Coastal erosion can’t be solved with a one-size-fits-all fix. Each stretch of coastline has unique conditions, causes, and risks. But around the world, communities have deployed a range of strategies to slow erosion, restore natural processes, and protect coastlines for the future.
Below is an overview of the primary tools available.
1. Restore Inland Sediment Flows
Many beaches are sediment-starved because rivers and creeks no longer deliver sand to the shore. Reconnecting these systems is often the most sustainable, long-term approach.
Dam Removal or Sediment Bypass: Restoring or mimicking natural sediment delivery from upstream.
Creek and Watershed Restoration: Rehabilitating degraded channels to allow sediment to flow downstream.
Managed Sediment Releases: Coordinated, seasonal releases from reservoirs timed to mimic natural sediment pulses.
2. Beach Nourishment (Sand Replenishment)
The most widely used erosion response tool today. Sand is placed directly on the beach or nearshore zone to rebuild width and buffer wave energy.
Direct Placement: Sand pumped or trucked onto beaches from offshore, inland, or dredged sources.
Nearshore Placement: Sand added just offshore to let waves naturally carry it in.
Compatibility Matters: Imported sand must be free of contaminates, and its grain size and composition must match the native beach.
3. Living Shorelines and Soft Engineering
Nature-based solutions that absorb wave energy while enhancing habitat and aesthetics.
Dune Restoration: Rebuilding and vegetating dunes to act as natural buffers.
Marshes and Wetlands: Where applicable, coastal wetlands can reduce erosion and support biodiversity.
Sand Fencing and Native Plantings: Stabilizing sand movement without hard structures.
4. Hard Structures (Used Strategically)
Physical structures can help manage sediment movement or protect infrastructure in certain situations—but they come with tradeoffs. These approaches often carry the greatest risk to the natural beach system and must be used carefully, based on site-specific conditions.
Groins: Structures (typically rocks) built perpendicular to the shore to trap sand moving along the coast, but can disrupt downcoast sediment flow.
Jetties: Similar to groins, typically used to protect harbor entrances.
Seawalls and Revetments: Armored barriers that defend land behind them, but frequently accelerate beach loss in front.
Breakwaters / Artificial Reefs: Offshore structures that reduce wave energy before it hits the shore.
Structure Removal: In some cases, removing seawalls, groins, or revetments can restore sediment flow and help beaches recover naturally.
Choosing the Right Mix
There’s no one-size-fits-all solution. Effective erosion management can require a combination of strategies, each tailored to the local environment.
Bring Back Our Beaches advocates for science-based, community-informed strategies that protect the coast today without sacrificing it tomorrow.
