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An Ocean Blueprint for the 21st Century - California Ocean ...

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CHAPTER 9MANAGING COASTS ANDTHEIR WATERSHEDSThe pressures of continuing growth are acutely felt in coastal areas. While largelyattributable to activities taking place at <strong>the</strong> coast, some pressures originate hundredsof miles away in inland watersheds. To more effectively manage coasts, statesneed a stronger capacity to plan <strong>for</strong> and guide growth—one that incorporatesa watershed approach to govern coastal and ocean resources. In addition,to assist states in such development and support <strong>the</strong> move toward anecosystem-based management approach, federal area-based coastalprograms should be consolidated to better integrate and capitalize on<strong>the</strong> strengths of each. Finally, to reach <strong>the</strong> goal of economically andenvironmentally sustainable development, changes should be madeto federal programs that currently encourage inappropriategrowth in fragile or hazard-prone areas.Attracting Crowds, Creating OpportunitiesWhile coastal watershed counties comprise less than 25 percentof <strong>the</strong> land area in <strong>the</strong> United States, <strong>the</strong>y are home tomore than 52 percent of <strong>the</strong> total U.S. population (Appendix C).A study of coastal population trends predicts average increases of3,600 people a day moving to coastal counties, reaching a total populationof 165 million by 2015. 1 These figures do not include <strong>the</strong> 180million people who visit <strong>the</strong> coast every year. 2Population growth and tourism bring many benefits to coastalcommunities, including new jobs and businesses and enhanced educationalopportunities. Burgeoning industries associated with tourism and recreation incoastal areas (such as hotels, resorts, restaurants, fishing and dive stores, vacationhousing, marinas, and o<strong>the</strong>r retail businesses) have created one of <strong>the</strong> nation’s largestand fastest-growing economic <strong>for</strong>ces (Appendix C).Implications of GrowthThe popularity of ocean and coastal areas intensifies pressures on <strong>the</strong>se environments,creating a number of challenges <strong>for</strong> managers and decision makers. Increased developmentputs more people and property at risk from coastal hazards (Chapter 10). Everyyear, millions of dollars are spent replenishing sand at <strong>the</strong> nation’s beaches and protecting150 A N O CEAN B LUEPRINT FOR THE 21ST C ENTURY

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