Application of the littoral cell concept to managing a protected atoll: Palmyra Atoll National Wildlife Refuge

The recognition of littoral sediment cells has proven valuable to coastal zone management in many areas of the world because it emphasises that sediment transport and deposition relate to physical processes rather than to administrative boundaries and that sedimentary units are self-contained. To date, cells identified for shoreline management planning are often extensive, extending for tens to hundreds of km. We suggest that the concept is also applicable to the management of atoll coastlines which, although spatially very small overall, consist of isolated segments with efficient intervening sediment sinks. As an example, Palmyra Atoll, a protected wildlife refuge in the northern Line Islands, is undergoing natural major changes resulting from sediment-related processes. Defining sediment cells as integral parts of management units here will aid decision-making necessary for the protection of specific areas, potentially giving savings in research effort and remedial costs and minimising disruption to other sensitive areas of the reserve. Similar benefits would apply to the management of the coastlines of other atolls.