Multi-Decadal Assessment of Shoreline Changes Along the Ksar Esghir Coast, Morocco: Implications for Coastal Management

Abstract

Coastal zones, as highly dynamic and complex environments, have substantial ecological and territorial implications for both government authorities and coastal managers. This research study investigates the impacts of port construction on shoreline dynamics along the coastal region of Ksar Esghir, located on the northern coast of Morocco, over a 19-year period (2002-2021). This study aims to characterize the evolution of the coastline using high-resolution satellite images in a Geographic Information System (GIS) environment. Coastline evolution was assessed using GIS tools, particularly the Digital Shoreline Analysis System (DSAS). Statistical approaches were used to determine net rates of shoreline change, namely the End Point Rate (EPR) and Net Shoreline Movement (NSM). Three main sectors were defined for the study area: The Eddallya sector, the western sector of Ksar Esghir and the port sector. As a result, two distinct zones have been identified in the Eddallya sector. Zone I shows an average accretion of +1.46 m/year, while zone II shows an erosion of -0.80 m/year. Analysis of the western sector of Oued Ksar Sghir revealed both erosion and accretion sites. Furthermore, the port sector showed positive values for shoreline evolution, with an average of +9.44 m and a rate of +0.49 m/year, signifying significant shoreline expansion over the study period. These findings highlight the dynamic and highly complex processes involved in coastal development in the study area. The results suggest that sediment dynamics, tidal regimes and potential anthropogenic influences have a significant influence on shoreline evolution, especially where port construction is concerned. this study’s outcomes provide helpful information for better and sustainable coastal management along the coastal area of Ksar Sghir.