The North Carolina Coast is one of the most fragile ecosystems in the area. The shoreline is constantly in flux, and has retreated significantly in only the last decade. As sea levels rise, storms become more powerful and more frequent, and human activity accelerates coastal erosion, we are forced to act quickly to slow, or ultimately prevent, the depletion of our beaches. Furthermore, over 40 percent of Americans live along the coast, and as a result, there are increasing numbers of residential and commercial developments that are being constructed closer and closer to the water. As North Carolina shorelines retreat inward at higher rates every year, the self-reinforcing factors that cause this depletion demand solutions with increasing urgency. To combat the quickly accelerating trends of coastal erosion, two general strategies have been put forth: hard and soft stabilization. Here, we will focus on the basics of hard stabilization methods, while simultaneously considering both the pros and cons of these implementations.
To begin, one must understand what is meant by hard stabilization. This category of coastal engineering includes the most commonly used methods of stabilization, as they are generally cheaper and more fast-acting than their soft stabilization counterparts. More specifically, hard stabilization is the use of any permanent or long-term human-made structures to protect from and control coastal erosion. There are four major types of hard stabilization: jetties, groins, seawalls, and breakwaters. With each of these erosion prevention methods, there are associated benefits and drawbacks. Moreover, it is important to note that North Carolina has banned the construction of any new hard stabilization structures along the coast, however, existing structures may remain in place. In addition to this, other neighboring states such as South Carolina still allow hard stabilization structures to be built on the shoreline.
