The Coastal Environmental Profile of Singapore is intended to serve the following purposes: 1)To provide policymakers and researchers with a ready source of information, including a detailed listing of source materials; 2) To describe the coastal changes that have taken place and to suggest factors that have brought about such changes; 3) To highlight the interrelations among the many aspects of coastal zone, including possible conflicts; 4) To raise issues relating to the management of the coastal zone with the intention that the zone be used more optimally; and 5)To eventually help formulate a coastal area management plan for the country. This profile is the first step towards the formulation of a coastal area management plan for Singapore. The plan will be aimed primarily at further development of the coastal areas in a multisectoral and integrated manner, taking cognizance of the existing pattern of resource use and the overall social and economic development framework of the country.