Blowouts in coastal foredunes

Foredune blowouts within many embayments along the south coast of South Africa are traditionally believed to be caused by human activities and the result of onshore winds reducing vegetation cover and developing landward migrating patches of bare sand. These bare areas are not blowouts sensu strictu, however, and are more likely the elongated horns of barchan dunes formed across the direction of the dominant winds. Blowouts of this type have been present on the foreshore of Algoa Bay for more than 100 years and long before present-day human pressures could be the possible causal factor. They are not likely to present major management problems provided buildings are not constructed within them or closely behind them. Where necessary, vegetation cover should be maintained either by keeping people out of the dunes or by implementing revegetation options. Some mechanical sand relocation may occasionally be a helpful short-term management solution.