Marine and Fishery sciences 38 (2): xxx-xxx (2025)
8
currents. However, the balance has been disrupt-
ed by quarrying operations (Alfane 2023). While
river mouths continue to receive sediment inows,
uncontrolled quarrying has signicantly reduced
the overall sediment supply, leading to erratic and
chaotic sedimentation patterns (Figure 3 C and 3
D). This depletion has further exacerbated coastal
erosion in downstream areas, despite the natural
abundance of sedimentary materials from the vol-
cano (Figure 3 A and 3 B).
Beach erosion occurs when the rate of sediment
loss from longshore drift exceeds the supply of new
material from updrift sources. Longshore drift, a
process in which sand or gravel is transported along
the coast by wave action, degrades beaches unless
these losses are compensated by fresh sediments
from the updrift (Komar 1998; Nordstrom 2014).
Erosion becomes particularly severe when the
sediment supply diminishes, such as when updrift
sources are interrupted, either by the cliff stabili-
zation that stops natural sediment production or by
rivers with reduced uvial sediment input (Bird
2008; McInnes et al. 2011; Hines et al. 2012). In
some coastal areas, beaches develop sand or gravel
lobes, which are pockets of sediment that gradu-
ally migrate along the coast following longshore
drift (Ortega-Sánchez et al. 2017). These lobes can
temporarily build up the beach as they arrive, result-
ing in accretion. However, as the lobe continues to
move downdrift, the area it passes through is left
vulnerable to erosion, leading to alternating peri-
ods of sediment gain and loss along the coastline
(Wright and Short 1984; Preoteasa et al. 2016). This
dynamic interaction between sediment transport
and beach morphology highlights the importance
of maintaining a balance between natural sediment
sources and coastal processes to preserve beach
stability over time (Dean and Dalrymple 2004).
In Legazpi city, land reclamation efforts initiated
in 2007 have contributed to improving the stability
of the coastline, as seen through the establishment
of protective structures (Duvat 2013) (Figure 4). As
a consequence of coastal development, the construc-
tion of Legazpi boulevard in the northern (Figure 4 A
and 4 B) and southern parts of the harbor (Figure 4
C and 4 D) altered the morphology of the shoreline.
A closer examination of changes in vegetation over
time revealed signicant changes. In 2004, there
were trees, likely mangroves known for their role in
coastal protection and sediment retention (Figure 4
B). However, by 2021 these trees had been replaced
by shrubs and grasses, most likely as a result of
urban development, including the construction of
homes and businesses (Figure 4 A and 4 C). Al-
though seawalls and boulders provided some degree
of protection against coastal erosion, the constant
action of waves and currents eroded the underlying
substratum (Trenhaile 2016). This is largely attrib-
uted to the limited sediment supply for transport
and reworking (Komar 1998; Dean and Dalrym-
ple 2004). As a result, while reclamation structures
have temporarily improved coastal stability, their
long-term durability remains uncertain, especial-
ly considering the exposure to powerful northeast
monsoons and frequent typhoons in the region (Bird
2008). Without a sustainable sediment supply, the
reclaimed area may become vulnerable to future
erosion (De Vente and Poesen 2005), highlighting
the importance of continuous monitoring and adap-
tive management strategies (Birgé et al. 2016).
While coastal developments and resorts in San-
to Domingo have boosted the local economy by
creating jobs, income, and revenue (Arao 2020),
they also pose long-term environmental risks that
could eventually undermine the tourism sector of
the local government (Alfane 2023). The shoreline
of Santo Domingo underwent a striking transfor-
mation between 2009 and 2021, with over 50 m of
retreat observed during that period (Figure 5 A and
5 B). This shoreline erosion is primarily due to re-
duced sediment availability for coastal reworking,
leading to signicant sand loss in front of resorts
(Figure 5 C and 5 D). The limited sediment supply
is largely a result of extensive quarrying activities
in river channels and at the base of Mayon vol-
cano, which have disrupted the natural sediment
replenishment cycle. Consequently, beaches that
once supported a vibrant tourism industry are now