Strusińska-Correia, A., 2014. Beach stabilization at Kołobrzeg, Poland.

The coastal erosion on the Baltic Sea at Kołobrzeg (Poland) is a result of the superposition of the local hydrodynamics and the anthropogenic factors of this multi-functional, intensively developing city. Particularly high rates of erosion are observed along the 3 km-long shore, east of the port, despite countermeasures undertaken (groynes, seawalls, waveblocks and beach nourishment). In view of the increasing importance of Kołobrzeg as a tourist resort and the investment boom taking place in the immediate vicinity of the shoreline, the preservation of the disappearing beaches and protection of the low-lying urbanized areas became a burning issue for the local authorities. However, the means of coastal protection applied have been ineffective and have also impaired the natural beauty of the beach. The continuous submerged breakwater of length of almost 3 km, constructed in 2010 - 2012, seems to have stabilized the beach, although its impact on the adjacent coastal sections and environment requires further analysis. In this paper, the causes of the coastal erosion at Kołobrzeg are discussed, based on the morpho-geological and hydrodynamic conditions as well as the character of the urban development. The beach protection used is analyzed chronologically in terms of its effectiveness and novelty.