The loss of these natural barriers makes coastal human settlements more vulnerable to meteorological phenomena. In general, the region's oceans are affected by water pollution from urban and agricultural activities carried out on land, which increase nutrient loads and cause eutrophication, due to urban expansion and the lack of wastewater treatment, lack of control of substances discharged from ships and oil spills, and the lower volumes of river water emptying into the ocean, which raises salinity levels. This new vision is beginning to inspire urban planning, development and legislative processes.