Beach responses to coastal structures and their impacts on tourism investment, Sidi Abd El-Rahman coastal zone − Mediterranean Sea, Egypt

Abstract

Sidi Abd El-Rahman coastal zone is a hub of luxury tourism along the Mediterranean Sea of Egypt. It has several types of coastal structures, such as groins, revetments, jetties, and breakwaters connected to the shore; these structures were constructed to mitigate coastal erosion, recreational activities, and other purposes. The study area has undergone an extensive erosion process since 2016. Therefore, the present study aims to assess shoreline change rates and beach area change over the last 27 years (1995–2022) and their impacts on the tourism investment in Sidi Abd El-Rahman coastal zone. To attain the objectives of the present study, multi-temporal satellite images and Digital Shoreline Analysis System software have been used to detect and quantify shoreline changes. In addition, the most recent tourism real-estate prices were used to estimate the economic loss due to the beach loss. The analysis showed that the Sidi Abd El-Rahman coast can be divided into four zones, according to the intensity of the erosion process. The results showed that the average rate of shoreline displacement is − 0.08 (± 1.5) m/year (mild erosion), 0.24 (± 1.4) m/year (mild accretion), and − 1.3 (± 4.3) m/year (moderate erosion) for the intermediate periods 1995–2005, 2005–2015, and 2015–2022, respectively. The lost beach surfaces dominate those gained by accretion, and the overall sediment budget is negative. The beaches of Marassi Resort are the most eroded spot after building the new marina at the center of this resort. Accordingly, the present study recommends the implementation of soft solutions nourishment scheme for eroded beaches with strict regulations and an awareness program, and in addition, mitigate the impact of the new marina built at Marassi Resort using environmental assessment and coastal modeling techniques or modifying its design concerning the Dubai Palm Island to reduce its impact on adjacent beaches.