Project Duration: Long Term
The KZN coast, as with many coasts around the world is showing a general eroding trend. While this is often portrayed in a negative light, particularly when properties and infrastructure are threatened or damaged. Coastal erosion is part of the natural coastal systems whereby coasts adjust to sediment availability and the ambient wave and tide conditions.
Coastal Erosion is defined as the weathering of rocks, removal of beach or dune sediment as a result of wave action, tidal currents or drainage. Coastal erosion events are driven by storm events and sea-level, amongst other factors. The KZN coast sees regular erosion on a normal spring tide, the effects of which are often exacerbated by a reduction in sediment supply. KZN is seeing a regional sand deficient, due to drought, sand mining, dam construction and unwise coastal development. In addition protection measures such as breakwaters and groynes can block the flow of sand leading to accreting beaches to the south of the structure, while beaches to the north continue to erode. Sections of coast considered vulnerable to erosion include:
The main management concern often relates to impacts on the built environment, public and private property and effects of livelihoods.
Monitoring erosion In order to fully understand the seasonal and long-term effects of coastal erosion along the KZN coast, ORI and EDTEA has established pilot monitoring programmes for sections of coast in order to track erosion rates and recovery. Data collection for this project is ongoing and results will be made available in due course. What can and cannot be done to prevent future erosion?
Erosion Strategy Guide
14 Feb 2018 - Tender is out for Richards Bay lighthouse demolishing: Race against time for lighthouse demolishing tender
01 Jan 2018 - Residents blow the whistle on dune clearing: It is illegal even to trim dune vegetation without authorisation.
26 Oct 2017 - Illegal sand mining threatens environment: Illegal sand mining in focus
02 Sep 2017 - Dune erosion worsens with each passing ocean storm surge: Storm surges eat more coastline
05 Jul 2017 - Umdloti promenade shambles hurts businesses: The July holidays are here, the weather is perfect, but the beach cannot be used which also means less customers for the restaurants.
20 Nov 2016 - Flat seas limit super moon erosion: Coast survives super full moon tides
20 Nov 2016 - Coastal vegetation’s positive impact: Currently, global rates of sea level rise are accelerating, with the latest predictions a one meter rise
08 Nov 2016 - Contributing factors driving beach erosion: Coastal erosion results from a combination of various factors
30 Oct 2016 - Scientists examine coastal erosion: Coast erosion under scientific scrutiny
22 Oct 2016 - Copy nature to fight beach erosion: Can we find a simple solution to this complex problem?