Alternatives to beach nourishment:

1) Glass as an alternative for protection against sea erosion

Beach nourishment is a practice whereby local authorities supplement the beach with sand due to eroding waves pattern that cause the lost of sand from beaches. Such beaches usually have moderate to large economic impact as they support numerous industries such as tourism, food and beverages, hotel, recreation and transportation industries. In order to maintain and/or ensure that beaches stay pristine and beautiful, sand is dredged from other places and replaced onto the beach.

Although not common for beach nourishment purpose, one way that has emerged is using glass. Due to the minerals and amount of sodium in the water, the glass is softened and the glass pieces changes its colour to beautiful gemstones.

 

Artificial reefs placed near beaches

Reef Ball are redesigned breakwaters, made from concrete, fiberglass and micro silica, fully submerged near the coastline. These modified breakwater contains pockets of opening to scaffold the growth of the coral reefs. Over time, coral reefs grows on these breakwater and provide addition support in slowing down wave actions.

Lee (2003) conducted a research using Reef Ball Artificial Breakwater System. The results of his research showed that has significantly alleviated the beach erosion problem. Within 4 months, the beach width increased from 0 to 55 feet.

An example of the Reef Ball Artificial Breakwater
Cr: Reef Balls (Louisiana State University, 2009)