Integrating Science into Shoreline Management Practice and Policy: an Irish Perspective

Historically, coastal geomorphological research was carried out purely to gain scientific knowledge. Over the last 30 years coastal geomorphology has played an increasingly important role in coastal management plans. The transition from research for research to research for management has not been smooth and the use of scientific knowledge in management is hampered by several science-management barriers. Consequently scientific knowledge is not often well integrated into policy at a national level and practice at a local level. Good coastal policy and management practice should be underpinned by sound scientific backing (albeit mediated by political and economic necessity). In this paper we investigate the issues that influence the integration of coastal geomorphological knowledge into coastal management. Through a case study in County Donegal, Ireland, we identify the practical issues surrounding shoreline management at local and National level and propose an approach that better utilizes available scientific knowledge.