EQ4- Blackwater estuary coastal management Flashcards
What is happening at Black Water Estuary
-The sea walls were in need of repair and the wildlife trust wanted to consider a more sustainable approach that would take sea levels rising into account
How much are sea levels rising by at Black water estuary?
-Sea levels are rising by 30cm each century so 60% of the salt marsh had been lost in the last 25 years
Why is black water not very sustainable anymore, in terms of coasts defenses?
-It is prone to flooding and coastal erosion and 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 defenses in places such as Blackwater is not sustainable.
-The area was suffering from coastal squeeze. so the coastal zone becomes more narrower + is being eroded.
Who is managing the Blackwater Estuary Scheme?
The essex estuaries initiative.
-There’s also a wide range of authorizes from local authorities to fishing regulators and nature conservation agencies.
What is sustainable coastal management, in regards to Blackwater estuary?
-Coastal management that can be used for a long period of time.
-The essex estuaries iniatives is a sustainable approach to coastal
management by ensuring nature reserves, wildlife and the sustainable development of coastal populations and nature areas.
-They also support local businesses.
What scheme was implemented in Blackwater Estuary?
A 4000 hectare realignment scheme was implemented by creating five breaches in the sea wall in 2002.
-this allowed new salt marshes to form inland.
What are the positive impacts of the realignment scheme in Black Water estuary?
-Water quality in the estuary improved because of the expansion of reed beds that filter and clean the water
-Additional income streams from ecotourism and wildlife watching
What were the negative impacts of the realignment scheme at Blackwater Estuary?
Suffering from coastal squeeze (loss of land)
