Changes in Coastal Sediment Dynamics Due to Managed Realignment

Abstract

Consolidation of the ecosystem services approach and concerns about climate change impacts are leading to a paradigm shift in the management of coastal erosion and flooding risk. Working with nature approaches aiming to restore the adaptive capacity of environments to respond to dynamic conditions are now promoted in a growing number of local and national strategies. In England, for example, Shoreline Management Plans foresee 10% of the coastline to be realigned by 2030 and 15% by 2060. Despite over 100 projects implemented in Europe, only few studies discuss the effects of managed realignment on coastal and estuarine sediment dynamics. This paper presents a conceptual model for the longer term evolution within and adjacent to management realignment sites and contrasts with evidence from published field data.

Understanding the impact of hydrodynamics on coastal erosion in Latin America: a systematic review

“…Other erosion points in the northernmost part of RS, such as Praia do Farol and Mostardense, are mainly due to the direction and energy of incident waves, with erosion rates ranging from −1 m/year to −6 m/year. Similar to the rates at Faro de Conceição and the beaches of Hermenegildo, which range from −0.5 m/year to −3.6 m/year (Figure 5) (Calliari et al, 2003;Esteves et al, 2008;Simões et al, 2022).…”

Review on processes and management of saltmarshes across Great Britain

“…Habitat creation schemes, including managed and unmanaged realignment, restoration planting, and regulated tidal exchange, will likely play an important role in future saltmarsh restoration and coastal erosion risk management schemes across Britain. Current management plans indicate that 10% of the English and Welsh coastline will require realignment by 2030, and 15% by 2060 (Esteves and Williams, 2015). However, coastal realignment is controversial, and often perceived as "surrendering land to the sea" (Myatt et al, 2003).…”