Coastal Boundaries (original) (raw)

2017, Encyclopedia of Coastal Science

Definition Coastal boundaries delimit a geographical space and are defined by the distances of one or more areas on the coast, the sea or on its interface, on the order of a few hundred meters to many kilometers, average. Coastal boundaries can also extend and go inland by land, from the interior of the watersheds to the limit of a national jurisdiction into the sea. Most criteria for establishing coastal boundaries depend on several factors such as the set of specific problems, the uses of the territory, or the physical and geographical aspects that are relevant to each stretch of coast. Within it, the interaction between sea, land, and atmosphere is produced differently by the occurrence and direct effect of natural events or processes of anthropic origin. Inside coastal boundaries, exclusive forms of fragile ecosystems will be developed, and specific economic, social, and cultural relations are present. Sometimes, because of the complexity and drastic changes that occur in this space, coastal boundaries need to be systematically monitored to favor proper planning and supervision of the coastal marine space and its integrated management. When establishing limits in coastal municipalities , special attention should be paid to the local social component that interacts with the coastal resources.