ABSTRACT
Over the past two or three decades, an abrupt halt to massive reclamation in harbors has occurred in the United States. Yet physical change takes place continuously as new uses affect old along the shorelines and in the waters. This chapter focuses on the natural conditions of the harbor. It begins by defining key terms, describing physical characteristics, and classifying harbors by physical type. The inquiry then shifts to an analysis of the trends affecting use of harbor space—shorelands and waters—by the transportation, urban, and environmental sectors. This leads to a set of conclusions that shows how public policy dealing with navigation projects, and addressing the protection of environmental and recreational values, need also to stress greater collaborative planning among affected interests. Substantial modification of the natural conditions is possible by dredging, protective breakwaters and piers, and by use of modern electronic aids to facilitate safe vessel movements into, within, and out of the harbor areas.
