By Kati Moore (MEM 16) Nicholas School Communications Assistant

DURHAM, N.C. In a new book, authors Orrin H. Pilkey of Duke University and J. Andrew G. Cooper of the University of Ulster argue that immediate action must be taken to save the worlds beaches from the negative impacts of development, mining, and pollution.

The book, The Last Beach, discusses the dynamic nature of beaches and how current practices such as shoreline stabilization and beach nourishment work against beaches natural processes.

The bottom line is that in fifty years, and certainly in one hundred years, we will have no beaches left on developed shorelines in the developed world, said Pilkey, who will read from the book tonight (Nov. 11) at 7 p.m. at the Regulator Bookshop in Durham.

Myriad problems face beaches around the world, Pilkey and Cooper argue. Most of these problems stem from people trying to engineer beaches to fit human ideals, instead of moving with the beaches inevitable changes.

Stabilizing shorelines by building seawalls is one significant problem. Seawalls are often built to protect beachfront buildings, but usually do more harm than good, Pilkey said. In Cape May, New Jersey, the historically healthy beach was severely eroded following the construction of a seawall, despite multiple replenishment efforts.

Another common and harmful practice is beach replenishment, in which offshore sand is mined and put on the beach. This can change wave patterns and damages offshore ecosystems. Commercial fishermen in Nantucket, Mass., have opposed beach replenishment efforts due to the potential negative effects on fish populations.

Pollution is a significant problem on beaches, both in the water and the sand. Common sources of pollution are raw sewage and wastewater runoff, which often contain harmful bacteria. Beach pollution is a problem with personal significance for Pilkey, whose grandson contracted methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infection from a cut on his foot after surfing on Westport Beach in Washington.

Pilkey and Coopers recommendations for beach-goers are do not walk barefoot on the beach, do not lie or sit directly on the sand, do not swim after a heavy rain, and never, ever get buried in sand.In order to preserve beaches for future generations, Pilkey and Cooper offer four rules: Do not build seawalls. Do not build beachfront high-rises. Do not mine sand. Value the beach ecosystem.

The key to successfully preserving beaches, Pilkey said, is to change with the beaches. We need to bend with nature. Thats not a new idea, but in so many ways, we dont bend with nature, he said.

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Orrin Pilkey's Book a Call to Action to Save the Beaches