Global Export Hubs: How Port Creation and Use Effects Estuarine Habitats
Presentation Type
Poster
Presentation Type
Submission
Keywords
Ecology, Estuary, Trade, Industrialization, Pollution, Degradation
Major
Sustainability and Art
Abstract
Global trade relies on advanced port infrastructure, but these ports are often built on estuaries, which are wetlands where rivers meet the sea. This research asks: How does building these trade hubs destroy natural estuarine ecosystems and what are the consequences? By looking at case studies in Washington State, the Netherlands and India, this paper shows that dredging and construction create major ecological degradation within these habitats. While estuaries are essential for filtering water, stopping floods, and supporting wildlife like salmon, they are frequently sacrificed for economic growth. The study concludes that the Blue Economy, which is a system to integrate natural care with infrastructural development, is currently failing because industrial needs almost always come before environmental health. This trade-off doesn't just hurt nature, it destroys the livelihoods of local fishing communities and increases the risk of climate-related disasters.
Faculty Mentor
Felicity Vabulas
Funding Source or Research Program
Not Identified
Location
Waves Cafeteria
Start Date
10-4-2026 1:00 PM
End Date
10-4-2026 2:00 PM
Global Export Hubs: How Port Creation and Use Effects Estuarine Habitats
Waves Cafeteria
Global trade relies on advanced port infrastructure, but these ports are often built on estuaries, which are wetlands where rivers meet the sea. This research asks: How does building these trade hubs destroy natural estuarine ecosystems and what are the consequences? By looking at case studies in Washington State, the Netherlands and India, this paper shows that dredging and construction create major ecological degradation within these habitats. While estuaries are essential for filtering water, stopping floods, and supporting wildlife like salmon, they are frequently sacrificed for economic growth. The study concludes that the Blue Economy, which is a system to integrate natural care with infrastructural development, is currently failing because industrial needs almost always come before environmental health. This trade-off doesn't just hurt nature, it destroys the livelihoods of local fishing communities and increases the risk of climate-related disasters.