The U. S. Army Corps of Engineers estimates that the present rate of coastal land loss is 25 square miles a year. The U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service places that figure even higher at about 34 square miles a year. The latter number is based on measuring the loss in coastal land area between 1978 and 1990. Many areas of the Gulf of Mexico coastline are retreating. If allowed to continue, this retreat can cause irreversible damage to the coastal environment, economy, and quality of life.
All Gulf states have serious coastal erosion problems.
Parts of Louisiana retreat 65 feet or more per year, while erosion rates of 15 feet year can be found in many other areas of the Gulf. Take a look at the Gulf of Mexico and, using the map, answer the activity question. Click here for directions on how to use the online dictionary and then answer the activity question. Beaches and dunes provide valuable coastal habitat and protection against hurricanes and other storms. Several rapidly eroding barrier islands are expected to completely disappear within the next 30 years.