ABSTRACT
Coastal territories are transitional areas between oceans and continental shelves. These areas are characterised by biological, geological and physical characteristics distinct from adjacent territories. Their uniqueness is also revealed in specific hydrological dynamics. In the Northeast Portuguese coast, strong maritime dynamic in conjunction with high rates of human occupation and other anthropogenic causes observed in the last three decades, have created a devastating situation along the coastline. Subsequently, the natural systems are searching for new means of maintaining their dynamic equilibrium.
