Evaluation of shore protection measures applied to eroding beaches in Florida

Evaluations of shore erosion and protection in Florida are constrained by time and space. This study characterizes about 95% of Florida's beaches based on the degree of urban development, direction and rates of shoreline change, presence of sensitive ecological communities, and distribution of sea defense works. The 22 coastal-county maps prepared for this study show that approximately 195 km (16%) of Florida's beaches are eroding and 283 km (23%) are protected by engineering works. About 72% of eroded beaches are geographically associated with inlets. Sand management at inlets is crucial to improve erosion mitigation in Florida. Suggestions designed to enhance mitigation of beach erosion are based on comparative analyses of potential environmental impacts, costs, and limitations of shore protection works. Alternative technologies that use combined techniques (i.e. bed fluidization/jet-pumps, beach nourishment/dewatering systems, or detached breakwaters) are more efficient, less expensive, and less environmentally hazardous than conventional methods.