PROVINCIAL government is now prioritising the ‘pressing need’ for coastal management lines (CML) to address further erosion of northern KZN’s already battered beaches.
The Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (EDTEA) says in its latest coastal management newsletter that the sea level rise (SLR) estimates, now in the region of 2.7mm per year, will most likely increase swells and storm events.
This will result in greater erosion, further damaging local infrastructure and properties.
‘Edtea has been focusing on determining a coastal process line which considers coastal risk, natural dynamics of the coastline and possible future changes as a result of sea level rise, to inform the CML determination for KZN.
‘This component has been looked at carefully by extensive modelling of coastal processes and risk, through a partnership with the Oceanographic Research Institute (ORI) and an appointed service provider.’
EDTEA Coastal management lines are required in terms of the ICM Act to protect coastal public property, private property, the coastal protection zone and public safety.
Exercising coastal control
The department said it has started ongoing training for coastal managers.
‘The first session this year focused on coastal adaptation and vulnerability.
‘We were fortunate to have an international expert, Dr Luciana Esteves (Bournemouth University, UK), for a two-day workshop.
‘The information presented was well received and highlighted the need for subsequent training.
‘The Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA) offered a second training opportunity in partnership with EDTEA and the South African Local Government Association (SALGA).
‘This training was an introduction to ICM (international coastal management) for local and provincial government officials.’
But Edtea said this is only the beginning.
‘There are a number of training areas which still need to be covered, with fish kills response and stranded marine animals response respectively prioritised for 2017.
‘There will be a training day for the public relating to First Aid for stranded marine animals such as dolphins, seals, turtles and birds to inform the public what they can do to assist before authorities arrive on the scene.’
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