Sandy-beach ecosystems:their health, resilience and management

Lining most of the world’s exposed shores, beach ecosystems are subject to numerous, increasing pressures imposed by burgeoning coastal development and climate change. Consequently, beach ecosystems are vulnerable and their ecological health and resilience are in question. This paper identifies the major threats to beaches, explores some of the ecological consequences, and discusses concepts of ecological health and resilience as applied to sandy shores. We also suggest some goals and strategies for coastal management and pose questions for which robust answers are currently lacking.