The Loss of Coastal WetlandsThis article presents the environmental concerns related to the loss of coastal wetlands. The paper will discuss the importance of wetlands and the devastation caused by human activity. Wetlands are an essential element of our environment, both ecological and societal; conservation will be essential for the preservation of these precious ecosystems. Globally, coastal wetlands are disappearing at an alarming rate, the problem is that most of society does not realize the value of these precious wetlands. Coastal wetlands play an important role in the coastal ecosystem. “Coastal wetlands provide essential services such as absorbing the energy of coastal storms, preserving shorelines, protecting human populations and infrastructure, supporting commercial seafood harvests, absorbing pollutants and the role of critical habitat for migratory bird populations” (Anonymous, 2011). Coastal wetlands are an economic and environmental asset. Human activity is one of the main causes of the disappearance of coastal wetlands. As the human population increases in coastal cities, so does the demand for land. Urbanization causes enormous damage to existing wetlands. Rampant development causes soil erosion, which dumps foreign sediment into wetlands, polluting the water and disrupting the ecosystem. According to Lee et al. (2006) “Urbanization is a major cause of coastal wetland loss. Urbanization also exerts significant influences on the structure and function of coastal wetlands, primarily by altering hydrological and sedimentation regimes, as well as nutrient and chemical pollutant dynamics.” Restrictions on development...... middle of paper ......preserving these precious ecosystems so that future generations can appreciate the serenity and value of wetlands. Works citedAnonymous, (2011). Many coastal wetlands are at risk of disappearing this century, scientists say. Research Trends in Applied Sciences, 6(7), 772. Retrieved September 11, 2011, from ProQuest Central. (Document ID: 2442184441). Hong, S., Koh, C., Harris, R., Kim, J., Lee, J. and Ihm, B. (2010). Land use in Korean tidal wetlands: impacts and management strategies. Environmental Management, 45(5), 1014-26. Retrieved September 11, 2011 from ABI/INFORM Global. (Document ID: 2036528131).Lee, SY, Dunn, RK, Young, RA, Connolly, RM, Dale, PR, Dehayr, RR and... Welsh, DT (2006). Impact of urbanization on the structure and function of coastal wetlands. Southern Ecology, 31(2), 149-163. doi:10.1111/j.1442-9993.2006.01581.x