resilience
  • These metrics inform decision-making processes in coastal resilience engineering projects

Indicators of coastal economic health

  • Diversity index of coastal livelihoods measures economic sector variety
  • Gini coefficient assesses income inequality within coastal communities
  • Coastal community well-being index incorporates social and economic factors
  • Economic impact of natural disasters as percentage of coastal GDP
  • Ratio of formal to informal employment in coastal sectors

Vulnerability assessment tools

  • Coastal vulnerability index combines physical, ecological, and socioeconomic factors
  • Social vulnerability index identifies communities most at risk from coastal hazards
  • Economic dependency ratio on climate-sensitive sectors
  • assessment evaluates community resources and skills
  • Scenario planning tools project future vulnerabilities under different climate scenarios

Economic impact analysis methods

  • Input-output models assess ripple effects of changes in coastal economies
  • Computable general equilibrium models simulate economy-wide impacts of coastal policies
  • Cost-benefit analysis evaluates economic viability of coastal adaptation projects
  • Ecosystem services valuation quantifies economic contributions of natural coastal systems
  • Resilience dividend calculations measure long-term benefits of investing in coastal resilience

Key Terms to Review (19)

Adaptive Capacity: Adaptive capacity refers to the ability of a system, community, or ecosystem to adjust to changes and disturbances, enabling them to cope with challenges such as climate change, sea level rise, and other environmental stresses. This concept encompasses various factors including resilience, flexibility, and resource availability, which together determine how effectively entities can respond to and recover from adverse impacts.
Blue Economy: The blue economy refers to the sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth, improved livelihoods, and jobs while preserving the health of ocean ecosystems. It emphasizes the need for a balanced approach that fosters economic development and environmental stewardship, making it essential for enhancing coastal livelihoods and economies.
Coastal livelihoods: Coastal livelihoods refer to the various economic activities and practices that sustain communities living along coastlines, heavily relying on marine and coastal resources. These livelihoods often encompass fishing, aquaculture, tourism, and coastal agriculture, intertwining with the cultural and social fabric of coastal communities. Understanding coastal livelihoods is crucial for addressing challenges such as climate change, overfishing, and habitat degradation while promoting sustainable economic development in these regions.
Ecosystem Services: Ecosystem services are the benefits that humans obtain from ecosystems, which include provisioning, regulating, cultural, and supporting services. These services are vital for maintaining the health of coastal ecosystems and ensuring human well-being, as they help mitigate impacts from natural hazards, support livelihoods, and maintain biodiversity.
Fishing economies: Fishing economies refer to the economic systems that revolve around the harvesting, processing, and trade of fish and other aquatic resources. These economies are deeply tied to coastal communities, where fishing serves as a primary source of income, employment, and sustenance. The health of fishing economies is influenced by factors like fish stock sustainability, environmental conditions, and market demand, making them crucial for coastal livelihoods and overall economic stability in these regions.
Hazard Mitigation: Hazard mitigation refers to the strategies and measures aimed at reducing or eliminating the long-term risk to life and property from natural hazards. This includes proactive actions taken before disasters occur, focusing on prevention and preparedness rather than response and recovery. By integrating hazard mitigation into planning and development, communities can build resilience against future events such as flooding, storms, and other environmental challenges that can impact local economies and livelihoods.
Integrated Coastal Zone Management: Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) is a process that promotes a sustainable management approach to coastal areas, balancing environmental, economic, social, and cultural objectives. This approach recognizes the interconnectedness of coastal ecosystems and human activities, aiming to address complex issues such as coastal erosion, habitat loss, and socio-economic pressures through coordinated planning and decision-making.
Katharine Hayhoe: Katharine Hayhoe is a prominent climate scientist and professor known for her work on climate change and its impacts, particularly in the context of societal adaptation and resilience. She emphasizes the importance of effective communication regarding climate science to engage diverse audiences, including policymakers and local communities, to address environmental challenges, especially in coastal regions where livelihoods and economies are closely tied to climate conditions.
Living Shorelines: Living shorelines are a sustainable approach to coastal protection that combines natural elements, like plants and sediment, with engineered structures to reduce erosion and enhance habitat. This method promotes the health of coastal ecosystems while providing protection against wave energy, thereby helping maintain resilience in coastal areas.
Local Knowledge: Local knowledge refers to the understanding and insights that communities have about their environment, particularly those shaped by long-term experiences and cultural practices. This type of knowledge is essential for addressing local challenges and can inform sustainable practices, particularly in coastal areas where livelihoods often depend on natural resources and ecosystems. It encompasses practical skills, environmental awareness, and socio-economic context that influence how communities interact with their surroundings.
Managed retreat: Managed retreat is a strategic approach to climate adaptation that involves relocating human populations and infrastructure away from vulnerable coastal areas to reduce risks associated with sea level rise, flooding, and erosion. This concept balances the need for human safety with environmental sustainability by allowing natural coastal processes to occur while minimizing human impact.
Ocean Acidification: Ocean acidification refers to the decrease in pH levels of the ocean due to increased carbon dioxide (CO2) absorption from the atmosphere. As CO2 levels rise, more of it dissolves in seawater, leading to a chemical reaction that produces carbonic acid and lowers the water's pH. This process has significant implications for marine life and coastal ecosystems, as it affects species that rely on calcium carbonate for their shells and skeletons, such as corals and shellfish, thereby influencing broader ecological relationships, coastal economies, and marine spatial planning efforts.
Resource Management: Resource management refers to the systematic planning, development, and allocation of resources to optimize their use in supporting sustainable livelihoods and economic activities. This involves balancing ecological integrity with human needs, ensuring that coastal communities can thrive while preserving their natural environments. Effective resource management is critical for maintaining the health of coastal ecosystems and supporting the economies dependent on them.
Robert Nicholls: Robert Nicholls is a prominent researcher in coastal engineering and resilience, recognized for his contributions to understanding the impacts of climate change on coastal systems. His work emphasizes the importance of integrating scientific research with policy and management strategies to enhance coastal resilience and address issues related to sea level rise, which is crucial for coastal livelihoods and economies as well as regional variations in sea level rise.
Sea-level rise: Sea-level rise refers to the increase in the average level of the world's oceans due to the effects of climate change, including thermal expansion of seawater and melting ice sheets and glaciers. This phenomenon poses significant risks to coastal communities, as it can lead to the loss of land, increased flooding, and disruption of local economies that depend on stable coastlines. The implications of sea-level rise are profound, affecting environmental justice, as marginalized populations often bear the brunt of these changes, and necessitating cooperative management strategies across political borders to mitigate its impacts.
Stakeholder participation: Stakeholder participation refers to the active involvement of individuals, groups, and organizations that have an interest in or are affected by a particular decision or project. This concept emphasizes the importance of including diverse voices in planning and decision-making processes to ensure that various perspectives, needs, and values are considered, leading to more effective and sustainable outcomes.
Sustainable Development: Sustainable development is a holistic approach that aims to meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. It involves balancing economic growth, social inclusion, and environmental protection, ensuring that resources are used responsibly while fostering resilience against challenges like climate change.
Tourism resilience: Tourism resilience refers to the ability of a tourism destination to withstand, recover from, and adapt to challenges and disruptions, ensuring the long-term sustainability of its tourism economy. This includes managing environmental impacts, economic fluctuations, and social changes while maintaining the attractiveness of the destination. A resilient tourism sector not only bounces back from crises but also evolves to incorporate new trends and practices that enhance its overall sustainability.
Vulnerability Assessment: A vulnerability assessment is a systematic process used to identify, evaluate, and prioritize the weaknesses and risks faced by a community, ecosystem, or infrastructure due to environmental hazards. This assessment helps in understanding how various factors, such as coastal erosion, extreme weather events, and rising sea levels, can impact communities and their resilience against these threats.
© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.
AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.
Back
Practice QuizGlossary
Practice QuizGlossary
Next guide