Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons^™

Evaluating Impacts On Continental Shelf Environments, Concepts And Prospects, Donald F. Boesch

VIMS Books and Book Chapters

New and expanding activities on the continental shelf including disposal of wastes and dredged material, deepwater ports, floating nuclear power plants, mining, and oil and gas exploitation, have spawned increased interest in the ecology of continental shelf ecosystems and the environmental effects of these activities. Changing patterns of historical uses of the shelf environment, i.e., fishing and transportation, and as yet hypothetical new uses, such as tapping energy from the ocean's currents and gradients, will undoubtedly further increase our concern for the coastal oceans.