Changing coastlines and processes

Abstract

Australia's coastlines are rich and diverse, and home to many endemic flora and fauna species. They also have significant implications for onr society, because over 80% of the Australian population is concentrated in the coastal zone (e.g. Short and Woodroffe 2009). The coast provides vital resonrces (such as tourism, fisheries and navigation), as well as ecological services to our society (DERM 2012). The coastal zone is significantly shaped by climatic, atmospheric and marine processes. It is a dynamic environment, comprising complex topography and shallow water, as well as strong links between terrestrial and marine processes. The principal drivers of Australia's coastal environment are climate variability and change, as well as population growth and economic growth, which also indirectly drive the environment (State of the Environment 2011 Committee 2011).