Replenishment versus retreat: the cost of maintaining Delawareʹs beaches

The dynamic nature of Delawareʹs Atlantic coastline coupled with high shoreline property values and a growing coastal tourism industry combine to create a natural resources management problem that is particularly difficult to address. The problem of communities threatened with storm damage and loss of recreational beaches is serious. Local and state officials are dealing with the conflicts that arise from development occurring on coastal barriers. Delaware must decide which erosion control option is the most beneficial and economically sound choice. Debates over beach management options began with the discussion of a long-term management strategy. Beach nourishment and retreat were the primary approaches discussed during the development of a comprehensive management plan, entitled Beaches 2000. This plan was developed to deal with beach erosion through the year 2000. Beaches 2000 recommends a series of actions that incorporate a variety of issues related to the management and protection of Delawareʹs Atlantic coastline. The recommendations are intended to guide state and local policy regarding the stateʹs beaches. The goal of Beaches 2000 is to ensure that this important natural resource and tourist attraction continues to be available to the citizens of Delaware and out-of-state beach visitors. Since the publication of this document, the state has managed Delawareʹs shorelines through nourishment activities. Nourishment projects have successfully maintained beach widths. Moreover, tourism, recreational use, and real estate values continue to grow. The plan refers to retreat only as an option for the distant future.