Integrated theory of coastal management regarding protection of beaches and dunes

Abstract

State adoption and implementation of coastal management program components regarding the protection of beaches and dunes vary among the coastal states with federally-approved coastal zone management programs. The level of development of state coastal management programs is influenced by a variety of political, economic, social, and environmental factors. Ordinary Least Square (OLS) regression analyses were employed to determine which of these state factors influence the level of development of coastal management programs. The state factors associated with highly developed coastal management programs were identified as pro-environmental, activist citizenry and history of adopting environmental policies.