A Proposal for Coastal Zone Planning at Gemlik Bay (Turkey)

Abstract

Harbours constitute one of the key commercial activities on coastal cities. However these may develop use conflicts among other sectors, mainly the ones aiming at environmental protection if a comprehensive coastal management planning is not carried out prior to any implementation. The lack of a comprehensive framework law for integrated coastal zone management results in failure of the implementation of rational and sustainable decisions concerning coastal zone management. Although several clauses of legislation address various issues of coastal zone management, one single "Coastal Management Act" with the objective of defining the overriding principles of coastal management plans has not yet been promulgated. The lack of such a law with fragmentation of the decision-making process gives rise to unsustainable coastal development.