Coastal erosion and fine sediment management study for the area between Surfside and Cudarebe (Aruba)

The island of Aruba is part of the Caribbean Island Arch. The study area is located in the north-west stretch of the island, between the North Cape (Cudarebe) and the approach channel to the port of Oranjestad. The total length of this stretch of coastline is about 15 km, including the most touristic developed part of the island, with several hotels and resorts built in proximity of white coral beaches. Coastal erosion is taking place at some of these beaches. The erosion is not only affecting the beaches, which are one of the major resources of revenue of the island, but in some cases also threatens the stability of some hotels and restaurants behind them. At present, coastal erosion is addressed either by implementing local beach nourishments or with the construction of revetments and groynes at hot-spot erosion locations. A large-scale integrated coastal zone management plan for the island does not yet exist. Bathing water quality is also a major issue at some of the beaches. Additionally, the study should assess the feasibility and impact of possible new developments, such as the creation of new beaches and the possible widening/deepening of the access channel to the port. The study has been organized in two phases: 1) a desk study, focussing on problem evaluation and conceptual designs of possible solutions by means of data and literature review and expert advice and 2) a numerical modelling study, focusing on the quantitative assessment of the current situation and optimization of the conceptual design. The present report is the main deliverable from phase 1 (desk study).