Beach erosion is a concern in all coastal areas but when one lives on a sandbar it takes on a new level of importance. South Padre Island is it's beaches. They are the reason people come here to vacation, to live and to open businesses. The beaches are also home to a huge variety of wildlife and part of the major bird migratory path in North America.
As land becomes scarce and development moves forward SPI will most likely be facing even more problems with beach erosion than it is now. Last Thursday, the Board of Alderman hosted a workshop where representatives of ASR America presented information on the use of artificial reefs to control erosion and enhance conditions for surfing, fishing and other recreational beach activities.
It is an interesting concept and one which I am sure will be debated passionately as plans for beach renourishment proceed. In a letter to the editor published in the February 1, issue of The Island Breeze, Rob Nixon, gives a thoughtful review of the issues. Rob is Spokesman and Volunteer Coordinator for SPI Surfrider Foundation, Surfrider Foundation, South Texas Chapter. www.surfrider.org/southtexas
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