SOUTHEASTERN NORTH CAROLINA SHOREFACE SAND RESOURCES: THE LIMITING VARIABLE FOR VIABLE BEACH MANAGEMENT PLANS

Southeastern North Carolina is a major tourist destination. More than 80 % of the 250km long shoreline between Cape Lookout and Sunset Beach is developed, and consequently the communities and adjacent mainland areas are experiencing sustained economic and population growth. Twelve of the 17 coastal communities along this shoreline segment have a history of replenishment, while the remainder have feasibility studies in progress or have requested assistance to stem the land loss. Local governments are faced with critical sand shortages because of the restrictive nature of the state's regulatory policies regarding utilization of sand within upland areas, estuarine waters and tidal inlet systems. As a consequence, the shoreface has been targeted to satisfy the need for large volumes of compatible sand for storm damage reduction projects. Data are presented for several extensive shoreface reaches targeted by six communities (North Topsail Beach-Wrightsville Beach and Oak Island) with different erosion histories, underlying geology and nourishment needs.

Many communities have a marginal potential for locating suitable sand resources for the long-term (30 years). Consequently, major sections of high hazard areas will have to be abandoned, as relocation of most of the structures is not an option. This scenario will likely set in motion a groundswell movement for the implementation of shoreline hardening structures that are currently banned. It is crucial to recognize how these assumptions and their economic and political impacts strengthen the need for developing sound, site-specific inlet management strategies in tandem with exploitation of the shoreface when the aforementioned is an option.