Over the last few weeks, the Centre has released two new research reports that outline findings and recommendations for conservation of the region’s coastal dunes and ocean beaches.
Coastal dunes
As part of the coastal dunes project, the team reviewed the different methods that scientists use to estimate how sandy beaches will respond to sea level rise. They then looked at the potential effects of future sea level rise on different types of beaches in the region. In the worst case scenarios, they found that by 2100:
- Waitpinga Beach could retreat by up to 85 metres
- Goolwa Beach could retreat by up to 96 metres
- Horseshoe Bay could retreat by up to 30 metres.
They found that predicted shoreline recession changed depending on what model was used and highlighted how difficult it was to determine a ‘line’ or zone that could be impacted by a future sea level rise of 1 m by ~2100.
Read the project report: Modelling and response of modal beaches to sea level rise in the Waitpinga, Goolwa and Horseshoe Bay region, South Australia.
Ocean beaches
Ocean beaches in the Coorong, Lower Lakes and Murray Mouth (CLLMM) region are ecologically, socially, and economically important, supporting threatened species, significant fisheries, and a wide range of recreational activities. But ocean beaches haven’t received as much scientific attention as their freshwater and estuarine system neighbours. This project brought together existing scientific knowledge with spatial data on beach use and how people value them to develop a more complete understanding of ocean beaches in the region that could support future management and planning.
Some of the findings from the team’s beach user survey found that:
- beaches are used by both local residents and visitors from outside the region, with use peaking in summer but remaining steady across seasons
- walking, swimming, fishing, four-wheel driving, and wildlife observation were common activities
- people wanted to balance recreation with environmental protection, with many supporting management actions such as limiting vehicle access and improving responsible use
- concern about environmental impacts was widespread, particularly in relation to vehicle use, pollution and human disturbance.
Read the project report: Ocean beach ecology and threats: a stakeholder perspective