Define the term exclusive economic zone.

Briefly describe what is meant by continental shelf.

Explain the environmental and economic value of mangrove swamps.

Discuss the conflicts that occur from attempts to manage coastal hazards.

The exclusive economic zone is the area in which a sovereign state has rights [1 mark]. Award the second [1 mark] for either of the following concepts (words need not be exact):

• “over the economic resources of the sea, seabed and subsoil”
• “extending up to 200 nautical miles from the coast”.

The continental shelf is the gently sloping extension of most continental areas [1 mark] beneath the shallow ocean waters. Award an additional [1 mark] for any development of this idea such as “the width of the shelf is highly variable (from 0–1500 km)” or “the water depth over the shelf never exceeds about 200 m”.

Note that full credit should also be given if a candidate describes the alternative meaning of continental shelf, as used in the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, which states that it is the stretch of the seabed (regardless of depth) [1 mark] adjacent to the shores of a particular country to which it belongs [1 mark].

Environmental values include coastal stabilization/protection, the conservation of biodiversity, a breeding ground for species, a refuge for many species, mitigation of storms (including tropical storms). They also act as natural filters, absorbing nutrients from farming and sewage disposal.

Mangroves have much economic value, such as providing large quantities of food, fuel, building materials and medicine. “Value” can be for local people (protection, fuel) or other groups/people, for example, TNCs, tourist industry.

Award [1 mark] for each value/benefit that is explained, and further marks for developed explanation, or applied use of examples, up to the maximum of [3 marks] for environmental and [3 marks] for economic value. For example, award [2 marks] for a statement such as: “One ha of mangrove in the Philippines can yield 400 kg of fish and 75 kg of shrimp”.

Coastal hazards include: tsunamis, storm surges, coastal retreat, coastal erosion and cliff failure.

Conflicts may occur between different land-uses, for example, tourism providers and environmental protection agencies (EPAs) (for example over the construction of coastal defences that spoil the aesthetics); land-use disputes/land zoning/managed retreat policies can conflict with plans of developers; local residents may object to development if they perceive that it will adversely affect property values; the allocation of funding (different organizations/users may be competing for limited funding). There may be conflict between environmentalists and EPAs as some hard engineering structures might interfere with sediment movement. Conflicts in LEDCs might focus on the need to maintain mangroves as coastal protection versus aquaculture development (prawn fisheries) or tourist developments.

Answers that introduce hazards not confined to the coastline (for example, earthquakes) should be credited on their merits but may be self-limiting. 

To achieve band D responses will describe some conflicts relating to a coastal hazard.

At band E there will be at least two conflicts and at least two hazards using relevant details.

At band F expect a well balanced discussion and evaluation.

Marks should be allocated according to the markbands.