Blackwater estuary CS- COASTS

Question 1

Context

Answer 1

-The Blackwater Estuary in Essex is an area of tidal salt marsh and low-lying farmland.
-Prone to flooding and coastal erosion, the farmland was traditionally protected by flood embankments and revetments
-Over the last 30 years it has become clear that building higher and more coastal defences in places such as Blackwater is not sustainable.
- All stakeholders agree on a course of action in this case study.

Question 2

The process

Answer 2

As sea levels rise, estuary salt marshes naturally respond by migrating inland and sea defences prevent this so salt marshes eventually disappear and removes natural protection the slt marsh provides against flooding ad risen, exposing sea defences to dirt wave attack

Question 3

What strategy was decided to be implemented

Answer 3

Hold the line

Question 4

Response

Answer 4

• A farm was purchased on the blackwater estuary which was threatened by erosion and flooding. A 4000 hectare managed realignment scheme was implemented by creating 5 breaches in the sea wall in 2002.

Question 5

Benefits of the response

Answer 5

• The farm owners received the market price for those trheratneed farm
• the very high costs of a hold the line policy were avoided but flood risk reduced
• water quality in the estuary improve due to expansion of reed beds Which filter and clean the water
• new paths and waterways were create fro leisure activities
• additional income streams from ecotourism and wildlife watchign were created
• important bird habitats and fish nurseries were enhanced

Question 6

What does this all show?

Answer 6

• It shows that the environmentalists, coastal managers and local people and business can al be kept happy even when radical (far reaching) plans are adopted