Coastal towns could become islands due to erosion

Carlos M. Padín Bibiloni, director of the Graduate Program in Environmental Sciences at Ana G. Méndez University, stressed that the situation is critical for coastal municipalities.

By The Star Staff

In less than 25 years, the municipalities of Loíza, Cataño and Barceloneta could become small islands due to coastal erosion, environmental experts said Thursday at the Third Coastal Erosion Summit.

During the event held in Loíza, experts addressed the risks faced by communities living along the coast. One of the key presentations was delivered by Carlos M. Padín Bibiloni, director of the Graduate Program in Environmental Sciences at Ana G. Méndez University (UAGM) in Gurabo. He emphasized the critical situation for coastal municipalities, stating, “There is a reality that we will all face if urgent action is not taken: over time, coastal erosion will cause Loíza, Cataño and Barceloneta to become small islands. This situation is that serious.”

His presentation was titled “Coastal Erosion in Puerto Rico and the Caribbean: Causes, Impacts, and Mitigation Strategies.”

The analysis highlighted the causes of compromised coastal stability in Puerto Rico and the Caribbean, including the impact of cold fronts and tropical cyclones. Those intense weather events cause strong winds and storm surges that directly erode coastlines, displacing sand and sediment. The position of the moon affects tides, meanwhile, which intensifies wave impact and accelerates erosion.

To mitigate the impacts, experts proposed solutions such as constructing natural barriers, including mangroves and coral reefs, which act as natural protectors against wave forces. Padín also stressed the importance of implementing sustainable coastal management policies, including beach restoration and the creation of buffer zones.

For example, beach restoration through sand replenishment costs some $15 to $40 per cubic meter.

“Beach restoration is currently being done in Barcelona, Spain,” he said. “Similarly, mangrove restoration activities are taking place in Manila Bay, Philippines, where wetlands and mangroves absorb wave energy. Mangroves can reduce wave height by 66% for every 100 meters of width.”

Artificial dunes, which serve as storm barriers, are already being constructed along the coast of the Netherlands. Breakwaters, designed to dissipate wave energy, cost between $4,000 and $10,000 per linear meter, as seen in Galveston, Texas. Retaining walls are being built in New Orleans to protect low-lying areas from flooding, with costs ranging from $1 to $5 million per kilometer. In the Netherlands, efforts are also underway to elevate land to reduce flood risks.

“There are additional options, such as structures that help reduce erosion, prevent flooding, and minimize damage to urban and rural coastal areas,” Padín noted. “Dikes and seawalls are artificial barriers that prevent water from entering cities and agricultural land. Retaining walls and breakwaters dissipate wave energy and protect coastlines from erosion.”

Moreover, there is a pressing need to relocate at-risk populations to safer areas, supported by progressive relocation plans and economic and social assistance. Eliminating settlements in critical areas can help restore natural ecosystems.

“In Alaska, some indigenous communities are already being relocated due to extreme coastal erosion,” Padín said. “In New York, innovative drainage systems and flood-prone park adaptations were implemented after Hurricane Sandy. Anticipating extreme events can reduce damage and save lives.”