Shoreline erosion management program for Rosarito Beach, Baja California, Mexico

Rosarito Beach has a population of nearly 50,000 and was recently created as a municipality where tourism is its most important economic activity. The town area includes II kin of sandy beaches which constitutes tbe most important natural asset for the region's economy and provides protection from marine forces. Recently the beach width along the sandy stretch has decreased due to shoreline erosion, resulting in damages to recreational and urban infrastructure. Although beach erosion is considered ii critical problem by the municipality, there is no coastal policy to address this problem nor a plan for beach preservation. A shoreline erosion program was elaborated by the local university to promote beach preservation. As a first step, a sediment budget for the area was generated and the shoreline was characterised as a function of coastal morphology, land use, population density and shore protection structures. From this information an erosion hazard analysis was conducted to define erosion vulnerability of the entire beach. A set of strategies and policies for erosion management was established for discussion with key actors in the community of Rosarito Beach in order to develop a plan accordingly to their interests.