Shoreline Management Plans and Coastal Cells in Scotland

Scotland is following the path of England and Wales in developing shoreline management plans (SMPs) for the coastal sediment cells identified along the coastline. However, there is a limited degree of coastal sediment exchange, and a cell-based management plan may not be appropriate. This critical assessment of the characteristics of sediment cells in Scotland determined the appropriateness of SMP adoption for cells along the entire coastline. Alternatives related to integrated coastal zone management include a process defined management unit approach or a local issues-based approach.