Dr Shaw Mead from ASR Limited in New Zealand was in St Francis Bay from 15 to 17 May, 2006 to report back on the findings from the ASR Draft Report on the SFB Beach Project to the SFB Beach Trust.

In addition a Public Meeting was also held on 17 May in order to brief SFB residents on progress on the project this far.   The meeting was well attended and over seventy residents were there to listen to Shaw Mead review the current position and findings.

Key Issues

The presentation focussed on the key issues flowing from the data collection phase which is well advanced, as well as the draft recommendations flowing from the research.  The main focus points were as follows:

• Beach Erosion:  The beach will continue to erode but has reached a stage where erosion is slower than in the past, as the natural rock structures in the sea are inhibiting rapid erosion.  However, the offshore section of the beach has deepened considerably since the previous bathymetric survey in 1953.

• Previous Studies: The groyne option recommended previously by the consultants to the Kouga Council was considered by ASR.  However, the point was made that at least five groynes would have been needed with a length of 300 meters each.  This however, would only have resulted in some sand deposition offshore at the head of the groynes but not on the beach.

• New Findings: The data collected and analysed by ASR shows conclusively that the previous view that sand was transported from South to North along the beach is incorrect.   Due to wave refraction around Seal Point / Cape St Francis the direction of the waves varies quite significantly along the length of the beach.  This in conjunction with the lack of natural sand replenishment is resulting in the sand being lost offshore rather than moving along the beach.

• Submerged Reefs: The findings from the Draft ASR Report clearly indicates that the submerged reef option is both feasible and affordable.  Based on the initial findings it is estimated that the submerged reefs are the correct way forward.  This is confirmed by the work also being undertaken by ASR for the Nelson Mandela Metro who are looking at two beaches (Pollock and Wells Estate) with the possibility of a further two in the future. Integrated Approach:  A fully integrated approach is being employed in the project which includes the beach and dune system, the Kromme River Estuary as well as the canal system.  This will allow for more effective  management of the environment from an overall perspective.

• Further Data Collection: As a result of the findings in the Draft ASR Report a certain amount of additional data collection is planned prior to the design phase.  This will be completed during June/July, 2006 prior to Dylan Anderson leaving to assist in the modelling, design and final report with the ASR team in New Zealand. This part of the project will extend through to the end of November, 2006.

Department of the Environment and Tourism

Alan Tonkin from the SFB Beach Trust who chaired the meeting also took time to mention the support received from the National Minister of Environmental Affairs and Tourism.  Following the meeting between the SFB Beach Trust and the Minister in Pretoria on 19 April, 2006.  Mr van Schalkwyk is very supportive of the activities of the Beach Trust and undertook to visit St Francis as soon as possible.

In addition, it was mentioned that Dr Niel Malan, the Deputy Director of the Integrated Coastal Management Unit from the Department of the Environment and Tourism was at the meeting.  This was in addition to visiting St Francis to meet with the Beach Trust the previous week.   Dr Malan had also indicated that the Minister is planning to visit St Francis Bay in August, 2006.  This is still to be confirmed.   

Dr Malan made the point to the Beach Trust that the fully integrated approach by the Beach Trust is supported by his unit.  In addition, as this is the first project of its type in Africa, the Department of Marine and Coastal Management are also taking a keen interest in this project.  

Shaw Mead and Dylan Anderson plus Emlyn Horne and Alan Tonkin from the SFB Beach Trust also held a meeting with Nicholas Scarr from the Provincial Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism on Monday 22 May, 2006 in Port Elizabeth.  This was prior to Shaw Mead leaving the country to return home. This was to ensure that all interested parties are fully aware of current progress with the Beach Project.

Summary and Conclusion

The Beach Project is well on the way to producing real results by the end of 2006.  At that stage the Beach Trust will be in a position to provide detailed information on final design and costs as well as financing options.

It is important to emphasise that St Francis without a beach will be severely disadvantaged compared to other similar holiday destinations.  This could result in the real possibility of people moving away from SFB and the contraction of the local economy with related job losses.  This in turn could result in property prices being affected which will create a major issue not only for St Francis but also for Kouga.

In concluding, the SFB Beach Trust wish to point out that we still require some R400k in order to complete the final design and costing.  The support of SFB residents is required, however large or small,in order to complete this very necessary project for the future of St Francis.  For further information contact us at www.stfrancisbay.org 

Alan Tonkin

Chairman: SFB Beach Trust

May, 2006