Natural and Human Impact

Abstract

Early accounts of man's interference with the natural resources of coastal regions in the warm-temperate southwestern Atlantic date from the last century (von Ihering 1885). In particular, the Patos Lagoon and estuary have been subject to multiple human impacts during the past few decades. In the near future though, a gradual degradation of the ozone layer and increasing sea levels are likely to pose major ecological problems for the entire region.