A LAndowner’s 

Guide to CoAstAL

ProteCtion
Produced by Murray Ford and Coastal Consultants NZ Ltd. 

Prepared for Publication by The Unbound Bookmaker: www.unboundbookmaker.com
 

Layout Design and Typesetting by Jamie Zvirzdin: jamie@unboundbookmaker.com
 

Illustrations by Daryle Newman: daryle@darylenewman.com
 

This guide is made possible by the generous support of the American people through the United States Agency for International 


Development (USAID). Cooperative Agreement No. EPP-A-00-04-00014-00.
 

This guide is also funded in part by a grant/cooperative agreement from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 


which is sponsored by the University of Hawai‘i Sea Grant College Program, SOEST, under Institutional Grant No. 


NA09OAR4170060 from NOAA Officeof Sea Grant, Department of Commerce. UNIHI-SEAGRANT-HH-12-03.
 

The views expressed herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of USAID and NOAA or any of its 


subagencies.
 

Published by the University of Hawai‘i Sea Grant College Program, 2013. 
IntroductIon

outlIne of the Atoll 

Shore ProtectIon SerIeS 

1. Introduction: Atolls, shoreline dynamics, processes and about the guide. 

2. Do you have an erosion problem? 

3. Hard protection: seawalls, revetment, groynes and breakwaters. 

4. Soft protection: Vegetation 

planting, beach nourishment, and 

community adaptation. 

5. Selecting protection options 

based on the physical environment. 

6. Working together to achieve a 

better result. 

Atolls are unique coastal environments that are home to 

a diverse range of marine species, 

landforms and nations. However, 

combining the permanent infrastructure of a modern civilization 

with a dynamic atoll environment 

forces limits on natural processes 

and can result in issues like inundation and coastal erosion. Natural 

shorelines can be highly mobile in 

response to changes in wave height 

or sediment supply, but when a solid 

structure is placed in the dynamic 

beach zone, erosion occurs and 

causes problems, eventually, for the 

people on the entire atoll. 

Erosion and inundation are 

serious issues for developed atoll 

nations, especially since sea levels 

are expected to continue rising. 

There are numerous shore protection methods used worldwide that 

attempt to control the interaction of 

the sea and the land. This series on 

atoll-specific shore protection aims 

to enable landowners and communities in the Marshall Islands to better 

understand coastal processes and 

manage shore protection issues. 

Following this introduction, the 

guide introduces “hard” and “soft”

methods of shore protection and 

where each option is suitable. The 

guide then outlines how to choose 

the most appropriate method of shore 

protection and the flow-on effects 

of different methods. Finally, some 

of the benefits of working together 

within the coastal zone to achieve a 

positive outcome are outlined. 

When important assets such as roads 

and infrastructure are threatened 

by storms and sea-level rise, careful 

thought must be given as to how 

to effectively protect the shoreline. 

Working in an environment that is 

constantly changing is difficult and 

requires careful planning before 

implementing coastal protection. 
2 Section 1: introduction

Atoll islands are maintained by the interaction of physical and biological processes and are constantly adjusting to change. 

Working With nature Reef structure provides the great­ scales—large storm events may 

I

est control on the atoll shoreline. This wash sediment off of the reef onto 

n order to manage atoll shorelines, it is because reef width and elevation the shoreline (building the shore) or 

is important to consider some of the determine how much wave energy wash sand away from the shoreline 

natural processes involved. Working can reach the shoreline. Under stable onto or off of the reef (eroding the 

with nature will prove much more sea level conditions, a healthy coral shore). A healthy coral reef that is 

successful than working against reef will continue to generate sedi­ not damaged by over-fishing, pollunature. Reef islands are naturally ment that may be added to the island. tion, bleaching, or physical impact 

dynamic features, with shorelines On the other hand, an unhealthy reef is the first line of defense for promoving as a result of changes to the may not be able sustain a continuous tecting the shoreline of a reef island. 

physical and biological environment. supply of sediment to the island. Not only does the reef buffer wave 

Reef islands are made up of sediment It is important to understand that energ y, it also generates sediment 

that is generated by the breakdown of reef islands and their shorelines are to continually grow or renourish 

living material on the adjacent reef. dynamic and prone to change over adjacent islands. A healthy reef may 

Wind, waves, and the tide drive cur­ many time scales, from short-term also be able to grow upwards as sea 

rents and deposit sediment to form events like storms to long-term geo­ level rises—providing an autonoreef islands. However, wave energy logical processes. mous adaptation and resilience to 

may also move sand off of the island To highlight the fact that reef sea-level rise. 

and deposit it elsewhere. islands are dynamic at event time 
tIPS for regenerAtIng A 

heAlthy reef 

•  Avoid overfishing—many fish 

graze on algae, which prevents 

the overgrowth of coral. 

•  Use natural or existing channels for boating to avoid running over the reef. 

•  Avoid standing on submerged 

corals. 

•  Remove coral invaders such as 

Crown-of-Thorns starfish. 

•  Avoid pollution and nutrient 

run-off into the lagoon and 

ocean. 

•  Limit mining of living coral 

reefs. 

3 Section 1: introduction

Before managing the coastal and gravel. Sediment generated by 

zone, it is important to understand the interaction of waves with coral 

the atoll environment as a dynamic reefs is moved by nearshore cursystem where all components rents. Depending on reef width and 

interact in a complex harmony. how much sediment is transported, 

The formation of a reef island is an island may form on an atoll reef. 

dependent on the interaction of Tides control the water level genercoastal processes, biological pro­ ally, allowing higher waves to reach 

cesses, and the movement of sand the island at high tide. 

The hard, concrete-like platform 

found on the ocean side of many 

islands is a very effective natural 

protection against wave attack. It 

is important that this feature is 

preserved whenever possible. 
4 

Atoll ISlAndS ocean-side ridge made up of coarse ocean ridges there is often a central 

I material. Ridge height is propor­ island depression in elevation. Once 

sland shape or ‘morphology’ shows tional to wave height—higher palm trees, coastal forest, shrubs, 

that the highest elevation of a waves can push sediment further and mangroves have colonized reef 

reef island is generally located at up the beach, increasing the height islands, the sediment stabilizes and 

an ocean side ridge (berm). This of the shore. Lagoon shorelines are makes the island resistant to change 

is usually where larger waves are exposed to smaller waves, resulting and erosion. 

able to transport larger sediment in smaller ridges made up of fine 

(rubble and shingle), forming an sediment. Between the lagoon and 

As a result of larger waves in the ocean compared to the lagoon, the ocean side of atoll islands 

is generally higher in elevation than the lagoon shoreline. This ridge is often 

made up of coral gravel washed up during storm events. 

The amount of wave energy impacting the shoreline helps controls the makeup 

of the coastal zone. Low-energy lagoon shorelines require different shoreline 

protection strategies to high-energy, ocean-facing coasts. 
5 

When coastal and marine of t he coast. The va lue of t he asset exposed to small waves (depending 

processes start to interact with a being protected will determine the on width and climate). Reef width 

community, land, or property and project budget. is also important; a wide reef will 

the need to implement shoreline pro­ Assess the setting. A first significantly reduce the wave energy 

tection arises, there are important distinction is between ocean-facing at the shoreline but a narrow or low 

factors to consider. shorelines and lagoonal shorelines. elevation reef will allow larger waves 

Identify what needs protect­ Ocean-facing shorelines are exposed to reach the shoreline. 

ing. A house, road , school, ga rden, to higher energy waves, while 

pa rk, or just t he nat ura l character lagoonal shorelines may only be 

energy SettIngS 

Shorelines can be referred to as being 

high energy, medium energy, or low energy. Understanding the shoreline energy 

conditions will dictate the suitable shore 

protection options and designs for your 

coast. The coast’s energy conditions will 

depend on where the atoll is, where on 

the atoll the island is, and where on the 

island the shoreline is. Lagoon shorelines 

are generally low energy, but can be exposed to locally generated waves in the lagoon. Ocean-side shorelines are exposed 

to larger waves, but the energy conditions 

will depend on the angle of waves relative 

to the shoreline. The image to the left 

matches each shore protection method 

with the appropriate energy settings. 
SectIon 1: IntroductIon 6 

Choose a protection method. 

This method can be chosen based on 

setting, processes, and what needs 

protecting. In many places, leaving 

the shoreline alone is the best option. 

In more natural settings a healthy 

beach is the best protection for the 

island. 

Consider the effects of implementing protection. Practices may 

have negative effects and influence 

the use of a shoreline; e.g., building a 

sea wall to replace a beach will limit 

recreational areas and cause erosion 

to neighboring properties. 

A range of coastal protection options 

are used around Majuro. Some 

designs are highly effective at protecting assets. Others are likely to fail and 

increase the risk of further erosion. 
S 2: ection roSion roblem E P ? 7 

l Shoreline. The origie is shaped by ‘normal 

conditions’ with no significant

storm waves. 

2. During a Storm. During larger 

wave conditions sediment may be 

washed off the beach. This gives the 

beach a storm profile, where sediment is moved offshore. When ‘normal conditions’ return, sediment will 

also return and rebuild the original 

beach. This is not erosion, but the 

natural way a shoreline responds 

to changing conditions. It may take 

months or years for a shoreline to 

recover naturally. 

3. Erosion. Erosion occurs when 

storm waves continue to wash sediment away, with no recovery. Eroded 

shorelines will have a severe loss of 

sediment and a steep, scoured profile. 

Do You have an erosion Problem? 

Shorelines are naturally dynamic and will change in response to environmental conditions. There is a significant 

difference between erosion and the way a shoreline responds to storm waves. 

1. Origina

nal shorelin

MonItorIng the ShorelIne 

The best way to know if the shoreline is eroding is to monitor it. This can be done by measuring the shore profile or just 

by measuring the shoreline width from a stable landmark. 

It is easy to survey the beach to determine if it is eroding. 

The coastal team at the RMIEPA has all the equipment 

needed to undertake regular surveys. Contact the RMIEPA 

for further help with erosion monitoring. 
S 3: H P ection ard rotection 8
 

Seawalls act to block waves and water motion from interacting with land. Seawalls reflect wave energy away from the shore. 

harD Protection: seaWalls 

Seawalls are self-supporting hard structures that are built parallel to the shoreline. A properly built seawall will 

protect the land and property behind it. Seawalls do not solve the cause of erosion. However, a badly built seawall 

will cause other erosion problems. Seawalls require ongoing maintenance. 

MAterIAlS 

Seawalls can be built using concrete 

block or gabion baskets filled with 

reef blocks. Cement or sand bags may 

work in some locations. Materials 

will depend on availability, funding 

and waves conditions. 

Be a good neighbour. Building a 

seawall in front of your property 

might protect your land. But this 

approach might cause problems 

for your neighbour. Before building 

any seawall, talk to your neighbour. A more effective and possibly 

cheaper solution might be possible. 

deSIgn conSIderAtIonS IMPActS of SeAwAllS 

A seawall needs to: If seawalls are not well constructed 

they can cause more erosion prob­ •  Be high enough so waves cannot lems. Specific problems can include: go over the top (higher than spring 

high tide and storm wave run-up •  Scour or destruction of foundalevels). tions and collapse of the seawall. 

•  Have foundations that cannot be •  Increased erosion at the ends of 

scoured. the wall. 

•  Extend a sufficient length along •  Overtopping, erosion of land and 

the shore—for example, not just to flooding. 

the boundary of a single property. •  Loss of sand in front of the wall. 

•  Be properly connected to the land 

at each end (tieback). 

•  Be strong enough to withstand 

maximum wave height and debris. 
Section 3: Hard Protection 9
 

harD Protection: revetments 

Revetments are sloping structures that are supported by sand and gravel and built parallel to the shore. Revetments 

are generally constructed by piling large rocks or gabion baskets to form sloping armor on the shoreline. A properly 

built revetment will stop wave energy, but not necessarily inundation. Revetments require ongoing maintenance. 

Revetments stop wave energy from interacting with land by absorbing and reflecting wave energy away from the shore. 


Depending on material and construction, revetments may not be high enough to block extreme water levels.
 

MAterIAlS 

Revetments can be built using layered rock armour, concrete blocks, 

gabion baskets filled with reef blocks 

and cement bags. 

It is a good idea to plant cuttings 

of local plants in revetments which 

help to trap sand and provide further 

protection. 

As with seawalls, revetment walls 

can have major impacts to your 

neighbours’ land. Be a good neighbour and discuss any construction 

to minimise future impacts. 

deSIgn conSIderAtIonS 

A revetment needs to: 

•  Be high enough so waves cannot 

go over the top (higher than spring 

high tide and storm wave run-up 

levels). 

•  Have foundations that cannot be 

scoured; place a filter cloth first. 

•  Extend a sufficient length alongshore with proper land connections 

on either side. 

•  Have a max slope of 1:2 (height: 

width) or roughly 30 degrees. 

•  Be structurally secure for withstanding maximum wave height and 

debris without collapsing. 

IMPActS of revetMentS 

If revetments are not well constructed they can cause more erosion 

problems including: 

•  Rock slumping or scour may cause 

rocks to slip and become unstable, 

leading to wall collapse. 

•  Increased erosion at the ends of 

the wall. 

•  Overtopping can allow erosion 

and flooding to continue. 

•  Loss of sand in front of wall. 

 

harD Protection: groYnes 

10

Groynes extend seaward from the shore and trap sediment that is being transported along the shore. A properly 

built groyne or series of groynes will trap sediment to increase beach volume, forming an effective buffer against 

wave energy. Groynes are best suited to sandy shorelines where one alongshore drift direction dominates. By trapping 

Groynes trap sediment from traveling along the shore. Trapped sediment accumulates to increase beach area that is 

up-drift of the structure. This is often balanced by erosion leeward of the groyne and at down-drift shores. 

sediment from moving alongshore, baskets and are suitable for low and •  Structurally secure for withstandgroynes stop sediment from reach­ medium energy settings. Ongoing ing debris impact and scour. A filter 

ing other areas of the atoll, causing maintenance is required to ensure a cloth should be placed if the groyne 

erosion elsewhere. successful groyne field. is placed on sandy material. 

MAterIAlS deSIgn conSIderAtIonS IMPActS of groyneS 

Groynes can be built using large A groyne needs to be: If groynes are not well constructed 

rocks, concrete blocks, or gabion they can cause more erosion prob­ •  High enough to trap sand so it can lems, especially: form a shore protection buffer. Once 

enough sand is trapped, the groyne •  Rock slumping or scour, which can 

will be buried so sand can travel force structural collapse. 

down drift. •  Increased erosion directly leeward 

•  Long enough to build an effective of the groyne. 

beach volume. If it is too long, down- •  Transfer of the erosion problem drift erosion will increase. 

along the coast. 

•  Spaced appropriately in a groyne 

field. It is recommended that the 

distance between groynes is two to 

three times groyne length. 
Section 3: Hard Protection 11
 

harD Protection: breakWaters 

Breakwaters are offshore structures designed to dissipate or prevent wave energy from reaching the shoreline. 

When built in the right location, a breakwater can form a bulge in the shoreline. Shoreline protection is given by 

dissipating wave energy offshore and increasing beach volume. Breakwaters may change nearshore processes and cause 

erosion elsewhere. 

Breakwaters work to protect the shore in two ways: 1) By dissipating wave energy offshore, before waves reach the shore. 

2) By changing nearshore processes, breakwaters cause sand to build up behind them (only if there is a sandy shoreline). 

MAterIAlS 

Breakwater material needs to 

withstand wave and debris impact 

and be stable enough to force wave 

breaking. Concrete blocks, cement 

bags, gabion baskets, and large reef 

material can be used. 

deSIgn conSIderAtIonS 

A breakwater needs to be: 

•  High enough to break incoming 

waves. Most erosion is by storm 

waves at high tide; the design should 

focus on this. 

•  At an appropriate distance from 

the shore to dissipate waves and allow a beach bulge to form. 

•  Long enough to dissipate wave 

energy along a section of shore. 

•  Structurally secure for withstanding impact and scour. A filter cloth 

should be placed if the breakwater is 

placed on sandy material. 

•  Breakwaters may remain submerged on deeper reef flats. These 

can be planted with coral, which is 

good for the atoll ecosystem. 

IMPActS of BreAkwAterS 

If breakwaters are not well constructed or are not constructed in 

an appropriate environment, the 

following issues may result: 

•  Rock slumping or scour can lead to 

structural collapse. 

•  Preventing waves from reaching 

the shore can stop sediment being 

supplied from the reef to shore. 

•  Breakwaters can change the configuration of the shoreline; increasing 

beach width behind the breakwater 

can be balanced by erosion on either 

side. 
Section 4: Soft Protection 12
 

soft Protection: vegetation buffer 

Planting vegetation can be an effective way to buffer wave energy before it reaches the shore. Planting mangrove fields 


is suited for flat intertidal shores with fine sediment. Dense shrub can help stabilize and build sandy shorelines.
 

Vegetation works by buffering wave energy before the shoreline. Mangroves can grow in dense 

communities with strong stable roots in fine intertidal sediment. Mangroves form a natural wave 

buffer in some atoll shorelines and can be planted in others as a shore protection method. 

MAterIAlS 

Planting requires suitable mangrove 

or shrub seedlings. 

deSIgn conSIderAtIonS 

Successful mangrove planting requires the following: 

•  A sheltered coastline with fine 

intertidal sediment, such as lagoon 

shores or areas where mangroves 

grow naturally. 

•  Mangrove seedlings need to be 

planted in season; most failures occur in the wet season. 

•  Seeds taken from other mangrove 

sites can be stored for three days in a 

moist bag. 

•  Planting should be done between 

mean water level and mean high 

water level. 

•  Mangroves are best planted in 0.5 

meter intervals forming a field that 

is three to six mangroves wide, but 

the field can extend a good distance 

alongshore. 

•  Ma ngroves require a site wit h 

good drainage a nd nutrients, but 

t hey need to be away f rom barnacles, sewage outf low, seaweed, 

and debris impact. 

IMPActS of PlAntIng 

•  Mangrove planting takes a long 

time to form a useful buffer. In the 

right environment mangrove seedlings can grow to 20 cm in one year, 

50 cm in two years and up to 1.2 m in 

three years. 

•  An unnatural mangrove field may 

decrease the supply of sediment from 

reef to island. 

Planted vegetation can also 

provide food and improve the 

natural character. Mangroves can 

potentially provide shelter and 

nursery grounds for marine species. 
Section 4: Soft Protection 13
 

soft Protection: beach nourishment 

Nourishment involves the addition of sediment to the shore, increasing the shoreline area that buffers wave energy. 

Nourishment material may be sourced locally or imported. Nourishment is a popular shore protection option 

where there is a demand for a recreational beach area. Nourished material is not suitable on high energy shorelines where 

it will be quickly eroded. 

Nourishment works by increasing beach area that buffers wave energy. Nourishment is simply adding sediment volume to the shoreline. 

MAterIAlS 

Nourishment requires a large supply 

of sediment with a grain size equal or 

greater than that of the coast being 

nourished. 

deSIgn conSIderAtIonS 

Successful beach nourishment 

requires: 

•  A suitable low-medium energy 

shoreline where sediment is expected 

to be retained. 

•  A suitable quantity of sand, which 

is needed to protect the beach. The 

volume of nourishment material 

needed should be calculated based 

on beach length and the optimal 

beach width and depth needed for 

shore protection. 

•  Material should be sourced sustainably; taking sand from another 

beach only shifts erosion. Sand can 

be stored locally and moved on to the 

beach at high tide.

IMPActS of PlAntIng And

nourIShMent
 

Environmental issues of beach nourishment include: 

•  Extracting sediment from within 

the atoll may result in erosion issues 

being transferred elsewhere. 

•  If the shore cannot retain the 

nourished material it may be washed 

off and be deposited on coral reefs. 

Beach nourishment can help maintain 

a sandy beach system; the challenge is 

finding sustainably sourced sediment 

to add to the beach. 
Section 4: Soft Protection 14 SectIon 4: Soft ProtectIon 

soft Protection: communitY aDaPtation anD manageD retreat 

Adaptation may be the best option if erosion issues are becoming increasingly frequent or if hard-line structures 

have failed to protect property. If the cost of successfully blocking or buffering against erosion outweighs the cost 

of adapting property, it may be more beneficial to raise floor levels or to set back property from the shore. 

Profile view of an island with lagoonal and oceanside setback zones and raised 

floor levels; these measures allow for natural island movement. 

how to AdAPt ProPerty 

Basic ways to adapt a community 

against erosion include a setback 

from the shoreline and raising 

property levels. Setback zones allow a 

shoreline to shift and move according 

to seasons and storm events. Setback 

zones should be considered for new 

developments on lagoonal and ocean 

shorelines. Raising the floor level allows flood water to flow under property with minimal damage or risk. 

deSIgn conSIderAtIonS 

•  A risk assessment should be carried out along all shorelines, evaluating the state of erosion or risk of 

inundation. 

•  Evaluate the potential for raising 

floor levels or creating setback zones 

at areas of medium or high risk. 

•  Using stilts to raise the floor level 

by 1 m will make a property much 

less vulnerable to coastal flooding. 

•  Setback distance will depend on 

energy setting. Higher wave settings 

will require a larger setback, and low 

wave settings can be developed close 

to the shore. It is also important to 

consider historic erosion rates to establish how much erosion may occur 

in the future. 

•  Leaving a native vegetation buffer 

will increase the level of protection 

and stabilise the shoreline. 

IMPActS of AdAPtAtIon 

•  Adaptation is the most ‘ecofriendly’ approach to coastal protection. There are very minimal or no 

environmental effects of adaptation. 

However, there are social effects associated with a changing community 

infrastructure. 

Poorly designed and constructed 


coastal protection usually fails, 


often costing more to repair 


than the cost of construction.
 

MAnAged retreAt? 

Managed retreat is a favorable option 

if a property is extremely vulnerable 

or has already been seriously damaged by erosion. Managed retreat is 

the strategic relocation of vulnerable 

property. Buildings can be relocated 

or rebuilt in a low-risk setting. New 

developments should use raised 

floors and setback zones. 
S 5: S ection electing ptionS o

choosing the best oPtion for Your shoreline 

Not all shore protection methods suit all shorelines. It is important to match the right option with your shoreline. 

Choosing the appropriate protection method to match a setting will prolong successful shore protection. The 

following table will help assess the use of each option. The best protection may come through a combination of methods. 

Seawall and 

Revetment 

High energy 

Medium energy 

Low energy 

Suited shore type Any 

Relative Cost High 

Protection Level High 

Coastal Impact High level 

Cost of failure High 

Construction High Difficulty 

Development High level of shoreline 

Material Local / Import Accessibility 

Maintenance 

5 – 10 years requirements 

Reinforced 

Concrete = 50+ 

Design Life years 

(quality design) Low quality = up to 

10 years 

Groyne 







Sand only 

Medium – High 

Low – Medium 

High 

Medium 

High 

Medium 

Local / Import 

1 – 2 years 

Reinforced 

Concrete = 50+ 

years 

Rubble gabion = 

10 - 50+ years 

Breakwater 







Sand only 

Medium – High 

Medium 

Medium 

Medium 

High 

Medium 

Local / Import 

1 – 2 years 

Reinforced Concrete 

= 50+ years 

Rubble gabion = 10 

-50+ years 

Vegetation 







Sand only 

Low 

Low – Medium 

Low 

Low 

Low 

Low 

Local 

Monitor natural 

grow th 

Indefinite if in 

suitable setting 

Adapt / Nourishment Retreat 

 

 

 

Sand only Any 

Low – Medium Low – High 

Low High 

Low Low 

Medium Low 

Medium Medium 

Low Any 

Local / Import Local 

General Monitor and top property up when needed maintenance 

Days – indefinite Depends 

on location, Depends on design and sea setting and top up level supply 

15 
16 Section 6: Working Together

communities Working together 

Most shore protection methods are best suited to a sca le greater that one household or proper ty. It may be 

best to work together as a communit y to prov ide effective protection to al l proper ties. If each propert y on 

the beach front works separately wit h dif ferent met hods, erosion issues may continue or become worse between 

disconnected str uctures. 

A household protecting itself may increase the vulnerability of its neighbors. 

Working together can give better protection and will be easier to 

bring together resources. 

Sometimes the best option involves a combination of various 

elements of coastal protection. 

coMBInIng Shore 

ProtectIon MethodS 

Sometimes the best protection can 

come from a combination of protection methods. For example if a seawall is needed to protect property but 

beach area is desired, a seawall can 

be built landward from high water 

level. The wall can be buried with 

nourishment material and planted 

with vegetation. This provides a 

‘natural buffer zone against seasonal 

beach movement, but secure protection against extreme storm waves. 
Section 6: Working Together 17
 

avoiD Doing more harm than gooD 

Poorly implemented coastal protection can increase erosion and leave more property vulnerable to future erosion and 

flooding. Be sure to consult with neighboring landowners and consider the impacts of coastal development on the 

entire coastal system. It is usually cheaper and more effective to work together towards common goals than looking after 

individual properties. 

Careful planning, design and implementation are key for effective coastal protection; 

poorly planned protection can cause more harm than good. 

PlAnnIng for SucceSSful

coAStAl ProtectIon 

•  Assess the shoreline processes: 

◆ Is it a high, moderate or low 

energy setting? 

◆ What is the dominant sediment 

type? Sand? Gravel? Boulders? 

◆ Is there an existing erosion 

issue? 

•  Assess the shoreline properties: 

◆ Are you in a “natural” or 

“pristing” setting that might by 

harmed by costal protection? 

◆ What needs protecting? 

◆ Is there room for a setback 

zone? 

◆ Can the floor level be raised? 

◆ Is relocation an option? 

•  Thoroughly investigate both soft 

and hard solutions, including adaption options. 

•  Seek expert advice before building 

a large structure or spending a lot of 

money to protect the shore. 

•  Contact the EPA to see what 

permits you may require—this is an 

essential step! 

•  Monitor how effective the structure is at providing protection and 

assess any changes caused to the 

natural environment. Take the lessons learned and use them in future 

coastal protection. 

Using trash and scrap material 

to build shoreline protection has 

many negative impacts on the 

coast and surrounding ecosystem 

and should be avoided.