COASTAL ENGINEERING AND SEDIMENT DYNAMICS: BALANCING HUMAN INFRASTRUCTURE AND NATURAL PROCESSES FOR SUSTAINABLE MANAGEMENT OF VENTURA COUNTY'S COASTLINE

Our field examinations of Ventura County's 24-mile coastline over the past 45 years, uses longshore current and sediment analysis, structural inspections, and satellite image and aerial photographic evaluations to reveal a dynamic interplay between natural coastal processes and human-made structures (jetties, breakwaters, groins, seawalls).

Notably, modifications to the 1973 jetty segment at the Port of Hueneme alter longshore current dynamics, redirecting sand into the Hueneme Submarine Canyon-Fan system. This prompts a detailed examination of the intricate relationship between human infrastructure and natural coastal dynamics.

Anthropogenic structures along coastline, built from durable rock boulders, include resilient installations like the 83-year-old Hueneme jetty, and the 60-year-old rock walls, groins, and breakwaters that showcase the legacy of coastal engineering.

Ventura County's major watersheds, like the Santa Clara River, transport sand to the coastline, safeguarding against erosion. Natural formations such as the Ventura and Santa Clara River Mouths, along with Calleguas Creek, protect against climate change impacts. Strategic beach nourishment defend against erosion and storms, underscoring the need for balanced coastal management.

Sand dunes stand as iconic features of the coastal landscape, serving as dynamic barriers against the relentless forces of coastal erosion and flooding. Found along various beaches such as Ventura, McGrath, Oxnard Shores, Hollywood, Silverstrand, Port Hueneme, Ormond, Point Mugu, and Thornhill Broome areas, these sand dunes absorb and disperse wave and storm surge energy, safeguarding inland areas and providing vital habitat for a diverse array of plant and animal species.

Our research underscores the critical role of longshore currents in beach sand migration along the coastline, emphasizing the delicate balance between human interventions and natural coastal dynamics.

To ensure the long-term sustainability of the coastline amidst evolving climatic challenges, including sea-level rise and storm surges, proactive measures must be taken to protect sand dunes from threats such as trampling, off-road vehicle use, and unchecked development. Initiatives such as native vegetation planting and access controls are crucial for safeguarding these coastal features and preserving the area's ecosystems.