Beach conservation and enhancement: the basis for a national policy on coastal erosion in the United States.

A rationale for beach conservation policy is presented and its relation to exisitng shoreline development practices and shoreline protection are explained. The beach is defined, the significance of a beach resource discussed and changes to this resource system are illustrated. Recent U.S. legislation includes the Coastal Zone Management Act and the Coastal Barrier Resources Act. The proposed policy could be implemented as an amendment to the latter act and would involve the withholding of federal subsidies for construction on or behind the beach where such construction will interfere with exchange of sand to the beach. This should help to restore the beach and create guidelines for the siting of any new coastal structures. (A.J.)