Studies by scientists at the Santa Barbara Coastal LTER have found that the proliferation of "coastal armor" -- or human-made structures erected along the coast to fight beach erosion -- is adversely affecting the diversity of the beach's food chain.
A recent article in the online edition of the Santa Barbara Independent highlights work by SBC ecologist Jenifer Dugan -- who specializes in the ecology of exposed sandy beaches -- and colleagues that also suggests the "armor," which is meant to preserve the beaches, often reduces the beach size.