75% of the World’s sandy beaches are stable or growing
Analysis of satellite derived shoreline data indicates that 24% of the world’s sandy beaches are eroding at rates exceeding 0.5 m/yr, while 28% are accreting and 48% are stable. Coastal zones constitute one of the most heavily populated and developed land zones in the world. Despite the utility and economic benefits that coasts provide, there is no reliable global-scale assessment of
historical shoreline change trends.
By using freely available optical satellite images captured since 1984, in conjunction with sophisticated image interrogation and analysis methods, a global-scale assessment of the occurrence of sandy beaches and rates of shoreline change was undertaken. This found that 31% of the world’s ice-free shoreline beaches are sandy. Analysis of satellite derived shoreline data for the 33-year period 1984–2016 indicated that 24% of the world’s sandy beaches are eroding at rates exceeding 0.5 m/yr, while 28% are accreting and 48% are stable. The majority of the sandy shorelines in marine protected areas are eroding, raising cause for serious concern.
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-018-24630-6
Menard Oceania boosts its New Zealand ‘front row’
In August 2020, international design and construction geotechnical specialist Menard Oceania announced that it is reinforcing its New Zealand ‘front row’ with the appointment of Doug Close as
Bid and Project Manager. Before joining Menard Oceania, Doug’s six years in New Zealand have included the role of Operations Manager – Geotechnical, at March Construction and more
recently he was Piling Manager at Fulton Hogan. Originally from Glasgow, Scotland, Doug spent the earlier part of his career working in the UK ground improvement sector.
Menard Oceania is a part of Soletanche Freyssinet, a group of world leaders in soil and structural engineering. This relationship further strengthens Menard’s ability to manage complex integrated problems and continue as a leader and pioneer of specialist geotechnical contracting.
