What is the recommended way to protect beach dunes?

Protecting beach dunes is essential for maintaining coastal ecosystems and mitigating erosion. The recommended approach, which includes fencing and dune re-vegetation, serves several critical functions.

Fencing helps to physically restrict access to sensitive dune areas, allowing them to recover from disturbances and minimizing human impact. This protection is vital, especially in high-traffic areas where foot traffic can lead to erosion and damage to natural habitats.

Dune re-vegetation involves planting native plant species that are adapted to live in sandy, saline environments. These plants have root systems that stabilize the sand, reduce erosion, and contribute to the overall health of the dune ecosystem. They also provide habitat for wildlife and can enhance biodiversity.

In contrast, concrete barriers can disrupt natural processes, potentially leading to more significant erosion issues in adjacent areas. Sandbags are often temporary solutions and may not address the underlying erosion problem effectively. Regular cleaning, while it has its merits for aesthetic and pollution control, does not contribute to the resilience and stabilization of the dune system in the same way that fencing and re-vegetation do. Therefore, combining fencing with the natural regrowth of vegetation is the most effective and sustainable method to protect beach dunes.