Much of Africa's coastline follows a long straight path.  Nevertheless, the coast extends for thousands of miles, and Africa's marine environments are home to many species.

Some of the water areas on Africa's coasts are excellent for fishing.  There is a high level of diversity among the species of fish found in Africa.

Fish are also of great economic importance to Africa.  Many of the most profitable fish are present in African waters, making a fishing industry possible.  Also, the people of many African countries rely on fish heavily for protein in their diets.  In the Western African nations especially, fish is one of the most important foods.

The quantity of salt mixed into Africa's fresh water resources is undergoing change.  In areas such as the Niger Delta, intruding seawater is having a harmful affect on the native ecosystems.

Some water bodies, such as the Mediterranean Sea, are becoming heavily polluted.  Industry often dumps its toxins and sewage straight into the water because regulations do not exist or are not enforced.  However, Africa's general lack of development means that there is not much industry to cause pollution.

Though the region does not heavily suffer the effects of industrialization, other human activities are ruining coastal areas.  In countries such as Tanzania, Mozambique, and Madagascar, human settlements and agricultural pollution are leading to soil erosion and pollution of the waters.

As cities spring up along the coast, greater amounts of pollution are filling the ocean ecosystems.  As industrialization begins and oil production increases, the marine environments are becoming further damaged.