Recent storms affecting the Portuguese coastline were featured on the Portugal em Direto radio programme (Antena 1, 5 March 2026), highlighting the severe impacts observed along the country’s central coast. At São Pedro de Maceda beach (Ovar), the beach has nearly disappeared, while at Mira beach the dune system has retreated several metres, illustrating the increasing pressure on the coastal zone.
Among the invited experts was Paulo Baganha, researcher at CESAM/DGEO, who emphasised that such extreme events exacerbate an already identified issue: the structural sediment deficit affecting many beaches, which underpins coastal erosion processes. According to the researcher, continuous monitoring of the most vulnerable areas has revealed significant shoreline retreat, particularly following periods of intense wave activity.
The programme also highlighted that the combined effects of successive storm events, sea-level rise, and sediment deficit are accelerating coastal erosion, making it an increasingly evident challenge across multiple regions of the country.
In his intervention, Paulo Baganha argued that effective responses should rely on nature-based solutions, namely sediment nourishment and dune system reinforcement. While essential, these measures must be embedded within medium- to long-term strategies that include regular monitoring programmes and a more integrated approach to coastal management.
The researcher further stressed the national scale of the issue, noting that coastal erosion is not limited to areas such as Ovar or Mira, but is a widespread phenomenon affecting much of Portugal’s coastline, requiring coordination between scientific research, public policy, and spatial planning.
The report thus reinforces the urgency of addressing a phenomenon with significant environmental, economic, and social implications, highlighting CESAM’s contribution to knowledge production and decision support for sustainable coastal management.
Photo: Portuguese Environment Agency