Northern Ireland

Scientists studying Co Down beach system to find out how and why coastline is changing

The study is examining the Newcastle to Dundrum beach system of Murlough Bay
The study is examining the Newcastle to Dundrum beach system of Murlough Bay The study is examining the Newcastle to Dundrum beach system of Murlough Bay

SCIENTISTS are conducting studies of a beach system in Co Down in a bid to find out how and why our coastline is changing.

The study is examining the Newcastle to Dundrum beach system of Murlough Bay and it is hoped the findings will be used to predict future changes to help better plan how to protect the fragile coastal environment.

It explores how climate-related processes, including sea-level rise and storms, may alter the physical environment that supports protected species and habitats on our coasts.

The work is part of the €6.4 million European environment project MarPAMM (Marine Protected Area Management and Monitoring) that will develop tools and plans to protect vulnerable marine habitats and species in the waters between Scotland and Northern Ireland.

It is funded by the European Union’s INTERREG VA Programme as well as Stormont's department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs and the Republic's department of Housing, Planning and Local Government.

Professor Derek Jackson from Ulster University, who is involved in the project, said: "Naturally, our coasts are constantly and slowly changing.

"These changes are becoming more apparent when extreme weather events increase and sea levels rise.

"Using ground based survey technology, we can now study relatively rapid changes in the movements of beach sands on this site.

"Research to date has shown that the once golden beaches at the promenade at Newcastle have over the past few decades been pushed down the coast towards Ballykinler through wave and tidal action.

"With increased storm events we are studying how this may present itself in the near future.

"As well as past and present movements, we are examining future scenarios of how heightened sea levels at the site will alter the coastline dynamics; using Murlough Bay site as a test bed for establishing coastal monitoring protocols for other sites in the region.

"These will help advise any future science-led coastal management approaches we may adopt for protecting these vulnerable environments."

Beach scientist Dr Melanie Biausque added: "We visit the site every month and for the next few years this will help generate a visualisation of surface height changes on the beach, telling us how waves have moved sand around under different wave events.

"These are incorporated in a computer model that should allow us to see how future storms will react with the underlying sandy seabed and beach."

Gina McIntyre of the SEUPB, which is managing the funding, said: "During these challenging times, a stroll along the beach is not yet possible for many of us, however, the research that is being carried out by MarPAMM will provide invaluable data to help protect Murlough Bay, for many years to come".