Science Common Sense

414 - How do human activities impact coastal ecosystems?

Human activities can hurt coastal ecosystems in several ways:

1. Pollution: When we throw trash and chemicals into the ocean, it harms animals and plants living there.
2. Overfishing: Taking too many fish from the ocean can make it hard for fish to survive.
3. Development: Building houses, hotels, and ports along the coast can destroy habitats and homes of animals.
4. Climate Change: When we release bad things into the air, like carbon dioxide, it makes the ocean get warmer and more acidic, which can hurt animals like coral and shellfish.
5. Coastal erosion: When we take sand from beaches or build things that stop the natural flow of water, it can make the beach disappear.

These activities can hurt animals, and even the people who live near the coast.