Integrated Management Study of Comacchio Coast (Italy)

The study area covers 21 km of sandy coast between Porto Garibaldi and Porto Corsini (northern Adriatic Sea). The main problem in the area is beach erosion. This is due to the evolution of the delta of the Reno River, and to the effects of past anthropogenic impacts that modified the sediment transport dynamics of the beach. An important factor affecting the morphological evolution of the site is land subsidence. This caused an important modification of the relative elevation of the ground at sea level, increasing the beach erosion. Another phenomenon analysed in the study is the closure of the mouth of the Bellocchio channel, that links the Adriatic Sea with the existing lagoons (Ancone di Bellocchio and Valli di Comacchio). The mouth sanding process influences the water exchange and the hydraulic circulation within the lagoons and creates severe water quality problems. The study takes into account the most important physical and biological variables of the local environment and suggests some management interventions defined and verified with the use of numerical models. The solutions follow the basic principles of Integrated Coastal Zone Management established by the European Community take a wide ranging perspective, build on an understanding of specific conditions in the area of interest, work with natural processes, ensure that decisions taken today do not foreclose options for the future.