Which of the following activities can lead to increased coastal erosion?

Building coastal resorts can indeed lead to increased coastal erosion. This occurs for several reasons. Firstly, coastal development, such as resorts, often involves altering the natural landscape. This can include the removal of vegetation, which serves as a natural barrier against erosion and stabilizes the soil. The construction process can disturb natural sediment deposits, leading to increased vulnerability of the coast to erosion.

Additionally, upon completion, resorts can increase foot traffic and human activity along the beach, which compacts the sand and can lead to its loss during storms or high tides. Furthermore, the infrastructure needed for such developments—such as roads and swimming pools—can disrupt natural water flow, leading to changes in sediment transport. These factors combined can weaken the coastline, making it more susceptible to the forces of wave action and ultimately contributing to increased coastal erosion.

In contrast, planting vegetation along shores, constructing sea walls, and implementing sustainable fishing practices generally have protective or less harmful effects on coastal environments. Vegetation can stabilize shorelines, sea walls can act as barriers to wave action, and sustainable fishing practices do not directly affect erosion but contribute to overall coastal health.