Defining and interpreting shoreline change

Successfully managing the coastal zone requires careful consideration of all the components of shoreline motion. Shoreline movement is a complex phenomenon that is the result of both natural processes and man-made effects. Some of these processes occur over millennia, while others are recent and may be cyclic. Understanding changes to the shore requires both a complete understanding of the underlying processes and an ability to accurately measure the changes. Many uncertainties exist, and predictions must be approached with an understanding of potential errors. Agencies using predictions must exercise caution and be prudent in the application of predictions for management decisions.