Evaluation for coastal reclamation feasibility using a comprehensive hydrodynamic framework: A case study in Haizhou...

Area of Science:

• Environmental science
• Coastal engineering
• Marine management

Background:

• Coastal reclamation (CR) is a common solution for land scarcity.
• Environmental impact assessments (EIA) typically evaluate individual coastal reclamation projects (CRPs).
• Limited research exists on the cumulative environmental effects of multiple CRPs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop an integrated framework for evaluating the cumulative impacts of multiple CRPs.
• To assess the feasibility of proposed CRPs in Haizhou Bay, China.
• To provide a scientific basis for future coastal management and environmental research.

Main Methods:

• Established an integrated framework based on coastal hydrodynamics.
• Applied the framework to evaluate the cumulative impacts of five proposed CRPs in Haizhou Bay.
• Compared the framework's results with traditional EIA findings.

Main Results:

• Three out of five proposed CRPs were deemed feasible.
• Two out of five proposed CRPs were identified as infeasible due to cumulative impacts.
• The study's findings contradicted the conclusions of individual EIAs, which approved all projects.

Conclusions:

• Cumulative environmental impact assessment is crucial for effective coastal reclamation management.
• The developed hydrodynamic framework offers a more accurate method for evaluating multiple CRPs.
• This research provides a scientific reference for sustainable coastal development and environmental protection.