Changing of the Guard: Adaptation Options That Maintain Ecologically Resilient Sandy Beach Ecosystems

Ashton Berry; Shireen J Fahey; Noel Meyers

doi:10.2112/JCOASTRES-D-12-00150.1

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Changing of the Guard: Adaptation Options That Maintain Ecologically Resilient Sandy Beach Ecosystems

Journal article

Open access

Peer reviewed

Changing of the Guard: Adaptation Options That Maintain Ecologically Resilient Sandy Beach Ecosystems

Ashton Berry, Shireen J Fahey and Noel Meyers

Journal of Coastal Research, Vol.29(4), pp.899-908

2013

DOI: https://doi.org/10.2112/JCOASTRES-D-12-00150.1

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Abstract

coastal development

coastal protection

ecosystem conservation

ecological resilience

engineered options

retreat

sea-level rise

vulnerability

Sandy beach ecosystems adapt to sea-level rise by retreating landward. Retreat enables a sandy beach ecosystem to adapt while maintaining structure and function over various spatial and temporal scales. However, adaptation options, such as engineered barriers to shoreline retreat, reduce adaptive capacity and, therefore, ecological resilience to sea-level rise. Species richness and diversity becomes threatened when sandy beaches are squeezed between ''fortifications'' and increasing sea levels. Unidimensional management gives precedence to the protection of coastal investments at the expense of ecological resilience. This article provides a critical assessment of adaptation options to identify those capable of maintaining the ecological resilience of sandy beach ecosystems to sea-level rise. Hard- and soft-engineered options impede sand transport and storage systems and prevent retreat from advancing seas. In contrast, ecosystem conservation and setbacks enable coastal processes to continue and thereby maintain ecological resilience to sea-level rise. Managing sandy beach ecosystems from multidimensional perspectives allows coastal managers to better understand the consequences of implementing adaptation options. However, political, economic, and social necessity often dictates coastal managers employ unidimensional adaptation options to achieve quick results. This article proposes a four-dimensional lens through which sandy beach ecosystems can be viewed and managed. Longitudinal, transverse, vertical, and temporal dimensions characterise the function and structure of sandy beach ecosystems. A staged approach to adaptive management that takes a long-term view and considers a range of adaptation options tailored to achieve ecologically resilient sandy beach ecosystems is discussed.

Details

Title: Changing of the Guard: Adaptation Options That Maintain Ecologically Resilient Sandy Beach Ecosystems
Authors: Ashton Berry (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast - Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering
Shireen J Fahey (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast - Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering
Noel Meyers (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast - Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering
Publication details: Journal of Coastal Research, Vol.29(4), pp.899-908
Publisher: Coastal Education & Research Foundation, Inc.
Date published: 2013
DOI: 10.2112/JCOASTRES-D-12-00150.1
ISSN: 0749-0208
Organisation Unit: School of Science and Engineering - Legacy; University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland
Language: English
Record Identifier: 99450277702621
Output Type: Journal article

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