BEACH NOURISHMENT TO REDUCE THE BREACHING RISK OF A SAND SPIT A CASE STUDY FROM CARNARVON, WESTERN AUSTRALIA

The Carnarvon Fascine is a tidal lagoon situated in the township of Carnarvon, Western Australia. The lagoon is a significant recreational boating asset for both the local and tourist community as it provides safe waters for vessels and houses several boating facilities. In 2017 the barrier spit that protected the lagoon entrance channel from the open ocean was breached, leading to the disintegration of the spit and infilling of the lagoon entrance channel. The sedimentation of the channel resulted in substantial navigational issues as the lagoon was effectively closed off from the ocean. In 2023 the entrance channel was dredged to re-establish vessel access and the spoil was used to reconstruct the dune system on the spit with the aim of reducing the risk of future breaches.