Study on the Effectiveness of Environmentally Friendly Breakwater Development in High Erosion Coastal Areas
Keywords:
Coastal Erosion , Environmentally Friendly , Breakwater , Sustainable Coastal , ManagementAbstract
Purpose: This study investigates the effectiveness of environmentally friendly breakwaters as a sustainable solution to mitigate severe coastal erosion. The research aims to evaluate not only the engineering performance of the structure but also its ecological impacts and community acceptance, thereby addressing the multidimensional nature of coastal protection.
Subjects and Methods: A Before–After–Control–Impact (BACI) design was employed to compare shoreline conditions at intervention and control sites. Hydrodynamic data were collected using Acoustic Doppler Current Profilers (ADCPs), while shoreline changes were monitored with UAV-based photogrammetry and analyzed in DSAS. Sediment samples, ecological indicators (benthic diversity, vegetation cover, water quality), and socio-economic perceptions (n = 64 respondents) were assessed. Numerical modeling with SWAN and XBeach complemented field observations.
Results: The breakwater reduced significant wave height by 42%, with an average transmission coefficient (Kt) of 0.58. Shoreline trajectories shifted from net retreat (–1.1 m/year) to modest accretion (+0.4 m/year), and the sediment budget indicated a net gain of +6,250 m³. Ecological responses included increased benthic diversity (H’ rising from 1.62 to 2.05), expanded vegetation cover (+12.5%), and improved water clarity (turbidity reduced from 12.5 NTU to 7.9 NTU). Community surveys revealed strong acceptance, with 78% perceiving reduced coastal risk and 65% reporting improved fishing conditions, though concerns regarding maintenance costs persisted.
Conclusions: nvironmentally friendly breakwaters proved effective in reducing erosion, enhancing ecological functions, and gaining community support. These findings highlight their potential as viable alternatives to conventional hard defenses, particularly when integrated with broader nature-based solutions.
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