Innovations in Coastal Protection

Shore protection strategies include adjusting the activities of man (management) and adjustments to the physical system (engineering). Engineering activities fall into three classes: coastal hardening (armoring), reducing the transport and loss of littoral sediment, and adding sediment to the littoral system. Innovations in shore protection should consider and address the processes causing the specific erosion of concern. Several demonstrations of innovations in shore protection approaches and strategies are currently being conducted in the United States. Future shore protection projects should require better assessment of the long-term cause and effect of the erosion and engineering treatments, rather than building an immediate solution to the symptom.