II. Coastal Management and Coastal Defense
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Protection
Protection has fewer identified social and cultural implications. However, hard
structures are likely to have less aesthetic value than the original environment
and access to the shore may also be restricted by some protective options. Beach
losses could impair recreation, while loss of wetlands may affect fish stocks. If
protective options involve non local labor, there may be social and cultural
friction which could lead to community disruption. Options that can be
implemented by communities themselves are less likely to have social and
cultural implications than those which require outside labor.
ff the protection structures cause alteration to places of cultural significance there
could be opposition to their construction. The loss of any biological resources
resulting from protection activities could also be of cultural significance. In some
areas, for example, if a significant species is seriously threatened it may no
longer be available for ritualistic or economic purposes.