Mitigating Shore Erosion Along Sheltered Coasts

Like ocean beaches, sheltered coastal areas experience land loss from erosion and sea level rise. In response, property owners often install hard structures such as bulkheads as a way to prevent further erosion, but these structures cause changes in the coastal environment that alter landscapes, reduce public access and recreational opportunities, diminish natural habitats, and harm species that depend on these habitats for shelter and food. Mitigating Shore Erosion Along Sheltered Coasts recommends coastal planning efforts and permitting policies to encourage landowners to use erosion control alternatives that help retain the natural features of coastal shorelines.Table of ContentsFront MatterSummary1 Introduction2 Understanding Erosion on Sheltered Shores3 Methods for Addressing Erosion4 Mitigating Eroding Sheltered Shorelines: A Trade Off in Ecosystem Services5 The Existing Decision-Making Process for Shoreline Protection on Sheltered Coasts6 A New Management Approach for Sheltered ShorelinesReferences and BibliographyAppendix A Committee and Staff BiographiesAppendix B AcronymsAppendix C Workshop Agenda and Participants ListAppendix D Potential Federal Regulatory RequirementsAppendix E Glossary