In the coming years, much of the country’s shoreline will be impacted by sea level rise caused by climate change. The decisions made by coastal resource managers today about how to address erosion and sea level rise may impact our coastal areas for generations to come.
For many, the common response is to protect shorelines by building hard structures, such as bulkheads, stone revetments, and seawalls, but this type of shoreline armoring can cause changes to the coastal environment that threaten landscapes, public access, recreational opportunities, natural habitats, and fish populations.
The cover story of this edition of Coastal Services looks at a new management approach in Virginia that is broadening erosion control options to include “living shorelines,” which provide erosion control benefits while also enhancing the natural shoreline habitat.
Not only do living shorelines function in an ecological fashion that is of value to the environment, but they also may allow for the gradual landward retreat of fringe wetlands as sea levels rise, and are proving to be resilient in severe storm events.
Readers of this edition can also learn about a workshop developed in Washington State that may help coastal managers around the country better understand climate change and the planning processes and tools necessary to prepare for the future.
I would encourage readers interested in getting more information on climate change to attend Coastal Zone 09, a biennial international symposium on coastal and ocean management hosted by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Coastal Services Center.
Held in Boston, Massachusetts, from July 19 to 23, the theme for this meeting is “Revolutionary Times: Catching the Wave of Change.” The conference includes 18 sessions on climate change and hazards topics, as well as a national climate change plenary that will feature an expert panel, including Dr. Jane Lubchenco, under secretary of commerce for oceans and atmosphere and NOAA administrator.
For more information on CZ09, point your browser to www.csc.noaa.gov/cz/.
I look forward to seeing you there.
-- Margaret A. Davidson
