Breakwaters are often used in conjunction with other coastal protection measures such as seawalls, groynes, and jetties. Seawalls are vertical structures built along the shoreline to prevent erosion and flooding. Groynes are structures that are built perpendicular to the shoreline to trap sediment and build up the beach. Jetties are long, narrow structures built out into the water to protect a harbor entrance or channel from waves and currents.
Breakwaters can have a number of environmental impacts, both positive and negative. Breakwaters can provide a habitat for marine life and increase fish populations by creating a sheltered area where fish can spawn and grow. Breakwaters can also help to protect coastal habitats by reducing erosion and flooding. However, breakwaters can also have negative impacts on marine life by altering water currents and sediment patterns, which can affect the distribution of marine species. Breakwaters can also interfere with the natural movement of sand along the shoreline, which can lead to beach erosion.
In addition to their environmental impacts, breakwaters can also have social and economic impacts. Breakwaters can improve access to beaches and harbors, which can lead to increased tourism and economic development. However, breakwaters can also be expensive to build and maintain, and they can sometimes be perceived as unsightly.
