Introduction

Coastal environments are key locations for transport, commercial, residential and defence infrastructure, andprovide conditions suitable for economic growth. They also fulfil important cultural, recreational and aestheticneeds. However, many world estuaries and coastal environments are under tremendous stress in response toglobal warming and the increased anthropogenic forcing. In this book, I will use case studies to tell a story abouthow these environments respond to severe human-induced perturbations, and what has gone right and wrong fromenvironmental and resource management point of view.