COASTAL MANAGEMENT

What are the two types of coastal management?

1. Hard engineering approach (structural approach):
-the construction of physical structures to defend against power of waves (building
something long lasting)
SEAWALLS
-They are built along the coast to absorb the energy of waves before they can cause erosion
-They can be made of concrete, rocks, or wood
-They are especially effective in protecting cliffs from erosion
-However they cannot prevent the backwash of the refracted waves from washing away
beach materials beneath the walls
-This undermines the base of the seawalls and they collapse
-Seawalls are costly to build and maintain
BREAKWALLS
-It can be built with one end attached to the coast or away from the coast
-They break the force of high energy waves before they reach the shore
-When constructed offshore, it can create a zone of calm water behind them and allow
deposition to occur, forming beaches
GROYNES
-They are built at right angles to the shore to prevent longshore drift
-They absorb or reduce the energy of waves and cause materials to be deposited on the side
of the groyne facing the longshore drift.
Erosion can occur at places not protected by it

2. Soft engineering approach (non-structural approach):

-focuses on ecological aims at behavior or attitudes towards coastal protection by
encouraging minimal human interference
BEACH NOURISHMENT
-The constant replenishment of large quantities of sand to the beach system

-The beach is extended seawards which leads to the improvement of beach quality and
storm protection
-Sand being eroded and transported away by waves and wind and can affect wildlife, coral
reefs at Waikiki Beach in Hawaii.
RELOCATION OF PROPERTIES
-No building of properties is allowed in coastal areas vulnerable to costal erosion
-Danger of increasing sea levels due to global warming, relocation is important to future
coastal management
PLANTING MANGROVES
-Mangroves with their prop roots help trap sediments and reduce coastal erosion they
extend seawards
STABILIZING DUNES
-Access points to the beach should be controlled and designated so as not to be disturbed by
human traffic. Shrubs and trees can be planted to stabilize them.
GROWTH OF CORAL REEFS
-Artificial reefs can be created by placing environmentally friendly and long-lived
materials like steel or concrete on the sea floor
-Man-made reefs are as productive as natural reefs in enhancing fishing opportunities ad
serve as undersea barriers to reduce impact of wave energy