deprived the coastal areas of sediment formerly available through the natural 

 erosion process. These methods reduce the amount of sand transported along 

 the coast. It thus becomes apparent that sand must be conserved. This does 

 not mean local hoarding of beach sand at the expense of adjoining areas, but 

 rather the elimination of wasteful practices and the prevention of losses from 

 the coastal zone whenever feasible. 



Fortunately, nature provides extensive storage of beach sand in bays, 

 lagoons, estuaries, and offshore areas that can be used as a source of beach 

 and dune replenishment where the ecological balance will not be disrupted. 

 Massive dune deposits are also available at some locations, though these 

 must be used with caution to avoid exposing the area to flood hazard. The 

 sources are not always located in the proper places for economic utilization 

 nor are they considered permanent. When these sources are depleted, increas- 

 ing costs must be faced for the preservation of the beaches. Offshore sand 

 deposits will probably become the most important source in the future. 



Mechanical bypassing of sand at structured coastal inlets is one means of 

 conservation that will come into increasing practice. Mining of beach sand 

 for commercial purposes, formerly a common procedure, is rapidly being reduced 

 as coastal communities learn the need for regulating this practice. Modern 

 hopper dredges equipped with a pump-out capability and split-hulled dredges 

 are being used to facilitate nearshore discharge of sands from navigation 

 channel maintenance dredging. On the California coast where large volumes of 

 sand are lost into deep submarine canyons near the coast, facilities are being 

 considered that will trap the sand before it reaches the submarine canyon and 

 transport it mechanically to a point where it can resume advantageous long- 

 shore transport. Dune planting with appropriate grasses and shrubs reduces 

 landward windborne losses and aids in dune preservation. 



The protection of coastal areas is not a simple problem; neither is it 

 insurmountable. It is a task and a responsibility that has increased tremen- 

 dously in importance in the past 50 years, and is destined to become a neces- 

 sity in future years. While the cost will mount as time passes, it will be 

 possible through careful planning, adequate management, and sound engineering 

 to do the job of protecting coastal areas properly and economically. 



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