The combined pressures of human population in crease, technological progress and industrial ex pansion have led to the development of coastal region and of ports (some of which were originally fishing villages). New oil terminals are being constructed all the time and nuclear power stations are increasing in number too. Both developments involve the local expansion of service industries.

In a major tourist region, holidaymakers arrive in large numbers during the summer and the popula-tion can increase to three times its normalsize! This flood of holiday visitors poses enormous problems of acccomodation, food and public health. The area must be provided with extra buildings, camping-sites, shopping facilities, roads, carparks and moorings for boats. Additional space is provided at the expense of the sea ; and artificial, cresent-shaped beaches are established. As a result, the prairies beneath the waves are largely destroyed. Changes made above the waterline are achieved only at the cost of damaging the underwater envinronment! The coastline becomes completely altered as a result of these pressures from tourism and industry.