Beach Monitoring

Shoreline erosion and rising sea levels are  important concerns to tropical islands whose economy depends on coastal tourism, especially with the threats of sea level rise associated with global warming. This has led to the development of studies to monitor these natural hazards.

Bird Island’s owner and its Manager were particularly interested to take part in this long term project. This is because in the late ’80’s and early ’90’s Bird Island suffered a major cycle of erosion. As a result the complete rebuilding of the Lodge was necessary as the existing Lodge was being washed into the sea. Over 75m of land was lost to the ocean.

What’s it all about?

• Monitoring beach profiles using simple methods which can be carried out by a team of trained staff.

• Collecting data which provide useful information about erosion, accretion and major storm events.

• Analysis of data which then helps in beach management.  

• Application of data in order to help with relocation of turtle nests if necessary.

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Three members of the Coastal Zone Management Unit came to the island in September 2003 to set up the programme.

Four of our island staff from the island have been trained in the correct methods of collecting the data. Fixed points of reference have been set up at various points around the island's beach and the first measurements were taken on 30 September 2003. Readings are taken monthly and entered into the simple computer programme which has been specially designed for this purpose.