This book provides a comprehensive introduction to the subject of coastal zone management. The authors review the existing management framework at the federal, state, and local level, describing cornerstone federal programs and innovative and leading state, regional, and special area programs. Throughout, they focus on:

-coastal ecology and the physical attributes of the coastal zone
-population trends and growth pressures confronting coastal areas
-policy issues and conflicts facing those in coastal management
In addition, they examine key elements of successful coastal management, as they identify deficiencies in current efforts as well as methods for addressing those deficiencies.

An Introduction to Coastal Zone Management provides a firm understanding of management approaches and strategies in use around the country, focusing on those that have proven most effective.