The physical processes affected by armoring are generally better studied and understood than the biological processes. The physical impacts resulting from armoring might not be seen for several years. When the effects finally become noticeable, it can be difficult or impossible to repair the damage to the beach. Alterations in the physical characteristics of the beach will eventually affect species dependent on the shoreline for survival. The rapid increase in the number of docks covering Puget Sound tidelands is also cause for concern.
Many organisms rely on eelgrass for cover, and on both eelgrass and algae for food.
Therefore, docks and floats can reduce the habitat value of an area. Since the beaches of Puget Sound are rapidly being covered by shoreline structures, it is imperative that we understand the impacts of armoring and docks before we do irrepar-able damage to the Puget Sound coastline. Many of the results from research examining this issue are based on educated guesses and extrapolated data from research performed in other regions. The biological and physical processes in Puget Sound are unique. It is therefore difficult to estimate the impacts of shoreline stabilization structures on the Puget Sound coastline based on research from other areas.