The East Riding has one of the fastest eroding coastlines in North West Europe. The average erosion rate over the whole length is 1.8 metres per year. However rates fluctuate enormously, both over time and from place to place, so accurate prediction is often difficult. The Local Authority has been monitoring the rates of erosion for 50 years at over 110 monitoring points. Coastal protection is in place at the following settlements in the coastal zone - Bridlington, Hornsea, Mappleton and Withernsea, as well as the gas terminals at Easington. There are also some private defences at Skipsea and Ulrome that have had temporary planning consent. Away from these areas the coast is undefended. A total of 11.4 km currently has coastal protection (ICZM, 2002).

This section addresses:

• Erosion - the average rate of erosion along the Holderness coast is quoted as 1.8m per annum. The management tool of 'Rollback' is also considered.
• Flooding - the issue of flooding, especially on the Humber, has become one of serious concern following the extreme weather events of November 2000. The Environment Agency, is the main body responsible for flood defences on the estuary.
• Managed Realignment - the option of setting back the flood defences and coastal protection to allow the creation of important intertidal habitats and help to reduce the risk of flooding.
• Offshore Dredging - Implications of dredging offshore for coastal erosion. This has been a contentious issue in relation to sediment flow and coastal erosion.
• Shoreline Management Plans - coastal defence options based on best scientific data then available in order to identify defence policies that were technically and economically feasible and environmentally acceptable.

Use the links on the left hand navigation bar to find out more information.