As we now approach the completion of the 2nd round Shoreline Management Plans (SMPs) this paper provides a review of the implementation of the estuary guidance and lessons learned during its application. In particular, emphasis is placed on the need to retain flexibility within the estuary assessment process rather than applying a prescriptive approach with each estuary and corresponding assessment considered on a case by case basis. The review has drawn upon experience gained through the completion of a number of SMPs and estuaries around England and Wales. Although the points raised here apply directly to the UK they are also applicable to the management and understanding of estuaries throughout the world.

Crenulate bay theory is well developed and natural examples of this type of bay are evident along many coasts. Case studies are presented here in which this theory has been applied and adapted at different scales to address the needs of management and coastal communities. In many places, these needs are not currently met because coastal protection is constraining landward shoreline movement, leading to erosion and consequential loss of property, infrastructure, public access and amenity value.Abereiddy, in west Wales has a small locally important beach backed by a seawall. With no intervention, seawall collapse will lead to realignment and a more natural beach form, but a reduction in car parking area. Crenulate bay theory was applied to understand what shoreline shape would result if the seawall was lost. Coyote Point, in San Francisco Bay, California is a popular recreation area. Coastal defence structures are failing, leading to erosion of the coastal path and beach loss. In order to develop an innovative sustainable solution to the erosion problem, whilst maintaining recreational functions and good public access, crenulate bay setback options were examined.These local examples can be set within the wider context of integrated coastal zone management. Axiomatic principles, such as crenulate bay theory, assist in interpreting existing broader-scale erosion monitoring in the context of geomorphological control. Examples are provided demonstrating regional benefits of the approach by taking a landscape-scale view of coastal evolution.

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