Implementing an efficient beach erosion monitoring system for coastal management in Croatia

The introduction of beach monitoring in Croatia is timely because emerging Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) practices will require data-based approaches. Moreover, rare natural pocket beaches and the ever-increasing number of artificial beaches are extremely vulnerable to natural and man-made changes. Adaptive beach management, based on systematic monitoring data, should be included in the ICZM, and we detail how SfM-MVS-based monitoring can be used at different levels of the ICZM. Implementing robust ICZM monitoring will require broad considerations and consultation with all stakeholders, so we propose that SfM-MVS beach surveys should be initially integrated into the existing monitoring practices for CEAC sea water bathing quality. Extension of the existing database with rapidly-gathered low-cost 3D beach survey data, from a number of targeted beaches, could be used to provide a crucial baseline for the ICZM and strategic coastal monitoring of the CEAC.