A comparative analysis of alien plant species along the Romanian Black Sea coastal area. The role of harbours

Previous studies have found a higher proportion of alien plant species along the coastal area of the Black Sea. The goals of the present study were to assess the role of two harbours as gateways and reservoirs for alien plant species, to compare the structure and invasion pattern of the alien plants recorded there, and test methods useful for effective monitoring programs. We inventoried 12 sites along the western Black Sea coast from the harbour of Sulina in the north to Cape Kaliakra in the south. Each site was visited at least three times each. A more intensive survey was done in the two harbours targeted by our study: Constanţa and Sulina. The proportion of neophytes was higher in the harbours (representing about one third of the total plant species) and lower in coastal protected areas (with an average proportion of 6.7%). Species accumulation curves and estimators of species richness indicated that while the plant inventory was not complete, invasive alien species (IAS) were adequately inventoried. Harbours act not only as gateways for IAS but also as reservoirs, facilitating their acclimatization and naturalization. The use of species accumulation curves and estimators of species richness are useful tools in designing and evaluating simple monitoring programs based on repeated inventories. Our study has stressed the importance of monitoring not only coastal waters but also green areas in harbours for the early detection of IAS.     

Erosion risk levels at the NW Portuguese coast: the Douro mouth—Cape Mondego stretch

The entire northwestern coast of Portugal is undergoing severe erosion and there are several areas at high risk of erosion. Commonly considered as a problem—because it jeopardizes human development along the coast—erosion is indeed a natural process of sediment redistribution. This paper presents a brief analysis of erosion driving forces and the subsequent state of vulnerability that coastal segments between the mouth of the River Douro and Cape Mondego are facing. The paper also discusses erosion risk levels, low or high, and the subsequent questions whether there are populations, economical assets or natural habitats at risk and/or areas prone to coastal flooding. Main challenges and future trends along the study area are identified in the light of understanding the underlying causes of conflicts and what realistically can be achieved given the morphodynamics and hydrodynamic processes, human development established along this coastal segment and the existing policies.     

Use of the digestive gland of the oyster Crassostrea rhizophorae (Guilding, 1828) as a bioindicator of Zn,Cd and Cu contamination in estuarine sediments (south-east Brazil)

This study demonstrates the accumulation of Zn, Cd and Cu in the digestive gland of the oyster Crassostrea rhizophorae in response to the contamination of sediments and discusses the potential use of this specific organ in monitoring metal contamination in tropical areas. Sediment and oyster samples were collected from coastal Rio de Janeiro sites with different levels of human impact: Sepetiba Bay, Guanabara Bay and the Paraty coast. Metal concentrations were measured using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP OES). Significant statistical differences (p<0.001; p<0.05) were observed for Zn and Cd concentrations in the digestive gland; the highest Zn concentrations were found at Sepetiba, followed by Guanabara and Paraty. The highest digestive gland Cd concentrations were found at Paraty, followed by Sepetiba and Guanabara. These concentrations were proportional to those found in the sediments. There was no significant difference (p>0.05) in Cu among the sampling sites. The highest digestive-gland Cu concentration was also found at Sepetiba, followed by Guanabara. The biosediment accumulation factor indicated a gradient of sediment contamination for Zn and Cd. The digestive gland of C. rhizophorae can be a potential indicator of trace metal contamination in sediments from tropical estuarine environments.     

Intertidal habitat composition and regional-scale shoreline morphology along the Benguela coast

The Benguela Current Large Marine Ecosystem off southwest Africa is a regionally valued system because of its biological productivity, which supports high biomass throughout the foodweb, and a rich diversity of habitats and species. However, the region is exposed to numerous anthropogenic pressures that are likely to escalate under future economic growth. In response, the Benguela Current Commission called for a spatial biodiversity assessment (BCC-SBA) to identify conservation priorities, including potential areas for marine protected areas. The systematic conservation-planning approach to this assessment requires a fine-scale map of coastal habitats, which was not previously available for the region. Our aim was to undertake this mapping, within tight logistic and resource limitations. We used a previously derived methodology for mapping the distribution of coastal habitats from aerial imagery. The Benguela coast is approximately 5,047 km long. Half of this extent is sandy beach, a third is rocky and mixed shores, 13 % comprises lagoonal features, and the remainder (4 %) comprises estuaries and offshore islands. The distribution and extent of these coastal habitats differs substantially alongshore (i.e. with latitude), with conditions ranging north–south from hot, humid mangrove-lined lagoons, to hyper-arid coastal desert sandy beaches. Patterns in regional geology, climate and oceanography are proposed as the main drivers of spatial heterogeneity in coastal habitat types. The resulting ecological and socio-economic wealth requires proactive protection (supported through the BCC-SBA, for example), to ensure sustainable utilization of the rich natural resources, and persistence of these resources for the benefit of current and future generations.     

The concentration and distribution of organochlorine pesticides in the air from the karst cave, South China

Organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) in the air of Dayan Cave in Guilin were analyzed, to investigate the source and contamination levels. Generally, air outside of the cave had much higher concentrations than inside air, and both outside and inside air showed much lower contamination levels than those observed in other regions in China and abroad. The ratios of α-/γ-HCHs and the percentages of β-(or δ-)HCH implied a residue of historical local technical HCH contamination. The DDT concentrations, o,p'-DDT/p,p'-DDT, and p,p'-DDE/p,p'-DDT suggested fresh DDT-containing products acted as the primary source of DDT for the air in Dayan Cave. An intermediate level concentration of α-endosulfan (156.00?pg/m(3)) was observed in the outside air, implying local source was dominant. Based on the similar sources of HCH and DDT and the relationships between outside and inside air, it appeared that outside air pollutants affected on inside HCH and DDT's distribution. For other OCPs, outside air might be major contributor to inside air contamination under conditions of high concentrations in outside air compared with low levels in inside air for semi-closed karstic caves.     

DDT in fish from the Bulgarian region of the Black Sea

In spite of a worldwide reduction in the utilization of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), they are still a problem for the aquatic environment and human health. The Black Sea is still being polluted with persistent chemicals, including OCPs. Aquatic organisms (sprat, scad, bluefish, shad, belted bonito, goby, and black mussel) with different feeding behaviours were sampled on a seasonal basis from the Bulgarian region of the Black Sea, and the concentrations of 13 OCP residues were determined. Although many of the OCPs were not detected in the samples, in all samples 1,1,1-trichloro-2,2-bis(4-chlorophenyl) ethane (DDT) was present mainly in the form of its metabolites 1,1-dichloro-2,2-bis(4-chlorophenyl) ethane (DDD) and 1,1-dichloro-2,2-bis(4-chlorophenyl) ethylene (DDE). Only about 12% of the total DDT was present as the parent compound pp-DDT, which suggests that it was not being used recently in the region. The total DDT concentrations were generally below 150 μg kg^-1 fresh weight, but higher levels—up to 354 μg kg^-1 fresh weight—were also measured for fish species with a high fat content. Between-species differences were observed, even when the concentrations were presented on a fat-level basis. DDT concentrations did not show any significant changes over the 2-yr sampling period. Fish sampled in the northern areas of the Bulgarian Black Sea coast seemed to contain higher DDT levels than those from the southern areas, suggesting a major (historical) influence of the Danube River. For permanent monitoring purposes, the utility of Black Sea gobies and scad should be considered.     

Determination of pesticide residues in muscle of Cyprinus carpio from River Ravi

The levels of dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT), dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (DDE), endosulfan, endosulfan sulfate, carbofuran, and cartap were determined in muscles of Cyprinus Carpio sampled from 10 different sites of River Ravi between Shahdara to Balloki Headworks to assess level of contamination of these pesticides by GC-ECD (gas chromatograph equipped with electron capture detector) method. All fish samples were found contaminated with different concentrations of DDT, DDE, endosulfan, and carbofuran. DDT and DDE concentrations were higher than maximum residue limits (MRL) in food standards, while endosulfan sulfate and cartap were not detected. These findings indicate that pesticide concentrations in fish muscles decreased in the order: DDT > DDE > carbofuran > endosulfan. Furthermore, the sampling sites after Degh fall and beyond Hudiara Nulla Fall river sampling sites were more polluted. It is proposed that constant monitoring programs are needed to assess potential exposure risks.     

Satellite telemetry and prey sampling reveal contaminant sources to Pacific Northwest Ospreys.

Migratory behavior can be an important factor in determining contaminant exposure in avian populations. Accumulation of organochlorine (OC) pesticides while birds are wintering in tropical regions has been cited often as the reason for high concentrations in migrant populations. To explore this issue, we satellite tracked 16 Ospreys (Pandion haliaetus) over the period 1996-2003 from breeding sites in British Columbia, Canada, and integrated the results into a database on 15 Ospreys that were satellite tracked over the period 1995-1999, from breeding locations in Washington and Oregon, USA. Data on wintering sites of 31 Ospreys in Mexico and Central America were used for spatially targeted sampling of prey fish. Concentrations of the main organochlorine contaminant, p,p'-dichloro-diphenyl-dichloroethylene (DDE), in fish composites from Mexico ranged from 0.005 to 0.115 nicrog/g wet mass. Significant differences existed among fish families in p,p'-DDE, total dichloro-diphenyl-trichloroethane (sigmaDDT), sigmachlordanes, and total polychlorinated biphenyls (sigmaPCBs). Catfish (family Ariidae) generally had significantly higher levels of DDT metabolites and other organochlorine contaminants compared to other fish families collected. Differences in prey contaminant levels were detected among the collection sites around coastal Mexico, with fish from Veracruz State generally having higher levels of DDT metabolites, sigmachlordanes, sigmaPCBs, and hexachlorobenzene. Eggs collected from 16 nests throughout the Pacific Northwest (nine from British Columbia, seven from Oregon and Washington) where Ospreys had been satellite tagged, showed marked variation in levels of DDT metabolites (p,p'-DDE; range 0.02-10.14 microg/g). Wintering site had no significant effect on contaminant concentrations in sample eggs from those specific Ospreys; rather concentrations of p,p'-DDE, were predicted by breeding sites with highest levels in eggs of Ospreys breeding in the lower Columbia River, consistent with published reports of continued high concentrations of DDT and related compounds in that system.     

Review on DDT and its residues in Turkey's wetlands

Turkey is a country rich in wetlands (250 wetlands, approximately one million hectares). As it is in many countries, the wetlands in Turkey are threatened by the agricultural activities, loss of habitats due to these activities and by pesticide contamination. After 1940, large quantities of pesticides, especially DDT were used intensively against mosquitoes and pests in most of the wetlands in Turkey causing considerable contamination. In the beginning of 1980's, production, import and use of DDT was forbidden due to its toxicity on non-target organisms, environmental persistence, and accumulation in food chains. The scientific studies made in Turkey on the level of contamination in various environs and organisms by DDTand its metabolites, are limited These limited studies, especially the ones made after 1990's, have shown that we still observe DDT contamination in many wetlands (including internationally important ones like Goksu Delta and Meric Delta) and in organisms like birds and fishes. The data on the concentrations of DDTand its metabolites in the organisms and the biological magnification levels are not adequate since in most of the studies only water and sediment samples were analyzed. Besides, in the few studies made on the organisms, standard methods and suitable indicator organisms were not used. Because of these reasons, it is very difficult to make reliable evaluations on the DDT levels and its effects in the wetlands of Turkey. It is interesting that DDTlevels are higher than its metabolites in water sediment and organism samples in some wetlands which imply the possible use of DDT recently The aim of this review is to summarize the studies made so far on DDT and its residues in the wetlands of Turkey and to shed light on the possible hazardous effects and to propose approaches for future studies.     

Patterns of microzooplankton growth in dilution experiments across a trophic gradient: Implications for herbivory studies

To investigate the growth and grazing patterns of microzooplankton (MZP) in environments of differing productivity, dilution experiments measuring phytoplankton growth (μ) and grazing mortality (m) rates were performed using samples from contrasting locations along the Texas coast. Samples were collected from estuaries, coastal lagoons and offshore Gulf of Mexico locations in the spring and summer of 2001. MZP growth rates were determined in each dilution treatment. Although MZP biomass changed over time in most dilution treatments, adjusting μ and m for the actual grazer gradient (represented by geometric mean MZP biomass) did not cause a significant deviation from the nominal dilution gradient. Likewise, these adjustments did not yield significant regressions where none existed before adjustment. The dynamics of MZP taxonomic groups (ciliates, dinoflagellates) and size categories differed suggesting that in some cases internal predation may lead to trophic cascades. MZP biomass was higher in productive coastal waters and included a larger proportion of dinoflagellates than in the oligotrophic, ciliate-dominated waters of the Gulf of Mexico. The MZP biomass-to-chlorophyll a ratio was lowest in the hypereutrophic Nueces River, where MZP biomass significantly increased in all dilution treatments (net growth rates up to 2 day⁻¹) suggesting a strong top–down control. In the brown-tide dominated Upper Laguna Madre and the oligotrophic seagrass-dominated Lower Laguna Madre MZP growth was decoupled from that of phytoplankton. At these sites, MZP were likely fueled by bacterial carbon and mixotrophy, respectively. Observing the growth response of MZP in dilution experiments can provide insight into trophic structure and efficiency of the microbial food web.     

Coastal lagoons: “transitional ecosystems” between transitional and coastal waters

The European Water Framework Directive (WFD) establishes a well differentiated typology of water bodies on the basis of scientific and biological criteria. For coastal waters, such criteria have long been established, while for transitional waters they are still under discussion. One of the difficulties when applying the WFD to coastal lagoons is to include them in only one of these categories, and while there is no doubt about the nature of estuaries as transitional waters, there is some controversy concerning lagoons. To what extent, reference conditions may be similar for estuaries and lagoons, or whether features common to all coastal lagoons are more important for differentiating them from other water bodies than the fact that there is (or is not) any fresh water influence, is something that remains unclear and is discussed in this work. Coastal lagoons and estuaries form part of a continuum between continental and marine aquatic ecosystems. Shelter, strong boundaries or gradients with adjacent ecosystems, anomalies in salinity regarding freshwater or marine ecosystems, shallowness, etc. all contribute to the high biological productivity of estuaries and lagoons and determine common ecological guilds in the species inhabiting them. On the other hand, fresh water influence, the spatial organization of gradients and environmental variability (longitudinal one-dimensional gradients in estuaries versus complex patterns and three-dimensional heterogeneity in lagoons) constitute the main differences, since these factors affect both the species composition and the dominance of certain ecological guilds and, probably, the system’s complexity and homeostatic capability. In the context of the WFD, coastal lagoons and estuaries are closer to each other than they are to continental or marine waters, and, on the basis of the shared features, they could be intercalibrated and managed together. However, coastal lagoons cannot be considered transitional waters according to the present definition. To assume that fresh water influence is an inherent characteristic to these ecosystems could lead to important changes in the ecological organization and functioning of coastal lagoons where natural fresh water input is low or null. In our opinion, the present day definition of transitional waters should be changed substituting the criterion of fresh water influence by another based on common features, such as relative isolation and anomalies in salinity in water bodies with marine influence. Otherwise, coastal lagoons should be considered a particularly characteristic type of water mass for establishing reference conditions of ecological status.     

Variations between winter and summer in the toxicity of copper to a population of the mysid Praunus flexuosus

 Copper toxicity was tested on a coastal population of the mysid Praunus flexuosus (Müller) from Southampton Water (Southern England) under winter and summer conditions. Ten-day toxicity tests were performed on the different life-cycle stages (female, male and juvenile) present in winter (December/February) and summer (August). The individuals were in winter or summer physiological condition and were exposed to seawater to which 0, 5, 25, 75 and 200 μg l⁻¹ copper was added. There were significantly different copper toxicity effects in winter and summer. In winter mortality was ≤ 1% at all levels of copper exposure, while in summer identical exposure levels caused mortality of up to 93%. The 96 h LC₅₀ was 30.8 μg l⁻¹ copper added in the summer. In winter, the low mortality prevented calculation of LC₅₀. There were differences in responses to copper between the life-cycle stages. Juveniles were more sensitive than adults, and were severely affected within 24 h. Females were more affected than males at lower doses and shorter exposure times. Received: 28 April 1999 / Accepted: 22 June 2000     

Organochlorine pesticides and PCBs in sediments from the Yangtse River,China

Organochlorine Pesticides and PCBs pollution levels were determined in sediment samples taken from three sites along the Yangtse River (Nanjing part). The concentrations of various pesticides were in the range of 1.42–8.06 ng/g (t‐HCH), and <0.01–4.12ng/g (t‐DDT), while the concentrations of PCBs were below detection limit at all three sites. The contamination by Organochlorine Pesticides and PCBs in sediments from the Yangtse River was not significant when compared with that reported in the literature from some other countries’ rivers, which may be due to the high flow velocity and water amount of the Yangtse River.     

The Coastal Environmental Characteristics of Taiwan

Abstract

There are three major factors affecting the coastal environment in Taiwan: tidal current, long-shore current and land subsidence. in Taiwan, most industrial areas are located on the southwestern coast. Most of the pollutants from the factories are discharged directly to the ocean, harbours or rivers. the pollutants in harbours or rivers will eventually be delivered to coastal waters. There, the tidal current is the major force dispersing the pollutants nearshore. the polluted water extends to an area about 5 km on both sides from the discharge source, and within about 3–4 km off-shore. in this study, Hsien-Da Harbour in southwestern Taiwan is cited to explain the effects of tidal current on the coastal environment. the long-shore current induced by breaking waves is the major force shaping the coastal morphology. Along the western coast of Taiwan, the long-shore current mainly flows northward along the southern section, and southward along the northern section. in the last one hundred years, in general, the coast has been eroded along the northern and southern sections of western coast, and some reclaimed lands were formed in the middle section. Recently, erosion in some coastal zones is quite serious because of excess groundwater extraction, especially along the southwestern coast. Groundwater extraction might also induce land subsidence. There are some areas near the coast which suffer serious land subsidence problems.     

Characterization and seasonal distribution of microplastics in the nearshore sediments of the south-east coast of India,Bay of Bengal

• MPs in the coastal sediment of south-east coast of India are quantified. • High MPs are recorded near river mouths and nearshore regions. • Polyethylene and polypropylene are the major polymers observed. • MPs contamination is higher than the values reported elsewhere. In view of increasing Microplastics (MPs) contamination in the marine environment and dearth of baseline data, a study was conducted on the abundance, characterization, and seasonal distribution of MPs in the nearshore sediments of the south-east coast of India. Sediment samples (n = 130) were collected at a distance of 1 km and 10 km from the shore region at varying depths (8–45 m) along the Chennai to Puducherry coast (165 km stretch), representing two seasons, i.e., south-west (July 2019 and July 2020) and north-east (January 2020) monsoons. The average abundance of MPs at the 22 offshore sites along the Chennai to Puducherry coast varied from 9±4.3 to 19±12.9 particles/50 g dry weight, in July 2019 and January 2020, respectively. July 2020 had an average abundance of 10±4.5 particles/50 g dry weight. Spatially, high levels of MPs were found at 1km stations and transects in proximity to the river inlets, and temporally, the north-east month recorded the maximum concentration. The dominant morphotype was the filament, and the major polymers were polyethylene and polypropylene. Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) images revealed the surface irregularity and degradation of MPs due to weathering. The study highlights that high sediment contamination by MPs occurs during heavy rainfall and accumulates closer to river inlets. Eventually, this study suggests that appropriate management of plastic wastes on the landside will reduce MP contamination in the marine environment.     

Spread ofCyclope neritea (Mollusca: Gastropoda) along the north-eastern Atlantic coasts in relation to oyster culture and to climatic fluctuations

The geographic distribution ofCyclope neritea (Linné) (Mollusca: Gastropoda) along the Atlantic coasts of Portugal, Spain and France is reported. Analysis of information published over the last 90 yr indicates that, since 1983,C. neritea has extended its range northwards from Arcachon Bay along the coast of the Bay of Biscay. The spread of this small gastropod is directly related to the commercial transport of the Pacific cup oyster (Crassostrea gigas Thunberg) to the Atlantic from Mediterranean oyster-culture sites, and to its encountering climatic conditions suitable for its settlement and reproduction in its new habitat. Its transport by human intervention explains the rapid spread ofCyclope neritea during 1983 and 1984, despite its lack of a planktonic stage or of effective natural migration by adults. Climatic conditions in the southern parts of the Bay of Biscay are similar to those of the French Mediterranean lagoons, explaining the easy acclimatization of this eurythermic gastropod. Also, coastal air and sea-surface temperature records over the last two decades (1971–1988) have revealed a slight warming of the southern parts of the Bay of Biscay. This has resulted in a more strongly marked latitudinal thermal gradient along the Bay of Biscay and has furthered survival and reproduction ofCyclope neritea emigrants. A detailed analysis of commercial supplies of cup oysters to the Bay of Biscay from the Mediterranean coast indicates that theC. neritea emigrants undoubtedly originated from the salt-water lagoons of Salse-Leucate and Thau (French Mediterranean coast).     

Foraging behavior and habitat use by the Southern Giant Petrel on the Patagonian Shelf

We explored the at-sea behavior and marine habitat use of the Southern Giant Petrel breeding in Patagonia, Argentina by means of satellite telemetry. Adult breeders showed a wide distribution over the Patagonian Shelf, using 74% of its surface. The maximum distance traveled from the colonies was 683 km, but on average birds moved no more than 200 km further away from their colony. Important marine areas were located in the shelf break, middle shelf and coastal waters. Areas of activity by sex overlap between 35 and 94%. Females foraged primarily away from the coast and males mainly on coastal areas. Both sexes were capable of flying up to 4,000 km but most of the foraging trips were of less than 200 km. Our results emphasize the importance of the Patagonian Shelf as foraging habitat for pelagic seabirds and contribute to international efforts to identify and protect a network of marine sites.     

The assessment of the coastal vulnerability and exposure degree of Gran Canaria Island (Spain) with a focus on the coastal risk of Las Canteras Beach in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria

The Coastal Vulnerability and Exposure Degree (CVED) of the Gran Canaria Island and the coastal risk of Playa de Las Canteras (Las Palmas de G.C.) have been assessed by means of a GIS analysis. The evaluation of coastal vulnerability (H) has been performed by using two different levels of analysis: the first one regarding the entire Island (Coastal Vulnerability Index method - CVI), the second one regarding specifically Las Canteras Beach, selected for its socio-economic importance (Coastal Vulnerability Assessment method - CVA). The application of the CVI method, based on geologic-geomorphologic and meteomarine data easily available, has allowed the regional scale assessment of coastal vulnerability (H) along the Gran Canaria coastline and, therefore, the individuation of more critical coast stretches deserving further analysis. The application of the CVA method, based on more specific morphologic-sedimentary beach features that allow to consider both the beach retreat due to storm surge and the coastal inundation due to run-up on the beach, has provided a large scale detail on the coastal vulnerability of Las Canteras Beach. Socio-economic and damage indexes have been determined for the 15 coastal municipalities included in the study area and, by means of the resulting matrix product, the degree of exposure (E_x) along the Gran Canaria coast has been assessed. Finally, the combination of coastal vulnerability and exposure levels has allowed to obtain the Coastal Vulnerability and Exposure Degree (CVED) for the entire Island and the risk levels that characterize specifically Las Canteras Beach. Major results in terms of CVED highlight prevailing low vulnerability and exposure levels along the western coast, and overall high vulnerability and exposure levels along the eastern coast, from Las Palmas de G.C. to San Bartolomé de Tirajana. The focus made on Playa de Las Canteras has allowed to identify the areas characterized by medium and high risk levels that represent approximately one third (940 m) of the entire beach and are located in its central part. The used two-level analysis approach has proved its efficiency by highlighting the degree of coastal vulnerability along the study coast and, especially, more critical coast stretches (CVI method) such as the Playa de Las Canteras that can be successfully analysed with the CVA approach allowing for a large-scale assessment of risk aspects, essential for a correct definition of priority management strategies. Results obtained with the present study, along with the awareness of the increasing phenomena of coastal erosion and marine flooding arising on the mid-long term due to the effects of global climate change, highlight the need for the competent public administrations of Gran Canaria to develop a strategic approach to coastal management and sustainable development that considers as a whole socio-economic values and natural resources, coastal vulnerability and exposure degree, and risk aspects.     

An application of GIS and coastal geomorphology for large scale assessment of coastal erosion and management: a case study of Ghana

Coastal erosion poses serious threat to life and properties along Ghana??s coast. This is because major industries, urban settlements, recreational facilities, heritage and conservation sites are located few metres from the coast. In spite of this threat, management strategies, both past and present, remain an ??ad hoc?? and site specific. Limited attention has been given to large scale assessment and investigation to detect the rate of coastal recession and the size of land lost to the sea to inform integrated management plan and to formulate sustainable management strategies to deal with the problem. This paper provides large scale assessment of coastal recession in Ghana through field investigation, applied coastal geomorphology and GIS techniques to selected case study areas. The assessment covered 203?km out of the 540?km coastline of Ghana. Results of the assessment indicate that coastal erosion is very substantial and wide spread along the coast, but the rate of recession varies across the entire coastline. Significant amounts of losses of settlements have been experienced in some localities in the eastern coast (Keta and Ada) and the central coast (Accra, Shama and Sekondi-Takoradi). In some areas, coastal defences have been built to reduce the impacts, yet many areas are still very vulnerable. Interestingly, the paper identified that the high rates of retreat recorded in many areas have yet to cause major risks in some local communities because of the presence of a buffer of largely undeveloped land that has existed historically between the shoreline and the developments. However, recent increase in coastal tourism in Ghana has led to ??scramble?? for purchase of these buffer lands for development, which increase the risk. Ghana has the opportunity to use education and land use planning to keep the coastline clear of major developments and avoid the temptation of engaging in costly cycle of development-risk-defence experienced in many countries including the UK and the Netherlands. The paper recommends that Ghana should adopt the UK SMP, which has progressively moved away from the traditional re-active and parochial approaches of providing localised hard-engineered coastal defence work to solve what was perceived to be a local problem, to a more pro-active and holistic approach that take full account of coastal dynamics, interrelationships of coastal systems, knock-on effects, environment concerns and developments at the backshore.