Erosion Assessment, Quantification and Protection Measures: Shëngjin Bay

Abstract

This study examines how the shoreline of the Shëngjin bay has changed, advanced or retreated due to different factors both natural and human caused. To better understand how these factors have influenced the bay an old 1984 map of the bay has been used and the corresponding erosion and accretion zones have been highlighted. The main objective is to achieve a better understanding of the phenomena taking place and the degree of erosion affecting the beach in order to suggest measures to control the rate of erosion or if possible, put it to halt. In this study it is found that during the years the sea is moving towards the land at a very high rate. This endangers the inhabited area of the beach as well as the lagoon which is considered as an area of high importance (protected area) both for the wildlife and the humans living in the area. The measures needed to help the bay from being completely eroded are suggested and each of them is discussed in detail in the conclusions section of the study.