This chapter focuses on anthropogenic activities that are known to have an impact on the important features of intertidal sandbanks and mudflats and subtidal mobile sandbanks, and which are relevant to the monitoring and management of SACs. Again the chapter discusses the repercussions for the biota of changes to the physical integrity of these biotope complexes. For example, changes in substratum type, area and the tidal regime are major threats to the integrity of both biotope complexes and their carrying capacity in supporting wading birds and juvenile (and adult) fishes. The potential effects of major anthropogenic activities to the physical and biological attributes of the biotope complexes are summarised in the table below and detailed in the linked table. In the table below, the impacts are considered subjectively to be low, moderate or high to reflect the likelihood of change as indicated in the linked table. It should be emphasised that for many of the aspects discussed on these tables there is no qualitative information on the magnitude of the response.

Overview of the Potential for Anthropogenic Impacts.

Land-claim (Reclamation)

Barrages (amenity, storm-surge and tidal energy) and Marine Constructions

Dredging Activities, Spoil Disposal and Aggregate Extraction

Fishing Activities

Organic Enrichment

Industrial And Domestic Effluent Discharge

Oil And Gas: Exploration, Production and Transport

Recreational Disturbance

References