2B.12b policy decisions are based on complex judgements

Question 1

policy decisions

Answer 1

in the UK, coastal management is overseen by DEFRA

since DEFRA introduced Shoreline Management Plans, there have only been four policies available for coastal management:

• NO ACTIVE INTERVENTION
  no investment in defending against flooding or erosion
• HOLD THE LINE
  build or maintain coastal defences so that the position of the shoreline remains the same over time
• STRATEGIC REALIGNMENT
  this involves allowing the coastline to retreat but in a managed way
  it can involve the deliberate breaching of flood banks built to protect low-quality farmland from flooding (creating salt-marsh environments)
• ADVANCE THE LINE
  this involves extending the coastline out to sea e.g. by encouraging the build-up of a wider beach, using beach nourishment methods and groyne construction

Question 2

Cost-Benefit Analysis is used as part of the decision-making process

Answer 2

a CBA is used to help decide if defending a coastline from erosion and/or flooding

benefits of protection:
- 45 hectares of farmland would be saved
- the Manor Caravan Park would be saved which employs local people
but the cost of building coastal defences at Happisburgh is around £6 million

Question 3

SMPs

Answer 3

in the UK SMPs were drawn up by local authorities working together and will all stakeholders to manage a long stretch of coastline

Question 4

Holderness

Answer 4

the overall SMP works with the natural Holderness sediment cell to maximise protection in some places with the overall aim of reducing erosion rates over a timescale of 100 years or more