Beach restoration with geotextile tubes as submerged breakwaters in Yucatan, Mexico

The beaches of the Northern coast of Yucatan in Mexico have been in a permanent erosion process that has dramatically increased in the past 15 years. Changes in the littoral dynamics, mainly due to human action, have generated a coastline regression rate, estimated at 1 m per year and more. Besides, this region is affected by all hurricanes that follow a path through the Gulf of Mexico. Risk of destruction due to extraordinary wave conditions is permanent. Coastline stabilization required a carefully designed project for controlling beach erosion, reducing as much as possible any changes to littoral dynamics that would have negative consequences in the long term. This paper describes the technical solution adopted using geotextile tubes, as low-crested structures, along 4 km of beach. Results up to date, and proposed actions for improving knowledge of this application are also discussed.