Abstract
Some issues of coastal works in Japan are discussed from the aspects of ecosystem conservation. A vast length of the Japanese coastline has been covered with concrete armor units to prevent beach erosion. Such coastal works were accelerated for many reasons during the rapid economic development era in this country. Installation of these concrete armor units along the shoreline was very effective for dissipation of wave energy, but it ruined the scenic beauty and wild life habitats along the coast. In this paper, the background of this situation in Japan was described in relation to the seacoast law. In order to change the situation and alter the present coastal works, the following is required: develop planning methods under consideration with coastal ecosystem conservation, investigate the monitoring methods, and establish public involvement in coastal zone management
