Long-term evolution and future approach of the Captiva and Sanibel Islands Beach Renourishment Program

摘要

This paper discusses the history of the Captiva and Sanibel Island Beach Renourishment Program in the context of overall program effectiveness, the 2013 nourishment project, and future management strategies. The primary topic of interest is how the shore protection projects on Captiva Island demonstrate proven beach preservation methods with a successful real-world example. The performance of the most recent project is highlighted alongside design improvements made to the program management with each successive project. Flexibility has been built into the program to address routine nourishment at 8-10 year intervals, emergency nourishment in response to major storm erosion and smaller hotspot nourishment to best meet the project needs over the next 15 years. This flexible management approach was permitted as a multi-use plan and will be further integrated with the results of the ongoing inlet management studies for Redfish Pass and Blind Pass, which are currently under way.