Abstract
The environment and ecology of the Thames estuary are closely linked with the activities of humans. The estuary was initially used by humans for food, then for transport and communication and more recently as a location for industry and development. With the growth of London in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, parts of the estuary became polluted and devoid of much aquatic life. In addition, valuable estuarine habitat was lost to farming, residential and industrial development. Extensive remedial action has resulted in an improved water quality and much wildlife has returned. The estuary can again be considered as a valuable natural resource. However, the threat to the environment from human activity still remains and the importance of careful environmental regulation is clear for all to see.
Access this chapter
Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout
Purchases are for personal use only
Preview
Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.
Similar content being viewed by others
Editor information
Editors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
Copyright information
© 1998 Springer Science+Business Media New York
About this chapter
Cite this chapter
Tinsley, D. (1998). The Thames estuary: a history of the impact of humans on the environment and a description of the current approach to environmental management. In: Attrill, M.J. (eds) A Rehabilitated Estuarine Ecosystem. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4419-8708-2_2
Download citation
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4419-8708-2_2
Publisher Name: Springer, Boston, MA
Print ISBN: 978-1-4613-4671-5
Online ISBN: 978-1-4419-8708-2
eBook Packages: Springer Book Archive