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As global demand grows for resilient, functional, and modern marinas, the role of expert marina engineering has never been more crucial. At International Coastal Management (ICM), we bring over 35 years of global experience in coastal and waterfront infrastructure design, blending technical expertise with real-world insights to deliver high-performance, cost-effective marina solutions.  From yacht clubs to large commercial marina hubs, we work alongside marina owners and operators, marine contractors, suppliers, and specialists to create marinas that are not only functional and highly usable, but adaptable to evolving environmental and commercial pressures.  What Is Marina Engineering? Marina engineering focuses on the planning, design, construction, and long-term management of marina facilities. As vessel sizes continue to increase globally, marinas are becoming more complex. A modern marina must balance structural durability, environmental sensitivity, usability, and cost-efficiency, while responding to dynamic coastal and tidal conditions.  Why Expert Engineering Makes a Difference  The risks of poor marina design are high. Without a strategic engineering approach, marinas can face:  Sedimentation issues requiring constant dredging   Wave impacts that damage pontoons or limit usability  Poor vessel access or turnaround space  Service shortfalls (power, water, fuel, sewage)  Cost overruns and retrofits  At ICM, our marina engineering consultants work with our clients from day one to avoid these risks, building high-performing, low-maintenance marinas from the ground up.  ICM’s Approach to Marina Projects  Every marina is different - and that’s where ICM’s deep understanding of coastal systems comes in. We don’t sell products; we develop solutions tailored to your marina development plan , your goals, and your vessel mix.  Whether designing a new marina or upgrading an existing marina , our core services include:  Wave Climate & Exposure Assessment  We analyse local wave conditions to determine whether breakwaters or wave attenuation structures are needed. This assists calm, operable waters in variable weather conditions, critical for protecting marina infrastructure and user safety.  Berth Layout & Navigation Channel Design  Using the latest modelling tools, we design layouts that maximise berthing capacity while ensuring safe manoeuvrability and access for vessels of all sizes, including superyachts. megayachts, single and twin hulls.  Dock & Pontoon System Selection  We recommend floating, fixed, or hybrid dock systems based on tidal range, wave exposure, and marina use, always aiming for the best solution for longevity, stability, and low maintenance.  Environmental Impact & Sustainability  From water quality management to environmental protection, we embed sustainability into every design, helping clients secure permits while protecting marine ecosystems.  Utility Planning & Smart Infrastructure  We review power, water, sullage, and fire services, future-proofing for increasing vessel power demands, superyacht expectations, and marina-wide operational efficiency.  The Evolution of Marina Design Marina engineering has evolved rapidly in recent decades. Larger vessels, increased tourism, and a shift toward luxury and lifestyle destinations have all pushed marina infrastructure beyond its traditional design limits.  Our founder, Angus Jackson, helped lay the foundation for modern marina design in Australia as a member of the original Australian Standards Committee for marina guidelines in 1991. These standards (AS3962) remain a national benchmark today.  Global Expertise, Local Understanding  From the United Arab Emirates to regional Australia, ICM has delivered marina engineering projects in some of the world’s most dynamic coastal settings. Our team understands how to balance:  The needs of operators and vessel owners  Changing coastal and estuarine conditions  Environmental and regulatory constraints  Long-term cost-efficiency and buildability  Marina engineering is more than design, it’s about ensuring the long-term resilience, safety, and success of a valuable community and economic asset. With rising sea levels, growing vessel sizes, and increasing environmental scrutiny, it’s never been more important to get it right.  At ICM, we’re ready to help you plan, build, or upgrade a marina that performs today, and lasts into the future.  Looking to optimise your marina development ? Let’s talk.

Coastal erosion is a global challenge threatening shorelines and communities worldwide. The Living Speed Bumps concept , developed by International Coastal Management (ICM), is a transformative approach to coastal resilience. It offers a sustainable alternative to traditional hard engineering methods, focusing on slowing sand movement while working with natural processes rather than against them. This soft-engineering methodology strikes a delicate balance between protecting coastlines and preserving the natural flow of sand, delivering adaptable and sustainable solutions for vulnerable beaches. Table of Contents What Are Living Speed Bumps? What is Coastal Resilience? A Changing Environment The Coastal Resilience Framework Working in Nature vs. Working With Nature The Living Speed Bumps Design Philosophy Proven Applications of Living Speed Bumps Living Speed Bumps: The Future. Oceanside, CA   Why Choose Living Speed Bumps? Challenges and Adaptations   A Vision for Coastal Resilience What Are Living Speed Bumps?  The Living Speed Bumps  approach refers to strategically placed coastal features designed to reduce the speed of local longshore sand transport and retain sand for longer periods, allowing dunes and beaches to stabilise without downdrift impacts. Unlike contemporary engineering solutions like breakwaters and groynes that disrupt natural processes, living speed bumps slow sand movement while maintaining its fluidity, enabling natural ecosystems to adapt and thrive.  This concept is implemented through two complementary components:  Onshore Speed Bumps: Structures like artificial headlands or low/short by-passable berms  Offshore Speed Bumps: Submerged reefs or breakwaters placed offshore to reduce/tailor wave energy and promote sand retention in the nearshore zone  While some coastlines may benefit from a single component, such as a series of onshore speed bumps or a standalone offshore speed bump, others may require both elements working in tandem. Determining the best solution for a site requires the expertise of a specialised coastal engineering company . Our team's tailored approach ensures that each project aligns with local environmental conditions and community needs, creating a dynamic solution that protects coastlines while supporting their natural evolution.  What is Coastal Resilience?  Coastal resilience is the capacity of coastal communities, ecosystems, and infrastructure to adapt to, withstand, recover from, and thrive despite challenges such as coastal erosion , storm surges, sea-level rise, and climate change. At its core, resilience means 'the ability to return quickly to a previous good condition after a problem or negative change'. In a coastal context, resilience can be assessed across various interconnected areas, including: Physical Shoreline   Environmental Health Community Wellbeing Financial Viability Regulatory Compliance Each of these factors plays a critical role in shaping resilient coastal solutions. From a physical perspective, coastlines are inherently dynamic and often display natural resilience. This is evident on most sandy coastlines, where the ‘ beach erosion ’ and ‘accretion’ pattern (the dotted red line) happens cyclically. During storm seasons, waves break up into the swash zone and erode the dune system . This sand is washed out into the storm bars which help then to reduce further erosion by breaking the waves. During calmer conditions, low wave energy ‘pushes’ the storm bar back into the swash zone, and wind helps to push dry sand back up into the dunes. Typically, new sand makes its way into the system to replace sand that also might have been lost.   Natural Coastal Resilience Response A Changing Environment Changes occur along our coastlines, it is inevitable, the coastal environment is highly dynamic. Some of these are due to natural changes and many are due to human influenced changes. If one of these conditions changes the balance, resilience potential will be disrupted. Examples include: Top of beach : the dunes are removed or built on  Bottom of beach : disruptive offshore structures  Sediment supply : blocked river previously supplying sand to a site or diminishing coral reef which previously provided sand to a site  The Coastal Resilience Framework Building coastal resilience requires a comprehensive approach that addresses three critical components: the Top of Beach, the Bottom of Beach, and the Sediment Supply. The Top of Beach focuses on protecting and restoring dunes and other dry beach areas that act as the first line of defence against erosion and storm surges. The Bottom of Beach ensures the stability of the nearshore zone which includes the subtidal and intertidal areas that dissipate wave energy and support marine ecosystems . Sediment Supply involves managing sand sources, minimising disruptions, and promoting balanced sediment movement to sustain the beach system. By integrating solutions that improve all three factors while allowing natural processes to thrive, this framework lays the foundation for building coastal resilience. It is a holistic, sustainable approach that prioritises long-term adaptation, environmental health, and community protection. This methodology reflects decades of ICM research and practical experience, offering a proven pathway for resilient and thriving coastlines. Working in Nature vs. Working With Nature Coastal engineering has undergone a significant evolution over the years, moving from approaches that block natural processes to those that embrace and work with them. Understanding this transition is key to creating sustainable coastal resilience solutions today. The Evolution of Coastal Engineering Most coastal solutions are heavily engineered. This is because coastal engineering is derived from civil engineering, and solutions were traditionally incorporated into coastal ports and harbours. These structures required keeping natural processes out (or to a minimum). Waves and moving sand bars within a harbour or marina is not ideal. In fact, it can be dangerous, especially when loading and unloading goods. So, for improved functionality and trade potential, harbours were designed to be unnaturally calm under even the most significant storm events. Requiring large, hard engineering barriers to avoid the natural processes. This was fundamentally an ‘avoid’ approach . Adapting for Beachfront Communities As the popularity of beachfront living increased, the 'change' approach emerged. Engineers developed strategies and structures to alter natural processes, reducing erosion to protect properties and infrastructure. This phase prioritised human needs over the natural environment. Transitioning to ‘Working With Nature’ The modern era of coastal engineering has introduced a ‘working with nature’ or 'reduce' approach . Rather than avoid or change natural processes, it aims to ‘reduce’ and slow down the process to retain beaches for extended periods of time.   This approach was pioneered on the Gold Coast in the 1980’s by our Founder Angus Jackson , with the introduction of coastal solutions such as Nearshore Nourishment , which strategically places sand to create ‘designer sand banks’ that can nourish the beach slowly with natural cycles. The ‘reduce’ approach focused on creating ‘speed bumps’ in the coastal zone, which led to the development of multipurpose artificial reefs  (another concept pioneered on the Gold Coast with Angus Jackson ). The development of the sand bypassing  technology then allowed the Gold Coast to address the bottom of the beach, the sediment supply which led to the stabilisation of the top of the beach where significant coastal dune systems  were developed, monitored and managed over the past few decades.   An Example Below in an example of the ‘avoid’ approach (by others) with a significant, emergent breakwater vs. the ‘reduce’ approach  by ICM on the same coastline, in the UAE.  The submerged living speed bump allowed natural processes to occur at the site while maintaining a stable beach for 8 years (as per the contract agreement). The Living Speed Bumps Design Philosophy At its core, the Living Speed Bumps methodology prioritises:  Working With Nature : Slowing natural processes rather than stopping them, allowing sand to move but at a controlled pace that reduces erosion.  Soft Solutions : Favouring flexible, low-impact designs over rigid infrastructure to ensure harmony with coastal ecosystems.  Adaptability : Designing systems that evolve or can be adapted to changing environmental conditions, such as rising sea levels and shifting wave patterns.  Scalability : Tailoring solutions to fit local conditions and expanding them as necessary to address larger areas of coastline. Proven Applications of Living Speed Bumps The Living Speed Bumps concept is not theoretical - it has been successfully implemented in several key projects by ICM  around the world. Each project demonstrates the flexibility and effectiveness of this approach in different coastal contexts:  1. Narrowneck Reef, Gold Coast, Australia Onshore Speed Bump: An existing artificial headland. Offshore Speed Bump: The Narrowneck artificial reef , designed to reduce wave energy and retain sand while creating a habitat for marine life.  Impact: The project enhanced sand retention along the shoreline, improved surfing in certain conditions, and supported biodiversity.    2. Maroochydore, Queensland, Australia Onshore Speed Bumps: Low, ‘soft’ berms were installed to stabilise sand flow and protect the beach from erosion.   Impact: Sand and waves naturally pass over the berms to maintain natural processes along the beach over the ‘speed bumps’ while reducing beach erosion.     3. United Arab Emirates: Submerged Rock Reef Breakwater Offshore Speed Bump: A submerged rock reef breakwater was constructed to reduce wave energy and encourage sand deposition.  Impact: The breakwater successfully stabilised the coastline, providing a sustainable solution for managing erosion while preserving natural sand movement.  4. United Arab Emirates: Offshore geotextile reef and low crested groynes Offshore Speed Bump: A geotextile reef was installed offshore to reduce wave energy and promote sand retention in the nearshore zone.  Onshore Speed Bumps: Low geotextile groynes were implemented along the coastline to complement the reef, managing sand movement effectively.  Impact: This combined approach created a more stable coastline and enhanced long-term resilience against erosion.  Living Speed Bumps: The Future. Oceanside, CA  ICM’s innovative Living Speed Bumps concept is now being implemented in Oceanside, California, as part of our winning proposal for the Re:Beach Design Competition launched by the city and GHD. The project includes:  Onshore Artificial Headlands : Located at Tyson Street Park and Wisconsin Avenue, these structures act as speed bumps to slow sand flow along the top of the beach, helping stabilise sand and create new green spaces for community use.  Offshore Artificial Reef : Positioned between the headlands, this reef reduces wave energy, supports sand retention in the nearshore zone, fosters new marine habitats, and can enhance surf amenity in the reef’s vicinity. The design builds on proven methodologies from ICM’s work on the Gold Coast  and other locations, tailored to Oceanside’s unique coastal conditions. Public engagement played a critical role, with community input emphasising the importance of sand retention, recreational space, and protecting surfing conditions. As a dynamic and scalable solution, Living Speed Bumps offer Oceanside a practical way to reduce erosion while setting a global precedent for innovative coastal resilience.  The Oceanside project is a pilot project and will be heavily monitored in the lead up to the implementation, during and after construction to ensure that the outcomes are met and inform any future decisions or projects along the California coastline. Why Choose Living Speed Bumps?  The Living Speed Bumps approach offers several advantages over contemporary coastal protection methods:  Longevity: By working with natural processes, this concept minimises environmental disruption and can enhance ecosystem health.  Cost-Effectiveness: ‘Soft’ or low’ solutions are often more affordable than large, rigid infrastructure, making them ideal for resource-limited settings. Note that with lower capital costs, maintenance programs should be in place to achieve longevity  Flexibility: Living Speed Bumps can be tailored to suit diverse coastal environments and expanded as needed. The choice of materials, whether geotextile , rock, basalt, or even oyster-based structures, depends on the site’s unique conditions and is guided by ICM’s engineering expertise to ensure maximum effectiveness.  Community Benefits: By preserving beaches, improving accessibility, and enhancing recreational opportunities, these solutions strengthen community connections to the coast while addressing pressing erosion challenges.  Environmental Benefits : Living Speed Bumps encourage biodiversity by creating habitats for marine and coastal species. They promote natural sediment movement and retention, and can integrate nature-based solutions .   This adaptable and sustainable approach makes Living Speed Bumps an innovative choice for building resilient coastlines.  Challenges and Adaptations  While the Living Speed Bumps methodology has proven effective, each project presents unique challenges. Key considerations include:  Environmental Sensitivities: Ensuring that designs support local ecosystems and species  Balancing Competing Needs: Managing trade-offs between sand retention, surfing conditions, public access, capital costs vs. maintenance costs   Long-Term Monitoring: Establishing robust post-construction monitoring programs to assess effectiveness and make data-driven adjustments.  ICM’s extensive experience allows for adaptive management, ensuring that solutions remain effective in the face of dynamic coastal processes.  A Vision for Coastal Resilience  Living Speed Bumps represent a transformative approach to coastal resilience, offering an alternative to contemporary engineering methods. By slowing natural processes rather than changing/blocking them, this methodology provides a more harmonious balance between protection, adaptation, and environmental preservation.  As climate change intensifies and coastal erosion accelerates, the need for innovative, solutions like Living Speed Bumps has never been greater. From the Gold Coast to Oceanside, ICM continues to lead the way in developing and implementing cutting-edge designs that protect shorelines and empower communities. Interested in learning more about Living Speed Bumps or collaborating on a coastal resilience project? Contact us today to explore tailored solutions for your coastline.

Shorelines are always changing and require coastal erosion solutions to prevent land loss or structural damage. The severity of the erosion can vary significantly depending on the site conditions and season. Some beach erosion occurs naturally during storm seasons, however, at a ‘healthy beach’ the sand will 'self-re-nourish’ over time. Human interference at the site (or nearby sites), can disrupt the natural, dynamic cycle and therefore a coastal erosion solution (or multiple solutions) are required. Coastal engineers have developed processes and procedures to evaluate the causes or erosion and determine the most suitable outcomes for the site, taking into consideration things like: The natural site conditions Coastal erosion solution type (hard armour, softer solutions including green and blue solutions) Cost Aesthetics Disruption to surrounding areas Longevity and Durability The following article reviews the causes behind erosion, the erosion process, different coastal erosion solutions and the method by which the best suited design should be determined. What is Coastal Erosion? In most cases, coastal erosion relates to beach loss. This can lead to property loss and severe damage. Defined as the mechanical grinding and wearing away of natural surfaces, erosion can happen in a variety of ways and over a range of time. Beach erosion does occur naturally and, in some cases, can be temporary. It is possible to measure and explain the retreat of the shoreline by using the tides, the seasons, and other short-term cyclic events in a site investigation study. This will be used to determine the best solution for the site. Coastal Erosion Causes Coastal erosion is the process by which sand, soil and rocks are removed from the coastline by natural forces such as water, waves, currents, tides, wind-driven water, waterborne ice, and other types of storm impacts. Depending on where you are in the world it could be any one or a combination of forces that is causing the erosion. Each process can have different impacts. There are however, a lot of beach erosion prevention solutions . Effects of Coastal Erosion Different types of coastline are affected differently by erosion. In areas where rock layers meet the sea, coastal erosion produces rock formations. Softer sections erode much faster than tougher ones, resulting in landforms like as natural bridges, pillars, and columns. Typically, the coastline levels off with time. The softer areas get filled with silt and sand eroded from the harder areas, and the rock formations are eroded away. Leaving headlands. These kinds of large-scale erosion happen over very long periods of time and in most cases coastal communities or private properties are concerned with the more short-term effects that are already causing land loss or damage to property. Without proper design coastal erosion solution, the land loss and damage can intensify quickly, especially heading towards storm season. How is Erosion Caused by Rivers? In many coastal areas where rivers meet the sea, there are waterways directly affected by river erosion. When water erodes the banks of a river or waterway, it is termed river bank erosion. Although river bank erosion is a natural process, it may be accelerated by human activity. Common elements leading to river and waterway bank erosion consist of: Removal of natural vegetation along the river bank Excess flooding and rain Interference with the natural tidal flow of the water way The consequences of erosion on river banks are not confined to the area in which the erosion is taking place; rather, they are likely to be felt farther downstream as well. As a result of erosion, more debris is carried downstream, which may change the course of the river and obstruct navigation routes. There are several ways coastal erosion solutions specifically for river banks/canal ways and marine waterways that will be discussed further below. What are the Effects of Wind Erosion? The natural process known as "wind erosion" involves the movement of soil from one location to another by the force exerted by the wind. It is possible that it may do significant damage to landscape and infrastructure. Wind erosion may be caused by even a gentle breeze that moves soil particles over the surface, but a strong wind can produce dust or sand storms by lifting a significant number of soil particles into the air. Even though wind erosion is more common in arid regions, coastal sand dunes, and beaches, certain geographical features may also cause wind erosion. Therefore, wind is a primary agent of erosion; nevertheless, the topography and condition of the land are mostly to blame for the wind erosion that does the greatest damage. Reducing the impacts of wind erosion are one of the considerations covered in the design of coastal erosion solutions and are discussed in more detail in the sections below. Sea Level Affecting Erosion? According to The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change coastal erosion will accelerate globally as a result of sea level rise induced by climate change, resulting in severe changes to coastlines and low-lying coastal regions. There is no doubt that as sea level rises and storm severity increases there will be significantly more strain on coastline and coastal properties/infrastructure. In coastal engineering design (especially in the case of coastal erosion solutions) sea level rise is taken into consideration. There are various computer model predictions used around the globe to look at expected sea level rise amounts over the coming 100 years. There are also accepted sea level rise values that have been adopted in different locations which should be used in the design process by coastal engineers. Examples of Coastal Erosion Processes There are three main types of coastal erosion processes: Hydraulic action - this is the force of the waves when they slam on the rock. Abrasion occurs when pebbles scrape on a rock platform, similar to sandpaper. Attrition occurs when boulders carried by the water collide with one another. Each process result in slightly different outcomes. And in many cases, site erosion can include a combination of all three. The design process for coastal erosion solutions can take into consideration the different erosion process to bes determine which solution will give the best outcome. How to Prevent Coastal Erosion In different parts of the world, people have tried a wide range of different strategies to cut down on the amount of beach erosion. Although a few of these tactics have shown to be very successful, each one comes with its own set of benefits and drawbacks. They typical process to prevent coastal erosion is to first study the site, find out why the erosion is occurring, then review different strategies and solution methodologies to determine which (or what combination) will work best for the site. Coastal erosion solutions should be designed by professional coastal engineers as it has been proven time and time again that incorrect installation of erosion control methods can actually do more damage and cause greater levels of erosion both locally at the site and in nearby sites. Coastal Erosion Solutions The only real way to stop erosion from happening is to stop the natural process (ie. stop the wind and waves). In some cases, this is possible, where high visual impact is not a concern, however, in many cases to completely stop the natural conditions will drastically impact the site (both visually and environmentally), and therefore a level of reduction would be acceptable. There are a few different approaches to coastal erosion solutions, including the following main types: Hard coastal erosion solutions Hard Coastal erosion solutions are considered to be a form of structural defence that are designed by coastal engineers to stop or reduce wave or tidal impacts on shoreline or existing structures. There are several different types of hard structures: Seawalls Seawalls are not only used as a beach erosion prevention method, but they can be used in a variety of site scenarios including reclamation and river banks/waterways. Seawalls can be made from a varity of material and designed in different ways to perform as required on site. Some of the different types of seawalls are highlighted below: Curved Face Seawall A seawall with a curved face is intended to resist intense wave action. Curved faced seawalls are typically made from concrete and direct wave energy up the curve to dissipate the energy rather than reflect the energy (which happens in vertical walls). Stepped Face Seawall A seawall with a stepped face is used to moderate wave action. This type of seawall is made out of reinforced concrete sheet piles that are put together with tongue-and-groove joints (it can also be made using gabions or geotextile sand containers ). Between the piles, the spaces are either filled with grout to make a sand-proof cut-off wall or geotextile fiber is installed at the back of the sheet pile to make a sand-tight barrier. Putting down geotextile is a good idea because it lets water seep through and stops water pressure from building up. Rubble Mounded Seawall Design and development properly this seawall layout may be simpler and less expensive that the others mentioned above. It can withstand very powerful wave energy as it’s permeable finish allows for good wave dissipation. They are also slightly ‘flexible’ in that even though the beach becomes eroded at the base of the structre, the seawall's quarry stone may be readjusted and settled without structural collapse. Bulkhead or Quay Walls / Vertical Walls Bulkheads may be made from concrete, steel, or wood. There are two primary types: gravity structures and sheet pile walls. Vertical walls general suite locations that are not subjected to very powerful wave movements and their primary function may be to retain soil, but the designer must consider scour at the structure's base. Cellular sheet pile bulkheads are used when rock is near to the surface and sufficient penetration for an anchored bulkhead cannot be attained. Sheet pile design should be done by coastal engineering specialists that take into consideration the various strain moments on the wall. Groynes Gryones (or Groins) are shoreline protection structures that reduce coastal erosion by altering offshore current and wave patterns. Groyne may be constructed from concrete, stone, steel, or wood, and their classification depends on their length, height, and permeability. Groynes impact the natural longshore flow of sand and cause a jigsaw like finish to a shoreline and must be designed correctly otherwise they can create down drift erosion problems. Breakwaters Breakwaters can be either connected to shore or completely dethatched from shore (offshore breakwaters). They are popular form of coastal erosion solution for areas that want uninterrupted access to the beach front (unlike groynes that disrupt the beach flow). Breakwaters can be designed and built to have varying levels of wave energy reduction. From full wave reduction (when the breakwater crest emerges fully out of the water high enough to block storm waves). They can also be low-lying (semi submerged) which can significantly reduce the wave energy without being visible all of the time (and also using less material to build resulting in cheaper installation costs). Artificial Reefs Built offshore and out of site, these can be some of the best solutions for sites that want low visual impact. Artificial reefs are designed to be multifunctional and can both reduce wave energy on shore while enhancing the local marine habitat and environment. Unlike offshore breakwaters that can be highly emergent out of the water and reduce all the wave energy, artificial reefs are always submerged and allow some wave energy to pass over. Depending on the size of the artificial reef (height below the water level and crest width) the reef can be designed specifically to take out certain amount wave energy to allow for energy reduction while keeping water flow/circulation at the site. Designing Multi Purpose Artificial Reefs can have significant improvement on coastal resilience. Floating Barriers Compared to the more traditional fixed breakwaters, floating breakwaters provide an alternate approach to the problem of protecting a site from waves. It is more likely to be successful in coastal regions when the wave environment is relatively calm. As a result, they are more often used with the purpose of reducing erosion at a waterway entrance and preserving small boat harbors and marinas. A few of the factors that work in favour of floating breakwaters are as follows: Deep water – for sites with deep water can be a cheaper alternative to use floating breakwater to save on large volume of material required to breach the surface Less disruption to flow of fish species – the floating barrier allows for marine life to pass with minimal disruption, compared to large, solid structures Different Types of Material Used for Hard Coastal Erosion Solutions There are several different coastal erosion solutions that can be used at one site. And often a combination will render the best results. There are several different materials that can be used to build the different design options. And there is no ‘best’ option as each site will be different and have different requirements both for the outcome of the erosion protection, costs, visual and environmental impacts. Rock In many different coastal environments around the world, rock is used for coastal erosion solution structures. The process of rock design and construction is very well document and analysed with precise formulas derived to determine suitable rock wall slope, height, width and layer thickness. Depending on where in the world the site is located, there may be access to different grades of rock. Rock typically used for large scale construction comes from quarries and is broken specifically into a variety of sizes for use in the rock wall design. Each rock type has different density and therefore will have different design qualities. Rock is so commonly used because of a few reasons: It is permeable, which means some of the wave energy can actually pass through the rock itself, which acts as a way to dampen the wave energy without completely reflecting the wave energy as per a flat surface. It is slightly flexible, which means that if small shifts in the seabed occur the rock has the ability to settle into gaps without loosing structural integrity. Unlike a solid concrete surface for instance that can crack and loose shape if it shifts slightly due to sand loss underneath the structure. It is relatively easy to build. Staking rocks is typically a simpler installation process than some of the more technical product alternatives Sand Filled Geotextile Containers More and more, shore protection structures, especially along sandy coasts, are being asked to have less of an effect on the environment and the way things look than traditional structures like groynes and revetments. Also, these measures of reinforcement and protection must be cost-effective. This means using local materials and no heavy equipment, especially when the necessary infrastructure is not there. As a fill material, geo-containers have the advantage of being able to use the sand that is native to the area even in places where there is no access to rock material. As a direct result of this, it is possible that transportation costs and the environmental impacts they cause will be reduced. Because geocontainers may be transported up to a certain size without the need for heavy equipment, this might lead to a reduction in the costs associated with constructing. In contrast to conventional revetments and other types of hard structures, geocontainer constructions can easily be removed if needed (for temporary emergency erosion protection). Large scale geotextile containers can also be used for coastal protection structures. The size of the tubes can vary depending on the requirements of the design, however, can be large (a few meters high) and weigh thousands of tones once filled. These large tubes can be used on shore or underwater and can either be a standalone structure or tied into a rock design whereby the sand filled geocontaienr is used as a filler or core for a rock design to reduce the rock volume required. There are also different shaped geotextile container frames that are more rigid and stand up to be filled in long barriers. These can be stacked or integrated into other coastal designs. Concrete Concrete has been used in coastal erosion solutions for a very long time. It can fundamentally take on any shape or form and the results of the protection structure can vary significantly. The benefits of using concrete in the marine environment, is that it is often easily to source and builders are experienced with using it. It can also be poured on location into many different kinds of moulds or shapes as needed. The downside of using construe is that while it is strong and durable, it is also brittle and does not handle flexibility which is critical in the marine environment. This will depend greatly on the actual design and where the concrete structures are located. Structures made of reinforced concrete that are placed in maritime settings often experience deterioration in the early stages of their service lives. This happens most quickly in the splash zone, where there is a lot of oxygen, which speeds up corrosion, and where wet and dry conditions make chloride penetration worse. Moisture in the concrete also makes it better at conducting electricity, which leads to rust pitting, a type of aggressive localized corrosion. This causes steel parts to break off quickly and the concrete to crack and chip. In tidal and underwater areas where the concrete is saturated with water, oxygen levels are low because the concrete pores are always being filled with water. But corrosion can still happen in places where there isn't much concrete, which makes it hard to fix. Wood Wood has been traditionally used in coastal erosion solutions for centuries and is still popular in certain locations around the globe. It is used because of cost and aesthetic. Wood has been used to make a variety of coastal erosion solutions for a very long time. This is because wood has a lot of good qualities that are important for building in water. Some of them are For how much it weighs, it has a lot of strength It is often easy to source It's easy to use and keeps going for a long time It doesn't get damaged easily. Wood can be cut to any size, which makes it easy to use for any project and makes it very useful. Overall, hardwoods are better than softwoods because they can last longer and stand up to wear and tear better. There are many great ways to use tropical hardwoods. Ekki and Greenheart are two of the most popular ones. But Balau and Jarrah, which are also tropical hardwoods, have also been used for water projects. Gabions Gabions are wire baskets with a mesh manufactured from galvanized steel wire or heavy duty marine plastic. The "boxes" are filled with hard rock pieces and piled to create a gravity wall or other coastal erosion solutions. Gabion walls rely largely on the compactness and weight of the rock pieces to ensure interior stability and withstand hydraulic and earth forces. Gabions are permeable, like rock in coastal design which allows for better absorption of wave energy. They also require relatively low-level construction process and minimal machinery which can work great for remote sites. Soft Coastal Erosion Solutions Using natural processes to safeguard the coastline, soft engineering may be a more sustainable, long-term, and can be more cost-effective method to coastal defence depending on the site. ‘Soft’ basically means that no ‘hard’ or structural coastal erosion solutions are built to directly reduce wave energy. Examples of soft erosion solutions include: Beach replenishment entails importing beach-quality sediments to "top up" beaches. Sand dune management may include the construction of walkways, ladders, and boardwalks to avoid human deterioration of the beach. Locally lowering the water table under the beach face so that sand accumulates over the drainage system. Nearshore nourishment is a great way to achieve mass volume for lower cost Green/Blue Coastal Erosion Solutions Nature has developed some amazing, natural beach erosion prevention methods. These can be considered green (for terrestrial/land based vegetation) and blue (marine/underwater vegetation/flora). Here are are a few examples of different types of natural coastal erosion solutions. Artificial Reefs These also fit into a blue/green solution and can be eco-engineered into promotion of local marine growth and tailored specifically to attract local fish species. Artificial reefs can vary significantly in design, to be large masses which create offshore volume to significantly reduce wave energy offshore. Or they can be small purpose built products that individually have low impact, but when added in mass can create significant change. Coral Planting Natural coral reefs protect shorelines from waves, storms, and floods, hence preventing loss of marine life, damage to property, and erosion. When reefs are damaged or destroyed, the lack of natural barrier may enhance the damage caused by regular wave action and major storms to coastal settlements. Natural coral reefs are amazing barriers for wave energy reduction and have been shown to reduce wave energy by up to 97% . In areas where natural corals have significantly died, coral fragments can be planted. These can come from either coral farms (onshore or offshore) or directly re-positions in an act called coral transplanting. While planting corals on a reef may have a long-term improvement on wave energy reduction, it will rely heavily on the outcome of the corals ability to survive. In most cases where the coral has degraded to the point that it is no longer acting as a wave reduction barrier. It is likely got to that point by an array of external influences, whether natural causes or human influenced. Unless these external factors are also addressed it is likely the newly planted corals may also face the same level of eventual decline. Therefore, coral as a solution on its own may not be enough for a coastal erosion solution. Mangrove Planting Despite the fact that mangrove forests are often situated on coasts with low wave energy, they can experience greater waves during storms, hurricanes, and times of severe winds. Flooding and damage to coastal infrastructure may be caused by high winds and surge waves. Mangroves may possibly lessen related damage by lowering wave energy and height. Wave height may be reduced by between 13 and 66 percent when mangroves are present at distances of more than 100 meters. Near the border of the mangrove forest is where waves experience the largest rate of wave height reduction per unit mile as they begin their trip through the mangroves. In addition to mangrove trees, oyster reefs within the mangrove system area a great nature based solution . Dune Vegetation Planting With beach nourishment (soft solution) artificial sand dunes can be created or built back up to a desired level. Combined with a hard solution (dune barrier which is buried under the new dunes as an emergency last resort), the dunes can also be planted with regionally available dune vegetation. These plants 'hold' the dune sand in place and help to reduce loss from wind erosion. How to know which coast erosion solution is right for your site? Determining the right coastal erosion solution for your site can seem overwhelming at first. There are a whole myriad of options of varying costs and style with varying results. For the majority of cases, you are going to want to use a professional coastal engineer to review the site and determine which option are the most suitable. In many cases, the most effective beach erosion prevention approach will be to implement a combination of coastal erosion solutions. The basic process in which best to determine is as follows this step by step process: Step 1. Initial discussion with coastal engineer This will help to determine what is happening at the site, the desired outcome of the design so that the engineer can get local knowledge of the site Step 2. Price proposal made This is when the coastal engineers offer a price proposal to investigate further/do the required design works Step 3 . Option Assessment & Concept Designs Concept designs are developed for the site, looking at a few select options with their potential outcomes and costs Step 4 . A review of the concepts (client and engineer) This offers the client time to review the concept designs to see which the preferable method of approach based on costs, predicted outcomes, aesthetic, etc. Step 5. A detailed design for construction Detailed design is done by the coastal engineer which includes design drawings that can be taken by a marine contractor and used to build the design on site Considerations in the design process also include: Sit specific information Depending on the location of the site, a sit survey may be required to collect both land and underwater survey levels, tide, wind and wave data Local design sand environmental standards Different regions of the world have different design standards that may need to be adhered to Approvals Generally, in marine design and construction there is an approval process required before the works can take place. The approval takes into consideration environmental impacts on the site and surrounding area

Cyclone Alfred put the Gold Coast’s coastal resilience system to the test, sparking widespread media discussion on beach erosion, recovery timelines, and coastal resilience. Over the past week, ICM’s coastal engineers have been featured on major TV, radio, and digital media outlets, providing expert insights into how the coastline is responding. From Channel 7’s Sunrise to ABC News and national radio, ICM's Angus Jackson and Aaron Salyer explained why erosion is a natural process, how our engineered systems are protecting valuable infrastructure, and what’s next for beach recovery. Below, we’ve compiled key takeaways, expert quotes, and highlights from our media appearances. Channel 9 News TV Interview, 8 March 2025 | Angus Jackson joined Channel 9 News to discuss the impact of Cyclone Alfred on the Gold Coast's beaches and how the city’s coastal resilience strategies have performed under extreme conditions. Alison Ariotti, Channel 9 News: "What is the process for people at home to understand that the beaches need to go through to fix this erosion?" "What normally happens is an event like this is Council closes the access ways to the beach, which they've done to try and stop people getting onto the beach, and not being able to get off, because at high tide, there is no beach. There's vertical scarps with waves hitting them, and we've all seen that on TV over the last few days. Council generally then comes along and and knocks the scarps down to make them safe." - Angus Jackson, International Coastal Management 4BC with Gary Hardgrave Radio Interview, 11 March 2025 | Aaron Salyer joined Gary Hardgrave on 4BC Radio to discuss the Gold Coast Mayor’s plan to restore the beaches and how coastal infrastructure played a crucial role in limiting storm damage. Gary Hardgrave, 4BC: " I know they put rock walls and groins in certain spots, that's to stop some of the prevailing currents moving sand up and down the coast. Some beaches get fuller at the expense of others and so forth. Is there any other solution that we can do or this is just it, you get a big cyclone, it's going to suck the sand out, you got to pump it back or wait for it to come back over a period of time." "There is, but there's a couple of good points you made. So under the sand dunes along the Gold Coast, pretty much for the majority of the stretch, there's a buried rock wall ( terminal seawall ). So that was put in after those cyclonic events of the 60s and 70s where, houses were falling in, and roads were falling into the sea." "So it really creates that, that sort of last backstop, for worst case events like this one. Thankfully for the majority of the Gold Coast, dunes are built in front/on top of that rock wall, which are actually artificial dunes , or 'urban dunes', so they're put there by design to create this natural buffer between the sea and that submerged rock wall. Most of the Gold Coast hasn't even exposed that worst case scenario rock wall buried under the dunes. So, for the most part the dune system really is doing its job and actually acting as a natural buffer, because what we don't see all the way up and down the Gold Coast are properties and roads falling into the sea." - Aaron Salyer, International Coastal Management ABC Drive with Bern Young Radio Interview, 11 March 2025 | Angus Jackson sat down with Bern Young on ABC Gold Coast Drive to share a historical perspective on coastal engineering and how past cyclones shaped today’s Gold Coast resilience strategies. Bern Young, ABC Gold Coast: "My guest is Angus Jackson. Now he's an executive coastal engineer with International Coastal Management, his own company after being Council's coastal engineer for a very long time, and a very important time in Council's history. Some people call you the godfather of the coastal protection system that we have. And this includes things like bypassing, backpassing , dune restoration , what we've seen with the sand pumping to create the super bank at one end, world leader in artificial reefs . [...] And he reckons the beaches have well and truly passed a major stress test. with Alfred." "The beaches are in great condition and that's not by luck. That's by good engineering. We lost our beaches in the 67 event and it took a long time to get them back. In fact, in 1967, the Gold Coast nearly went bankrupt because our beaches disappeared. That left a legacy in our DNA - we were never going to let that happen again. Today, we have seawalls , artificial reefs , and an entire system designed for events like this." - Angus Jackson, International Coastal Management Channel 7's Sunrise TV Interview, 12 March 2025 | Aaron Salyer joined Matt Shirvington and Natalie Barr on Channel 7's Sunrise to explain the science behind beach erosion and how the Gold Coast is planning for a faster recovery. Matt Shirvington, Sunrise : " What about the sand? Because so much of it has been basically washed back into the ocean. How do we get it back on the beaches?" "The way these beach systems work is they're quite highly dynamic. Erosion is actually a natural process. So the dune systems up on the top of the beach get hit by high impact storms. Some of that sand goes out into the offshore zone, which create those offshore sandbars. Now those offshore sandbars over time will naturally start to wash back in and rebuild this naturally." "That could be over, the course of a matter of months. It could even be, up to a couple of years to fully recover. But here on the Gold Coast, we just can't wait that long. We're too dependent on this beach, not only as a soft infrastructure, but as an asset. To the community. So the Gold Coast Council is going to step in hurry that along by doing things like bringing in a big dredge to actually shift that sand from offshore onto the onshore zone." - Aaron Salyer, International Coastal Management Sydney 2SM with Chris Smith Radio Interview, 13 March 2025 | Angus Jackson joined Chris Smith on Sydney’s 2SM Radio to discuss where the sand has gone - and how Gold Coast’s innovative sand management policies ensure beach recovery. "We've got policies in place, so any dredging in the broadwater, that sand goes to the beach. The Gold Coast beaches are incredibly managed. So at the moment, we pump sand across from the Tweed River from New South Wales into Queensland." "And then that sand travels along the Gold Coast and at the northern end, at the seaway, the Nerang River, sands pump northwards to continue its route. Times like this they turn on the tap and they pump back south to surfers paradise. So once that pipeline has been restored, there'll be a recirculation of sand." - Angus Jackson, International Coastal Management Channel 7's Sunrise with Sam Mac TV Interview, 14 March 2025 | Aaron Salyer joined Sam Mac on Channel 7's Sunrise to check in on how the Gold Coast beaches were holding up post-cyclone. Sam Mac, Sunrise: "We wanted to check in on the Gold Coast. Of course there's been lots of discussion and lots of pictures floating around vision of the scarping that's been happening. As you can see, it's a, it's around a three metre drop. [...] This must be the busiest time in your life." "Yeah, absolutely. But to me, this isn't as bad as it looks. For most people when they see this, they go start freaking out. But for me, I look at this and I go It's not so much about what was lost, it's about what wasn't lost. Look behind us. All of the buildings are intact, all the roads are there. The beach is doing its job, it's taking the brunt of the force of that cyclone." - Aaron Salyer, International Coastal Management ABC News with Nate Byrne TV Interview, 14 March 2025 | Aaron Salyer joined Nate Byrne on ABC News Breakfast to explain how Gold Coast beaches are designed to recover after extreme weather events. Nate Byrne, ABC News Breakfast:  " Okay, first of all, talk to me about what's happened here. Courtesy of Alfred. There must be just I can't even fathom the volume of sand that's missing." "Yes. Millions of cubic meters of sand have been eroded from the beach. But erosion is a natural process. Erosion happens at all kinds of times. But, in these kind of extreme events big wave energy hits the top of the dunes, takes out that sand and actually takes it offshore into the sort of offshore zone, which creates those offshore sandbars. What happens then is that naturally breaks the wave energy. And over time, those sandbars will actually start moving back in." "So this is a natural process. What's exciting for me as a coastal engineer is to see that, we had 12 metre waves out here just a few days ago and it's only eroded, slightly, not even all the way back to the worst case scenario here. The Gold Coast has been really prepping for this moment for decades." - Aaron Salyer, International Coastal Management ABC Gold Coast Mornings with Sarah Cumming TV Interview, 14 March 2025 |  Angus Jackson joined Sarah Cumming on ABC Gold Coast Mornings to explain the science behind sand dredging and beach nourishment . Sarah Cumming, ABC: " Tell us about how these sand dredging barges actually work. They don't actually take the sand from the ocean and dump it on the shore. They just move it back into the surf zone. Is that right? Can you just explain how that works for us?" "Yes, so when we were doing this back in the 1980s, we had no beaches at the southern end of the Gold Coast - just boulder walls. We needed to nourish those beaches very quickly. We were researching storm bars, which naturally move back onshore after a storm event, and we quickly recognised that if we created artificial storm bars with a dredge, nature would do the rest within six to 12 months - at about half the cost of traditional methods." "In 2017, the Gold Coast’s last major nearshore nourishment project moved around 3 million cubic metres of sand offshore. The dredge goes out, finds a good sand source, brings it in, and if it’s a really big dredge, they ‘rainbow’ it - pumping the sand into the air so it lands in the surf zone, where waves naturally bring it up the beach." "This method, developed by the Gold Coast City Council in 1985 when I was in charge, is now used globally. The benefit is that we don’t need pipelines on the beach - everything happens in the surf zone. And in 2017, we even designed the placement to improve the surfing conditions, so it’s a really nifty method." - Angus Jackson, International Coastal Management The Gold Coast Stress Test Cyclone Alfred provided a real-world stress test of the Gold Coast’s coastal resilience framework. The engineered dune systems , seawalls , and sand bypassing measures all performed as designed, preventing major infrastructure loss and setting the coastline up for a faster recovery. At International Coastal Management (ICM), we remain at the forefront of coastal engineering solutions, working with cities and communities worldwide to develop sustainable, nature-based resilience strategies.

ICM was engaged by the Torres Strait Island Regional Council to deliver an independent, technical review of seawall designs for Iama, Masig, and Warraber Islands within the Torres Strait. The review assessed rock and geobag systems, crest and toe details, alignments and seawall returns, and a concrete wave return wall, with recommendations shaped by wave transmission across wide reef platforms and site logistics. Project Details Client: Torres Strait Island Regional Council Location: Iama Island, Masig Island, Warraber Island, Torres Strait, Date: 2022 About This Project The Challenge Torres Strait Islands Regional Council required confidence that proposed seawall designs would perform under storm tide and surge while reflecting local reef-dominated hydraulics and material availability. The designs combined rock armour and geobag sections, plus concrete, geobag, and earth bund elements, and needed an independent review on design conditions, detailing, and constructability. The Solution ICM completed a detailed technical review covering design conditions, crest and toe details, rock and container sizing, alignments, seawall returns, and the concrete wave return wall. The assessment considered storm wave transmission across the shallow reef flats, and geobag stability under combined water level and wave loading. Services Provided Independent peer review certified by an RPEQ Review of design reports and drawings Monitoring recommendations

Australia's diverse coastlines are subject to constant change due to natural processes and human activity. From erosion to rising sea levels, protecting coastal properties has become a critical concern for homeowners, developers, and businesses. Building seawalls in Australia can be part of the solution, however they are just one piece of the puzzle in coastal resilience puzzle. At International Coastal Management (ICM) , we specialise in guiding property owners, councils and developers through the complexities of coastal protection. From navigating local regulations to designing and implementing tailored solutions, we ensure your coastline is protected while balancing environmental sustainability. Understanding Coastal Protection in Australia Coastal protection projects in Australia often require rigorous approvals and compliance with strict regulations. If your property or development falls within a coastal protection (erosion-prone) overlay, councils may request an engineering report certified by a Registered Professional Engineer with coastal engineering experience - even if erosion risk is deemed minimal. How ICM Helps You Navigate Coastal Protection At ICM, we understand the complexities of coastal approvals and work closely with property owners, developers, and councils to ensure compliance. Our services include: Regulatory Guidance: Interpreting and addressing council requirements under coastal protection overlays, planning schemes, and erosion risk assessments. Permit Applications & Compliance Reports: Preparing engineering reports, RPEQ-certified assessments, and design justifications that satisfy council and regulatory requirements. Seawall & Coastal Structure Design: Providing tailored solutions for seawalls, revetments, dunes, and nature-based coastal defences that enhance resilience. Construction and Monitoring: Overseeing project implementation and ensuring long-term success. With decades of experience in seawall design, approvals, and compliance across Australia’s coastline, ICM , an experienced coastal engineering company , ensures your project meets all necessary regulations efficiently and cost-effectively. Need an RPEQ Certified Coastal Engineering Report? If your council has requested an RPEQ certified report for your seawall or coastal development project, we can help. Our team includes RPEQ-certified and Chartered Engineers with extensive experience in coastal hazard assessments, seawall design, and erosion risk mitigation. We provide comprehensive reports that meet council requirements, ensuring your project gains the necessary approvals while delivering long-term resilience. Contact us today for expert guidance and tailored engineering solutions. Are Seawalls the Right Solution? Seawalls are one method for protecting properties from erosion and wave action. Typically constructed from boulders, concrete, or other durable materials, they serve as a barrier to safeguard beachfront infrastructure. However, seawalls alone may not address the root causes of coastal erosion, and they come with their own set of advantages and disadvantages . At ICM, we approach coastal protection holistically, considering all three elements of the Coastal Resilience Framework : Top of Beach : Managing dunes and vegetation to stabilise the shoreline. Bottom of Beach : Enhancing nearshore zones to dissipate wave energy. Sediment Supply : Ensuring a balanced flow of sand to sustain beach health. By evaluating these factors, we ensure that a seawall in Australia is part of an integrated solution tailored to the specific needs of your site. Types of Seawalls Seawalls come in a variety of forms, with their design tailored to the specific needs of the coastline they protect. Materials can range from rock and boulders , which provide a natural and cost-effective barrier, to concrete and modular designs , often used for their durability and adaptability. Living seawalls  are an innovative option, incorporating features that can support marine life habitat while offering coastal protection. Geotextile container seawalls , made from durable fabric filled with sand or other materials, are a flexible alternative suitable for temporary or less-impacted areas. Seawalls also differ in shape, influencing their effectiveness and interaction with wave energy. Sloped seawalls  dissipate wave energy gradually, reducing impact forces, while vertical walls  reflect wave energy but may increase turbulence. Curved or stepped seawalls  are designed to deflect waves upward or break their energy in stages, offering additional protection while potentially enhancing aesthetics. The choice of seawall type depends on site-specific conditions, including wave dynamics, environmental considerations, and budgetary constraints. Enhancing Seawalls with Dunes and Living Elements In many cases, seawalls work best when combined with other coastal resilience measures. For example, Gold Coast seawalls incorporate vegetated dunes on top of them, to provide an additional layer of protection by helping to trap sand, reduce wind erosion, and absorb wave energy. Similarly, living elements like oyster reefs or seagrass beds can enhance biodiversity while contributing to coastal stability. Our team at ICM designs solutions that work with natural processes, creating sustainable outcomes that benefit both communities and the environment. When to Consider Coastal Protection If you're noticing signs of erosion or instability on your property, it’s crucial to act quickly. Warning signs include: Retreating shorelines. Visible cracks or damage to existing seawalls. Increased exposure of dunes or vegetation to wave action. Accelerated loss of beach sand. Early intervention can save significant costs and prevent further damage. Contact ICM for a site-specific analysis and recommendations for your project. Building Coastal Resilience for the Future Protecting Australia's coastlines requires more than just hard structures like seawalls. By integrating solutions that address the top of the beach, bottom of the beach, and sediment supply, we create systems that are adaptive, sustainable, and resilient. At ICM, we believe in working with natural processes to protect your property while preserving the beauty and biodiversity of Australia's iconic coastlines. Ready to Protect Your Coastal Property? Whether you're a private homeowner or a developer, coastal protection can feel overwhelming. ICM is here to simplify the process and deliver results you can trust. Contact us today to discuss your coastal challenges and explore tailored solutions for your property.

The rising global interest in surfing and artificial surf reefs reflects a desire to merge coastal protection with recreational value, yet the complexity and mixed success make them a challenging innovation to implement effectively. At International Coastal Management (ICM) , we’ve been involved with artificial surf reef developments for the last 40 years, refining the art of balancing coastal protection with surfing functionality. As coastal communities face increasing challenges from erosion, sea-level rise, and the need for tourism-driven economic growth, the lessons learned from global artificial surfing reef projects can serve as a roadmap for future projects.  Table of Contents What are Artificial Surf Reefs? Artificial Surf Reef Design Challenges and Variables Designing for Surfing vs. Coastal Protection Global Artificial Surf Reefs Upcoming Artificial Reef Projects Key Considerations for Successful Artificial Surf Reefs FAQ: Understanding Artificial Surf Reefs Get in Touch Narrowneck Artificial Reef, Australia What are Artificial Surf Reefs? Artificial surf reefs are man-made underwater structures engineered to replicate the benefits of natural reefs. These structures, designed by specialised coastal engienering companies , aim to enhance wave quality by shaping surfable waves, improving wave face cleanliness, and extending ride length. While they are often thought to offer coastal protection by reducing wave energy and minimising beach erosion , in practice, surf reefs rarely achieve both objectives effectively.    "Artificial reefs can improve surf conditions, but expectations must be managed. Surfable waves depend on highly variable factors like wave height, period, and wind direction. Designing the ‘perfect wave’ for everyone is not realistic." - Angus Jackson, Founder, International Coastal Management   Constructed with materials like geotextile sand containers , rocks, or concrete modules on the ocean floor, artificial surf reefs are typically optimised for either surfing performance or coastal protection, but achieving both simultaneously requires careful trade-offs and compromises.  Artificial Surf Reef Design Challenges and Variables Designing an artificial surf reef requires precision and consideration of many variables. The type of breaker, peel angle, and wave height are all critical to achieving a rideable wave. A reef that produces consistent, progressive waves for surfers must account for local seabed contours, wave energy, and target users.  Key artificial surf reef design parameters include: Wave Height and Period:  Determines the energy and surfability of the wave Breaker Type:  Spilling waves suit beginners; plunging waves appeal to advanced surfers Peel Angle:  Influences how progressively the wave breaks along its crest, critical for rideable conditions For example, a 1-meter wave will break in water approximately 1 to 1.4 meters deep. The reef’s shape must encourage waves to break progressively along the crest, creating the "peeling" effect desired by surfers. The perfect reef for one group of surfers may not suit another. Beginners benefit from safer, spilling waves, while advanced surfers usually prefer the challenge of steep, plunging breaks.  Designing for Surfing vs. Coastal Protection The experience on the Gold Coast highlights a key reality: designing a surf reef is much more complex than it seems. While natural reefs around the world can (in the right conditions) create ideal surfing conditions, replicating this in an engineered structure is not as simple as it sounds.  Typical Reef Shapes - ICM The challenge lies in achieving the precise conditions needed to produce a progressive, rideable wave that offers a long, consistent surfing experience. A surf reef requires careful attention to the placement and geometry of the reef’s crest, which must be carefully angled toward the beach to ensure waves break in a way that’s optimal for surfing. In contrast, coastal protection reefs can be more straightforward, often taking the form of submerged breakwaters designed to reduce wave energy and prevent beach erosion.  The Gold Coast Artificial Reefs: An Initial Hybrid Approach The Gold Coast provides two distinct case studies for artificial reefs. The Narrowneck Artificial Reef , a hybrid design, was created primarily for coastal protection with surfing as a secondary benefit. In contrast, Palm Beach Artificial Reef  was designed as a surf reef, focused on generating a right-hand surf break.  Narrowneck Artificial Reef: A Multipurpose Artificial Reef Designed as a multipurpose structure, The Narrowneck Artificial Reef, developed by ICM , was built primarily for coastal protection with a secondary objective to enhance surf conditions. Originally designed in a V-shape to allow for both left- and right-hand rides, this early prototype required adjustments when strong currents were observed in the model, leading to a split in the ‘V’. Due to safety considerations, a proactive decision was made to lower the reef's crest by 1 meter before construction, ensuring a depth of 1.5 meters below the low tide waterline.  While Narrowneck ultimately succeeded in its primary role as a coastal stabilisation  reef, its surf functionality is limited to specific conditions. It should be noted that the Narrowneck Reef was part of an integrated coastal management approach for The Gold Coast’s northern beaches ( The Northern Gold Coast Beach Protecting Strategy ). The beach at the Narrowneck location should not exist due the large, artificial headland jutting out into the sea compared to the rest of the shoreline. The reef’s focus was to produce a coastal protection structure at low-cost and high-volume, therefore an innovative approach using large, sand filled geotextile containers was developed, producing a significant reef volume (approx. 70,000m³) for AUD$2.3M (approx. AUD$30/m³). The Narrowneck Artificial Headland jutting out into the sea beyond the rest of the coastline, with no accessible beach at high tides (before the artificial reef and NGBPS).    Narrowneck ”beach” before the artificial reef (NGBPS) vs 25 years on, with stabilised beach and manmade dune system in lee of the reef. Surfers congregating on the large, built-up sand bank in the lee of the reef (on small swell days)   Angus Jackson, our founder, reflects on the surfing element of the reef, saying:  "Narrowneck works very well for coastal protection without causing harmful erosion behind the reef. However, as a surf reef, it’s more restricted, performing best when the tide is low and the swell is clean and large."  It should be noted that as an underwater structure that helps to retain sand in the nearshore zone, the reef creates greater percentage of use for surf amenity in its vicinity (bulging sand banks around the reef). The excess sand evident in the nearshore zone is typically where surfers can be found. So, can you surf on the reef itself? Sure, if the conditions are right (low tide, 1.5m+ swell and offshore wind) as per the video below.  Palm Beach Artificial Surf Reef: Designed for Surfing In contrast to Narrowneck, the Palm Beach Reef was designed to create a high-quality surf break (noting that surfing as a sport has changed dramatically since Narrowneck’s inception in the late 1990’s with significantly higher demand and general performance levels). A significant focus was put on highly complex computer models to achieve the ideal surf outcomes. Built using rock, Palm Beach Reef was significantly more expensive (AUD$18.3M total or approx. AUD$700/m ³) than Narrowneck and focused on producing a higher performance, right-hand surf wave. This surf reef design offers important lessons for those seeking to create artificial surf reefs in other parts of the world. As Angus Jackson explains:  "Palm Beach shows that when the objective is surfing, the design can be more focused and effective. But with that comes higher costs, as the materials and precision required for a successful surf reef are significantly greater than those for a coastal protection reef."  An artificial reef feasibility study was conducted by ICM and Griffith University in 2004 (presented at the International Surf Reef Conference at Manhattan Beach, California 2005) showcasing that (based on the initial success of Narrowneck Reef as a prototype for artificial reefs) another artificial reef in Palm Beach would be a feasible addition to a beach protection strategy.   From there the reef design went through several reports and design stages (by BMT WBM in 2013, DHI in 2017 and a Final Report in 2018 by Royal Huskoning).   The Palm Beach Reef demonstrates that surf reefs can achieve their recreational goals, with good waves breaking on the reef in the right conditions  (low tide, 1.5m+ swell and offshore wind) and have positive impacts on local sand bars with surf amenity in the lee the reef in smaller/average swell.  Palm Beach Reef in relation to other coastal elements. Source: Gold Coast City Council The Palm Beach Reef was located in the lee of a large, natural reef. This can help focus wave energy on the artificial reef. There is also has rock groyne structure inshore of the reef which helps to stabilises the top of the beach.   Can you surf on the reef itself? Yes, in the right conditions the reef breaks well.   Environmental and Economic Benefits of Artificial Reefs  Both reefs on the Gold Coast offer environmental and economic benefits. Artificial reefs, like their natural counterparts, provide habitats for marine life and contribute to improving beach nourishment practices. Additionally, the surf amenities provided by these reefs have attracted tourism, which has been a boom to the local economy.  "Both Narrowneck and Palm Beach have enhanced the local surf scene and brought significant environmental benefits. The sandbars formed around Narrowneck, for example, have contributed to the stability of the shoreline while also offering recreational value." - Angus Jackson  For other coastal communities, this dual role of artificial reefs, both as coastal protectors and economic drivers through tourism, can be a powerful incentive to explore similar projects.  Global Artificial Surf Reefs  Artificial reefs have been developed worldwide with varying degrees of success, showcasing the complexities and challenges of combining coastal erosion protection with surfing enhancement. Below is an overview of notable projects, highlighting their objectives, construction methods, and outcomes: Bukitts Reef, Bargara, Queensland (1997)  Objective:  Surf-only improvement.  Materials:  Basalt boulders.  Construction Method:  Existing rocks on the headland were repositioned using an excavator at low tide. Approximate volume: 300m³.  Outcome:  A cost-effective and community-driven effort that transformed hazardous conditions into a peeling right-hand wave, Angus Jackson of ICM was able to provide valuable input into this pioneering concept. Cables Reef (Cable Station), Western Australia (1998-1999) Objective:  Surf-only enhancement.  Materials:  Limestone rock.  Construction Method:  Rocks placed from a barge. Approximate volume: 5,000m³.  Outcome:  Although it created high-quality waves, inconsistent swell conditions limited the Perth artificial surfing reefs effectiveness, with surfable days occurring sporadically.    Narrowneck Reef, Gold Coast, Queensland (1999-2000 with a top up in 2017)  Objective:  Coastal protection with a secondary goal to improve surf quality.  Materials:  Geotextile sand-filled containers (Terrafix non-woven SFGC).  Construction Method:  150-450t mega sandbags placed via hopper dredge. Approximate volume: 70,000m³.  Outcome:   Narrowneck Reef , designed by ICM, successfully retained sand in the localised area, creating a consistent beach where there had not been before. It created marine biodiversity and surf quality was enhanced but remains limited to specific swell and tide conditions.    Pratte’s Reef, California (2000-2001)  Objective:  Surf enhancement to mitigate the negative impacts of a jetty on local surf conditions.  Materials:  Geotextile sand-filled containers (Nicolon woven).  Construction Method:  14t geotextile containers placed by crane on a barge. Approximate volume: 1,350m³.  Outcome:  The reef failed to consistently produce quality waves and was dismantled in 2010 due to structural issues and environmental concerns    Mount Maunganui Reef, Tauranga, New Zealand (2008)  Objective:  Improve surfing conditions while enhancing beach width and biodiversity.  Materials:  Sand-filled geotextile containers (terrafix/elco non-woven)  Construction Method:  Containers filled in situ, deployed to create a delta-wing-shaped reef. Approximate volume: 6,000m³.  Outcome:  Produced breaking waves when ideal conditions aligned, but there were construction complications, resulting in hazardous rip currents and eventual removal in 2014.    Boscombe Surf Reef, Dorset, England (2009)  Objective:  Enhance surfing conditions  Materials:  Geotextile sand-filled containers.  Construction Method:  Containers filled with local sand. Approximate volume: 13,000m³.  Outcome:  Initially produced occasional bodyboarding waves but faced structural failures. It was rebranded as a "multi-purpose reef" in 2017 but didn’t meet its original surfing objectives.    Kovalam Reef, Kerala, India (2010)  Objective:  Coastal protection with secondary surf enhancement.  Materials:  Geotextile sandbags (30m long).  Construction Method:  Bags placed to create a 100m surfable left-hand wave. Approximate volume: 4,800m³.  Outcome:  Initially stabilised the beach and improved surf, but structural failure within weeks led to its rapid deterioration.    Palm Beach, Australia (2018)  Objective:  Surfing and coastal protection   Materials:  Quarried rock approx 25,000m ³  Construction Method:  Barge placed quarried rock   Outcome:  Great surf in ideal conditions with surf amenity in the reef vicinity on sand bars for majority of the time    Banbury's Beach, Australia (2018)  Objective:  Surfing   Materials:  Floating air pocket   Construction Method:  Barge placed rubber   Outcome:  Damaged during installation, not able to function     While these reefs showcase the potential of artificial surf reefs, they also highlight the importance of site-specific design and clear project goals.    Upcoming Artificial Reef Projects Albany Reef, Australia (TBD)  Objective:  Surfing   Materials:  Quarried rock  Construction Method:  Barge.  Outcome:  In process. This reef has also been 30 years in the making with initial feasibility study and designs by ICM and Griffith University for the locally lead Surf Group S.O.S and City of Albany. The project was then kicked off again in 2015 and has moved through further design development stages by various other consultants, it’s an exciting one to watch as a purely, surf focused reef.   Oceanside, California (TBD)  Objective:  Coastal protection with secondary surf enhancement.  Materials:  Quarried rock  Construction Method:  Barge.  Outcome:  In process. This reef is part of a coastal revitalising project with the main purpose to retain a sandy beach. ICM is working on the detailed design with GHD.     Other Artificial Surf Reefs ICM has developed surf reef designs for locations such as Dubai and Colombia, with these innovative projects awaiting future construction. Modern surf parks/wave pools have also been built globally, specially designed for making waves perfect for surfing at different levels. Key Considerations for Successful Artificial Surf Reefs The success of an artificial surf reef depends on aligning its design with local conditions, user needs, and environmental considerations. As Angus Jackson explains:  "The final design of any reef is as much social science as physical science. It must suit the culture, economy, and surf community it serves."   The global artificial surf reef projects highlight key takeaways for future reefs:  Define Objectives Clearly:  Is the reef for surfing, coastal protection, or both?  Wave Climate:  Evaluate local wave conditions for consistency and quality  User Safety: Safety cannot be compromised for public users   Materials and Design:  Cost and constructability are heavily influenced by material choices   Leverage Natural Sediment Processes:  Sandbars around reefs can amplify surf conditions.  Community Engagement:  Align with local needs and priorities to ensure acceptance and long-term support.  Account for Maintenance:  Ongoing monitoring and maintenance to ensure long-term success.     FAQ: Understanding Artificial Surf Reefs Do artificial reefs actually work? Artificial reefs are complex structures that require a balance of science, engineering, and site-specific knowledge to succeed. When done right, they not only protect coastlines but also enhance marine habitats and recreational value. The success of reefs like Narrowneck proves the potential when these factors align. What is the most famous artificial reef? The Narrowneck Artificial Reef on the Gold Coast, Australia, is widely regarded as one of the most renowned. It successfully integrates coastal protection with environmental enhancement and improved surfing during ideal conditions, showcasing the multifaceted benefits of artificial surf reefs. What are the advantages and disadvantages of artificial reefs? Artificial reefs are a long-term investment. Their benefits, like coastal protection, biodiversity enhancement, and recreation, are significant, but they require ongoing management to deliver sustainable results. Get in Touch Whether your goal is coastal erosion protection, surfing enhancement, or both, ICM has the expertise to guide your project. With decades of experience designing innovative, sustainable solutions, we’re ready to help you transform your coastline. Contact us today  to learn more.

Living by the ocean offers great views and a unique lifestyle, but it also comes with challenges like coastal erosion and storm surges. For beachfront homeowners, Gold Coast seawalls aren't just a smart investment - it’s a requirement under the City of Gold Coast’s City Plan to protect your property and the surrounding coastline.  At International Coastal Management (ICM) , we make the seawalls construction process seamless. From design and certification to final construction sign-off and dune restoration, we handle every step with expertise.  Why Do You Need a Seawall?  Coastal erosion is a natural process, but it can become a significant risk during storms or high tides. Without adequate protection, your property could lose valuable land or face structural damage.  Seawalls in Australia are one line of defence for coastal erosion. On the Gold Coast, it is the responsibility of private property owners  and developers to construct and maintain a seawall (to council standards). These are designed to:  Prevent property loss and reduce damage from storms.  Comply with regulations by meeting City Plan requirements for beachfront properties.  Enhance longevity    The Gold Coast A-Line  The A-Line is the approved alignment for seawall construction along the Gold Coast beaches, established after severe erosion in the 1960s and 1970s. It ensures a consistent and connected seawall system along the coastline, protecting both public and private properties.  At ICM, we design seawalls that perfectly align with the A-Line, ensuring they meet Council requirements and integrate seamlessly into the coastal landscape.  Steps to Building a Private Seawall on the Gold Coast  Building a seawall on the Gold Coast can seem complex, but with ICM, it doesn’t have to be. We’ve simplified the Gold Coast City Council’s 11-step process into manageable actions, ensuring compliance at every stage:  1. Understand the City Plan Requirements  Before beginning, review the City Plan Coastal Erosion Hazard Overlay Code  and related guidelines and requirements . These documents outline the technical and regulatory standards for seawall construction.  ICM Support: Our team breaks down the technical jargon, ensuring you know exactly what’s required.  2. Get the Necessary Approvals  You’ll need development applications approved by both the City of Gold Coast and relevant Queensland Government departments for tidal or prescribed tidal works.  ICM Advantage: We handle the paperwork for you, from State Government approvals for tidal works to Council permits.    3. Submit the Security Deposit  The City of Gold Coast requires a minimum bond before work begins, ensuring satisfactory restoration of dunes and infrastructure, certification and approvals.  Why ICM: We'll guide you through the deposit requirements, and ensure your seawall and dune system is built to council standards so your bond can be returned promptly after project completion.    4. Design and Certification  Your seawall must be designed by a Registered Professional Engineer of Queensland (RPEQ) to meet Council standards.  Why ICM: Our RPEQ-certified engineers bring decades of experience to create designs that are durable, compliant, and environmentally integrated.  5. Pre-Construction Activities  Prepare for construction by managing temporary road/pathway closures and ensuring minimal disruption to public access.  ICM’s Full-Service Approach: We manage all pre-construction logistics, including obtaining necessary permits.  6. Construction of Seawall  Work with a qualified contractor to construct your seawall to Council standards.  ICM Expertise: We oversee construction to ensure quality and compliance every step of the way.  7. Restore the Dune and Vegetation  After construction, dunes must be reformed with clean sand, native vegetation planted, and dune fencing installed.  Our Complete Solution: We integrate dune restoration to ensure your seawall functions as part of a resilient coastal system to council standards. 8. Final Certification and Inspections  Submit certifications and inspections to the City of Gold Coast for final approval.  ICM’s Commitment: We ensure your seawall and dune system meet the highest standards.   Gold Coast Coastal Management To counteract Gold Coast erosion, there are a range of innovative and multifaceted coastal protection measures implemented. Combining coastal protection structures, artificial reefs (like the Narrowneck Artificial Reef ), beach nourishment , and stable dune systems, the region addresses erosion and ensures resilient coastlines. Additionally, sand bypassing and backpassing maintain natural sediment flows, while native vegetation stabilises dunes, providing critical storm buffers and wildlife habitats. This holistic approach balances environmental, community, and surf amenity benefits, safeguarding the coastline for future generations. FAQ: Your Seawall Questions Answered  1. How long does seawall construction take?  The timeline varies depending on the complexity of the site but typically ranges from 4 to 5 months. The design and construction of a seawall can be relatively quick (2-4 weeks), however the approval process can take up to 4 months. 2. What’s the typical cost of a seawall?  Costs vary based on site conditions, materials, and regulatory requirements. We provide a tailored quote after an initial site assessment.  3. Do I need a seawall if I already have dunes?   Dunes are an essential part of coastal resilience but may not be sufficient on their own. Terminal seawalls provide a critical defence against wave action and erosion, especially during storms.  4. Can ICM handle the entire process?  Yes! From design and approvals to construction management and dune restoration, ICM is an expert coastal engineering company that offers an end-to-end solution tailored to your property’s needs.  5. Why is dune restoration necessary after building a seawall?  Dunes stabilise the area, reduce wind erosion, and enhance the natural resilience of your property. Dune restoration helps your seawall works in harmony with the environment, and is a requirement from the Gold Coast City Council.  ICM’s Expertise in Seawall Construction  ICM provides end-to-end seawall solutions, including:  Design:  Engineering seawalls to meet Gold Coast standards.  Construction:  Managing the building process (working with local contractors) from start to finish.  Regulatory Compliance:  Navigating the approval process for you.  Dune Restoration:  Stabilising the site with sand, vegetation, and fencing plans.  Our team ensures your seawall not only protects your property but also integrates seamlessly with natural coastal processes , enhancing long-term resilience.    Ready to protect your beachfront property?   Contact ICM for tailored seawall solutions designed to safeguard your home and investment while meeting Gold Coast regulations.

Coastal environments are constantly changing. Strong tides and storms naturally change the shape of a coastline over time. But with rising sea levels and extreme weather events becoming more frequent, expert coastal engineering companies can play a vital role in protecting shorelines, infrastructure, and communities. But how do you know which coastal engineering company to trust? With so many firms offering erosion control and shoreline protection, it’s crucial to choose a specialist that understands the complexities of coastal processes, regulatory requirements, and nature-based solutions. Table of Contents What Do Coastal Engineering Companies Do? How to Choose the Right Coastal Engineering Company The Gold Coast Coastal Resilience Evolution The Future of Coastal Engineering How to Get Started with ICM What Do Coastal Engineering Companies Do? Coastal engineering is a specialised field of engineering that focuses on managing and protecting coastal zones from natural forces and human impacts . Unlike large civil engineering firms, coastal engineering companies have specialist expertise  in designing and implementing coastal solutions that work with natural processes rather than against them. International Coastal Management (ICM)  is a globally recognised leader in providing practical, cost-effective, and sustainable coastal solutions. While our head office is located on the Gold Coast, Australia, our expertise extends worldwide, delivering innovative and tailored solutions to coastal challenges. Coastal engineer services include: Seawalls & Erosion Control Structures Beach Nourishment & Sediment Management Artificial Reefs & Nature-Based Solutions Marina & Waterfront Development Coastal Resilience Planning At ICM, we’ve been delivering these solutions for over 40 years, combining engineering expertise with a deep understanding of coastal dynamics to ensure long-term success. How to Choose the Right Coastal Engineering Company Not all coastal engineering companies are created equal. When selecting a partner for your project, consider the following key factors: 1. Experience & Proven Track Record Coastal engineering is complex - real-world experience matters. Look for a company with: Decades of experience handling diverse coastal challenges A strong portfolio of successful projects in various environments International expertise to bring global best practices to local solutions ICM’s Advantage: ICM has safeguarded thousands of miles of coastline across 23+ countries, delivering 1,200+ successful projects. From erosion-prone shorelines to million-dollar waterfront developments, our expertise transforms coastal challenges into lasting, sustainable solutions that protect communities, businesses, and ecosystems. 2. Regulatory Knowledge & Compliance Coastal projects must adhere to strict environmental and regulatory guidelines. The right engineering firm will: Navigate complex approval processes for you Ensure compliance with local, state, and national regulations Provide certified designs that meet marine engineering and environmental standards (location dependant) ICM’s Advantage: We work closely with councils, governments, and private developers to streamline approvals and compliance - so your project stays on track. 3. Specialist vs. Generalist Approach Many civil engineering firms offer coastal engineering as part of a broader service, but coastal resilience requires specialised expertise. Choose a company that: Focuses exclusively on coastal engineering Understands the unique challenges of coastal processes Can design solutions tailored to site-specific conditions ICM’s Advantage: Unlike many firms, ICM is a coastal engineering specialist. We don’t just build structures - we design solutions that work in harmony with nature. 4. Innovative & Sustainable Solutions Today’s coastal projects require innovative solutions that balance protection with sustainability. The best companies will: Incorporate nature-based solutions alongside traditional engineering Use advanced digital modelling to predict long-term effectiveness Focus on ecological benefits, not just hard infrastructure ICM’s Advantage: We’ve developed coastal resilience frameworks and strategies such as the Living Speed Bumps approach, used in Australia, the UAE and soon to be in the United States. 5. Multi-Benefit Project Outcomes The most effective coastal solutions go beyond erosion control - they create economic, environmental, and community benefits. Look for a firm that: Enhances beach amenity and recreational value Supports marine biodiversity and coastal ecosystems Maximises cost-effectiveness without compromising resilience ICM’s Advantage: Our multi-functional coastal solutions have helped cities, developers, and homeowners protect their investments while improving coastal ecosystems. The Gold Coast Coastal Resilience Evolution The Gold Coast, Australia, is a prime example of how integrated coastal engineering strategies can protect shorelines while maintaining beach health. Challenge : Severe beach erosion threatened homes, infrastructure, and tourism. ICM’s Solution :  A hybrid approach  combining: Terminal seawalls buried under sand dunes to provide hidden protection Beach nourishment & sediment bypassing and backpassing to improve sand processes. Construction of artificial reefs to reduce erosion Dune vegetation planting to strengthen the shoreline Result:  A resilient, adaptable system that protects against storms while preserving beach access and ecological value. The Gold Coast: Before & After The Future of Coastal Engineering As climate change accelerates, coastal engineering must evolve. Future directions of the field may include Adaptive engineering designs: Coastal structures designed for adaptability e.g. ability to increase height or width in response to sea level rise Machine learning advancements: Incorporating AI into designs Proactive planning: Integrating nature-based elements with engineered structures, like multifunctional artificial reefs and living shorelines ICM is at the forefront of this evolution, leading pioneering pilot projects worldwide and contributing to global research initiatives. Our expertise extends to serving on high-profile panels, including the United Nations Ocean Decade Expert Panel and the Engineers Australia National Committee on Coastal and Ocean Engineering , shaping the next generation of sustainable coastal solutions. How to Get Started with ICM For private developments, councils/governments, or other design firms looking for coastal expertise, if you’re planning a project, get in touch with us . Our team can provide you with: Expert consultation to assess your site’s needs Customised engineering designs that balance protection & sustainability Implementation and project management from start to finish

ICM was engaged by a private client on Cape Cod to assess shoreline vulnerability and provide schematic-level recommendations for coastal protection. The study considered seasonal and storm-driven erosion, future sea level rise, and practical construction and maintenance constraints. Project Details Client: Private client Location: Cape Cod, Massachusetts, USA Date: 2024 About This Project The Challenge The beachfront dune system and adjacent properties face ongoing erosion from seasonal conditions and extreme storms, with future risk elevated by sea level rise. The client sought options that improve protection to the dunes and vegetation, reduce routine maintenance activities and cost, and reduce coastal erosion hazards to the residential properties. The Solution ICM completed a schematic design report and provided several potential options. Recommendations were intentionally flexible and scalable, ranging from soft measures to support the dune and beach, to targeted enhancements and upgrades that improve day-to-day performance, through to regional sand management strategies where appropriate. The package included schematic layouts, order-of-magnitude costing considerations, and planning guidance to inform next steps with local approvals specialists. “We focused on clear choices that balance performance, buildability, and approvals so the client can move forward with confidence.” - Aaron Salyer, ICM Services Provided Data review and coastal processes assessment Shoreline vulnerability screening Options analysis and concept development Schematic layouts and order-of-magnitude cost considerations Planning guidance for approvals and implementation staging

The Gold Coast is one of Australia’s most dynamic and sought-after coastal regions. For developers, this presents incredible opportunities but also unique challenges. Coastal erosion and strict regulatory requirements mean that any beachfront development must review, construct and maintain a seawall to Gold Coast City Council standards.  At International Coastal Management (ICM) , we partner with developers to design and implement seawalls that meet these standards while supporting sustainable and profitable developments.  Why Developers Need Certified Seawalls  As a developer, you’re responsible for ensuring that new beachfront projects comply with the City Plan Coastal Erosion Hazard Overlay Code . This includes constructing certified terminal seawalls along the A-Line before any development begins. Understanding the advantages of seawalls is crucial, as they not only provide long-term shoreline stability but also ensure compliance with regulatory requirements. These seawalls are designed to: Prevent property loss and reduce damage from storms.  Comply with regulations by meeting City Plan requirements for beachfront properties.  Enhance longevity    Gold Coast Regulations  Seawalls on the Gold Coast must align with the A-Line, established after major storms in the 1960s and 1970s. This ensures a continuous, and connected terminal seawall system along the coast, protecting both public and private property. Alongside this, key regulations include:  Standard Seawall Design Drawings for consistent construction Coastal dune restoration and fencing requirements Environmental impact assessments for tidal and prescribed tidal works Steps to Build a Seawall for Your Gold Coast Development At ICM, we have been reviewing, designing and constructing terminal seawalls on the Gold Coast for over 40 years. Our RPEQ certified engineers will guide you through the process, ensuring your seawall is durable and compliant with all council standards. Below is a summary of the Gold Coast Requirements. 1. Review the City Plan and Guidelines  Review the City Plan Coastal Erosion Hazard Overlay Code  and related guidelines and requirements . These documents outline the standards for seawall construction.  2. Obtain Approvals Secure development permits from:  City of Gold Coast Relevant Queensland Government departments for tidal works The Gold Coast City also requires a bond before work begins, to ensure satisfactory restoration of dunes, infrastructure, certification and approvals. 3. Engage Coastal Engineering Experts  Your seawall must be designed by a Registered Professional Engineer of Queensland (RPEQ) and built to meet strict standards.  At ICM , Our RPEQ-certified engineers bring decades of experience to create designs that are durable, compliant, and environmentally integrated.    4. Construct and Certify the Seawall  Use an experienced team like ICM to ensure compliance with pre-construction requirements, construction regulations and quality standards.  5. Dune Restoration  After seawall development, dunes must be reformed with clean sand, native vegetation, and have dune protection fencing installed as required.    ICM’s Expertise for Developers  ICM is your trusted partner in seawall construction, offering:  Turnkey Solutions: From design to final certification Compliance Expertise: Navigating local and state regulatory requirements Sustainable Practices: Incorporating dune restoration and nature-based solutions Track Record: Over 1,200 successful coastal projects completed worldwide Our solutions not only meet the Gold Coast’s standards but also enhance the sustainability and market appeal of your development.  Contact us for a free quote today.

The beaches and world-class surf breaks of the Gold Coast have long been regarded as the crown jewels of Australia's coastal landscape. The Gold Coast is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country. However, preserving this coastal charm requires more than nature's hand; rather, it necessitates creative and environmentally responsible approaches to coastal management. Artificial reefs, nearshore nourishment and bypassing systems are at the forefront of these advancements. These initiatives were spearheaded by the efforts of Angus Jackson in the early 80's (as the Gold Coast City's Coastal Engineer) and subsequently by International Coastal Management (ICM), his post-council consultancy. Source: Gold Coast City The Need for Change Historically, the Gold Coast's coastline was shaped and reshaped by the forces of nature—storms, tides, and currents. However, as the 20th century progressed and urban development surged, the natural equilibrium of these beaches began to waver. The 1960s and 70's bore witness to this delicate balance tipping, as severe swell events became more frequent, causing significant erosion and threatening both the natural beauty and the burgeoning tourism industry of the region. Traditional coastal erosion solutions , such as dredging and beach nourishment, became the immediate recourse. While these methods provided temporary relief, they were just that—ephemeral. The recurring costs, both financial and environmental, of these interventions were becoming untenable. It was in this challenging backdrop that visionaries and coastal management experts began to explore alternative, sustainable solutions. The focus shifted from merely reactive measures to proactive, long-term strategies. The idea was not just to combat erosion but to enhance the coastline's recreational and ecological value looking at more nature based solutions . This forward-thinking approach set the stage for innovations like artificial reefs—structures designed to promote sand accumulation and dissipate wave energy, thereby reducing erosion. Piloting for Success Instead of just putting solutions into place, the Gold Coast used a process of piloting and monitoring. With this proactive plan, the area became what could be called a full-scale coastal laboratory. With each project, a lot of monitoring and feedback loops were set up so that real-world results could be used to guide future projects. Because of this commitment to solutions based on facts, the Gold Coast has become known around the world as a model for smart and flexible coastal management. Milestone Projects A series of landmark projects chart the path of the Gold Coast's transformation: Narrowneck Artificial Reef Serving as both a coastal protection measure and a surfing amenity, this reef became a benchmark in artificial reef design . Continuous monitoring has shown geomorphological changes to littoral sand drift. This has caused a buildup of sand around the reef, helping to reduce erosion and offering added surf benefits on sandbanks. Notably, the reef was constructed using geotextile sand containers , which were approximately 1/3 the cost of a rock reef construction. This cost-effective approach was consistent with the pilot nature of the project. Succesful Outcomes: Demonstrated successful use of geotextile sandbags, offering cost-effective reef construction. Induced geomorphological changes, leading to sand build-up around the reef. Reduced coastal erosion and enhanced surfing conditions due to formed sandbanks. Here are some extracts from the latests scientific review of Narrowneck Reef after 20 years and the way that it interacts with the sand morphology. From the paper "Sediment pathways and morphodynamic response to a multi-purpose artificial reef -New insights" . "Twenty years after Narrowneck construction, the MPAR has shown a localised effect on the nearshore morphology that helps to maintain the beach in a similar state compared to the adjacent areas whereas it was previously more vulnerable (i.e. a hotspot). Sediment transport pathways are shown to occur both inshore and offshore of the reef, under varying hydrodynamic and morphodynamic conditions. This study has identified scenarios whereby a previously unforeseen deposition of sand downdrift of the reef occurs in the sub-tidal region." "The deposition process, associated with the presence of the MPAR, aids in coastal protection by dissipating incoming wave energy, before it reaches the shoreline and provides a temporary sediment store to feed the downdrift areas (Figure 36-8) in a process that is akin to headland sand bypassing (Short and Masselink, 1999; Klein et al, 2020) and moreover, it is closely linked to the wave height and direction (Vieira da Silva et al., 2018b). This is likely the reason why the downdift erosion expected during design phase (Turner et al, 2001) has not been observed in the data." "Twenty years after construction, the Narrowneck reef site has more sand deposited updrift and the longshore transport seems to have re-established with minimal impacts on the upper beach. The location of the reef within the active surf zone worked as planned allowing sand to bypass inshore of the reef, particularly under modal wave conditions. Although not initially expected, the results presented in this work demonstrate that the sand bypassing can also occurs offshore of the structure under certain conditions (large oblique waves). Whilst a persistent salient at the shoreline was not observed in the dataset presented here, Narrowneck reef evidently does affect the sediment transport and morphological changes in the short-term, helping to sustain the overall medium to long-term increased volume of sand while allowing sand to also bypass the reef and continue downdrift without significant negative impacts." "The short-term morphological response to the MPAR after two decades is more closely related to the deflection of longshore currents as they encounter the reef than to the dissipation of wave energy, mainly because MPARs are designed to dissipate just enough wave energy so that the wave can still be surfed." Sand Bypassing Systems (Nerang and Tweed Rivers) Recognizing the importance of maintaining navigational access and natural sand flow, sand bypassing systems were established at both the Nerang and Tweed Rivers. They've led the way in coastal management, with additional benefits observed in surf conditions at places like the Superbank and South Stradbroke Island. These systems not only ensured uninterrupted sand delivery to nourish southern beaches but also played a pivotal role in mitigating erosion. Succesful Outcomes: Pioneered sustainable coastal management, ensuring uninterrupted sand delivery. Improved navigational access and natural sand flow. Enhanced surf conditions at iconic spots like the Superbank and South Stradbroke Island. Source: Gold Coast City Palm Beach Artificial Reef (PBAR) Informed by the monitoring results from Narrowneck, PBAR was completed in September 2019. Recent Wave Peel Tracking (WPT) has shown the development of sandbank surf breaks around the reef. Ongoing surveys also indicate that the nourished sand remains retained around the reef, enhancing the coastal landscape and supporting its recreational potential. Succesful Outcomes: Used monitoring results from Narrowneck for informed design and implementation. Wave Peel Tracking (WPT) indicated the development of desirable sandbank surf breaks around the reef. Ongoing surveys showed retained nourished sand around the reef, indicating long-term effectiveness. Aerial of sand build up and interruption around reef The 2017 Gold Coast Beach Nourishment Project (GCBNP) Spanning June to September 2017, this project added over 3 million cubic meters of sand to the Gold Coast's beaches. The project utilised the novel nearshore nourishment approach to achieve high volumes. Survey results five years post-implementation indicate that a commendable 75% of the nourished sand at Palm Beach still remains within the system. This retention is believed to be due to the combination of nearshore nourishment and the Palm Beach reef, which have jointly contributed to sand retention despite facing significant storms over the past half-decade. This project was built on decades of research and development in the field of mass nourishment, led by Angus Jackson and ICM. Succesful Outcomes: Successfully added over 3 million cubic meters of sand to vulnerable beach sections. Five-year post-implementation surveys revealed 75% of nourished sand at Palm Beach still within the system. Proved the combined efficacy of nearshore nourishment and the Palm Beach reef, retaining sand even after significant storm events. Some Key Successes The accomplishments stemming from these projects are manifold: Sustained Sand Retention : Post GCBNP, a remarkable 75% of the nourished sand remained active within the beach system, underscoring the project's efficacy. Revitalized Surf Conditions : The emergence of surf-conducive sandbanks adjacent to the artificial reefs, especially the right-hander near PBAR, bolstered the region's recreational appeal. The Road Ahead The tale of the Gold Coast's artificial reefs and nearshore nourishment is one of innovation, resilience, and sustainable progress. However, as any coastal engineer or environmentalist would attest, coastlines are inherently dynamic zones. Their ever-changing nature, shaped by tides, currents, and human activities, mandates a proactive and adaptive approach to management. As we stand at the cusp of a future marked by climate change challenges, the significance of ongoing monitoring cannot be understated. The lessons learned from each project on the Gold Coast serve as stepping stones, guiding the next phase of innovations. The insights gleaned from the past become particularly vital as we grapple with the looming threats of sea-level rise and increased storm events. Predicted changes, fueled by global warming, will undeniably reshape our coastal landscapes, making the field of coastal engineering in Australia and globally even more crucial. Building upon the foundation laid by trailblazers like Angus Jackson and the entire team at International Coastal Management (ICM), the future will see coastal management strategies that are not only reactive but also anticipatory. Harnessing the symbiotic alliance of science, engineering, and the nature based solutions , we can ensure the Gold Coast's legacy endures, not just as a testament to its past glories, but as a beacon of hope and resilience in the face of future challenges. Acknowledgements An acknowledgment is due to the Gold Coast city and their dedicated team, both past and present. Their unwavering support and openness to pilot projects have been instrumental in advancing coastal management strategies. Their emphasis on rigorous monitoring and development has set a benchmark for other coastal regions to emulate. Additionally, a special mention goes out to the consultants and contractors who have seamlessly integrated into the Gold Coast coastal management team. Their expertise, commitment, and collaborative spirit have been invaluable in shaping the Gold Coast's legacy as a pioneer in sustainable coastal management.