Which term refers to a coastal management strategy involving holes in existing sea defences so that a new coastline is established further inland?

Which term refers to a coastal management strategy involving holes in existing sea defences so that a new coastline is established further inland?

• A. Re-urbanisation
• B. Hydrograph
• C. Managed retreat
• D. Rural

Answer: (C)

Managed retreat is a coastal management strategy where defenses are intentionally breached or removed to let the coastline move inland. By creating controlled holes in sea walls or barriers, waves erode the land behind them so a new shoreline forms further inland. This approach is used when continuing to defend the original coast is too costly or unsustainable, and it shifts risk away from valuable inland areas by allowing the coast to reclaim land gradually. It contrasts with hard engineering that aims to hold the line, and it isn’t about measuring water (hydrography) or rural development.

Managed retreat is a coastal management strategy where defenses are intentionally breached or removed to let the coastline move inland. By creating controlled holes in sea walls or barriers, waves erode the land behind them so a new shoreline forms further inland. This approach is used when continuing to defend the original coast is too costly or unsustainable, and it shifts risk away from valuable inland areas by allowing the coast to reclaim land gradually. It contrasts with hard engineering that aims to hold the line, and it isn’t about measuring water (hydrography) or rural development.