The closure of tidal inlets serves various primary purposes:
* Land reclamation
* Shortening sea defence length
* Creation of fresh water reservoirs
* Establishment of tidal energy basins
* Development of fixed-level harbour docks
* Construction of docks for marine activities
* Provision of road or rail connections
* Repair of breaches in dikes
* Creation of fish ponds.
Historically, the closure of inlets was primarily aimed at land reclamation and water level control in marshy areas, facilitating agricultural development. Such activities necessitated effective management of river and storm surge levels, often requiring ongoing dike maintenance. Secondary purposes, such as tidal energy generation, harbour and construction docks, dams for transportation infrastructure, and fish farming, also emerged but had lesser environmental impact.
In contemporary times, driven by a growing emphasis on quality of life, particularly in industrialised nations, inlet closure projects encompass a broader spectrum of objectives. These may include creating freshwater storage facilities, mitigating water pollution in designated zones, providing recreational amenities, and combating saltwater intrusion or groundwater contamination.