There is a legal obligation to compensate for the impacts of maintaining coastal flood management infrastructure, or management activities that could lead to coastal squeeze. Coastal practitioners define coastal squeeze to the best of their ability, but a number of studies have highlighted inconsistencies in the definition used for ‘coastal squeeze’ and demonstrated problems in quantifying it. If coastal squeeze is underestimated, then the legal obligation is not fully met, and if overestimated extra compensatory habitat is put in place at considerable cost.
Through desk-based research and a workshop with coastal practitioners, a new definition of costal squeeze was agreed as well as a two-stage standard method and guidance for consistently assessing coastal squeeze.
Four case studies that demonstrate how the method can be applied to mudflats, saltmarshes and sand/shingle beaches are included in the guidance which will be used as Shoreline Management Plans and associated strategies are reviewed.