ABSTRACT
In many countries coastal areas are often considered as the most cherished and/or valuable parts of their territories. This view is based on the fact that coastal areas are either rich in their natural and environmental qualities and, thus, worthy of conservation and protection, or that their potential for economic development is very high. Therefore, it is not surprising that the population has always been attracted to coastal areas. This has often resulted in population densities being much higher in coastal areas than in other parts of many nations, with all the accompanying problems such development brings to coastal ecosystems and resources.
