Coastal areas are subject to urbanisation for many reasons, including fishing and trading opportunities.

Effects:

Original wetland areas were drained to prevent settlements from flooding, creating habitat loss.
Developments in farming in lowland areas meant further draining of wetlands.
Harbours were built to shelter fishing boats.
Large ports had a large visual impact on the area.
Tourist activity at the coast led to further changing of the landscape.
Many of these developments interfere with natural processes such as longshore drift.
Modern human activities are vastly changing the climate, which is effecting coastal processes and species.