Introduction to Coastal Zone Management

Coastal zone management involves managing human activity in the coastal zone, which is defined as the area extending from the shoreline inland to the edge of the continental shelf seaward, to protect natural resources and human communities from coastal hazards. In Malaysia, issues with coastal zone management include the indiscriminate cutting of mangroves, overexploitation of fisheries, and poorly planned tourism and industrial development, as well as problems associated with sea level rise. Common issues faced in coastal zone management worldwide include degradation of watersheds, water pollution from industry and resorts, and heavy sedimentation affecting both fresh and coastal water quality.