Explanation of Indicator
Armoring refers to coastal protection measures such as seawalls, bulkheads,
and other similar structures, designed to prevent the erosion of property
immediately behind the structure. Armoring of the coastline with various
types of hard substances has provided an effective means to protect human
development from the destructive effects of waves and tides caused by storm
events.
Armoring has a number of effects upon the immediate surroundings. Even though it is effective in protecting structures, it can have an adverse effect on property to either side or directly in front of it. Seawalls and other armoring structures are not able to absorb the energy of waves and currents as well as unaltered coastline. Therefore this energy may be deflected to either side of the structure or to the shoreline in front of the structure, leading to accelerated erosion in these areas. This increased erosion can decrease the amount of shoreline available for public use. If the threat (or perceived threat) of erosion is severe, there may be an increase in the miles of coast altered by armoring.
The number of permits issued for coastal armoring indirectly indicates a county’s concern for protecting its citizens, property, and the public trust. Monitoring the number of permits is an alternative to measuring the miles of coastal armoring. It provides an indication of the number of different sites disturbed and the alteration of the coastline, as well as the perceived threat of erosion to coastal structures. However, as an indicator it is limited by the fact that the permits are not issued on a one-permit-per-structure basis and because issuance of a permit does not necessarily reflect construction. Therefore, the number of permits does not directly indicate the amount of armoring.
Data Characteristics
SOURCE
There is no central database for the type and amount of armoring
permitted. The information can be obtained from each of the coastal
county governments, and even then may only exist on a permit-by-permit basis.
ACQUISITION
The information is available in hard copy format at no cost.
COLLECTION
The data are currently collected by the local county agencies on a
case-by-case basis when permits for construction are reviewed.
Recommendations
It is recommended that the Florida Department of Environmental
Protection’s Bureau of Beaches and Coastal Systems collect and
aggregate the armoring permit data on an annual basis by requesting
a yearly summary of all permit data from the local county agencies.
To be most meaningful and to better illustrate the complex processes
involved in coastal erosion, this indicator should be used in conjunction
with the indicator identifying miles of eroding coastline. An analysis
of the two indicators could show a direct relationship between location
of armoring and sites of erosion.