What human activity contributes most to coastal land loss?

The leading contributor to coastal land loss is the activity involving dredging and the construction of canals for navigation and oil extraction. This practice significantly alters the natural hydrology of coastal areas.

When channels and canals are created, they disrupt the natural flow of water and sediment in these ecosystems. This alteration can lead to increased erosion, as sediment that would typically replenish coastal land is instead redirected or lost. Furthermore, the removal of wetlands and the fragmentation of those ecosystems that were previously intact can exacerbate land loss, making coastlines more vulnerable to storm surge and sea-level rise.

In contrast, while fishing and seafood harvesting, residential development, and agricultural runoff also impact coastal environments, they do not contribute to land loss as directly or significantly as dredging and canal construction. For instance, fishing affects marine life populations, residential development may lead to habitat destruction, and agricultural runoff can contribute to water quality issues. However, the direct manipulation of the landscape through dredging and canal construction has a more profound effect on sediment flow and coastal stability.