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Center for Coastal Resources Management

Shoreline Management Model – VIRGINIA

These data should be used to guide the decision-making process for how best to manage an erosion problem.  Recommendations are made without consideration of property length, ownership, or value. Treatment recommendations are based on models that utilize the best available data, which may not reflect the actual conditions present on the shoreline.

The Shoreline Management Model (SMM) has been upgraded to Version 6.0 (2025) to incorporate newly available datasets and reflect the latest advancements in the science and practice of coastal management. This update enhances the model’s ability to provide more refined and comprehensive shoreline management recommendations across a broader range of conditions. The Virginia Institute of Marine Science is currently applying SMM v6.0 across Virginia’s coastal localities.

During this transition period, SMM Version 5.1 (2019) will continue to be displayed for localities where the updated model has not yet been implemented. As SMM v6.0 is progressively applied statewide, users will see updated recommendations reflecting the improved model framework.

Model recommendations can be visualized through the Virginia Coastal Resources Tool, providing an interactive platform to explore shoreline management strategies.

SMM Version 6.0 (2025) – NEW! Model Recommendations

SMM Version 6.0 – Glossary of Model Recommendations

SMM Version 6.0 – Visualization of Model Recommendations

SMM Version 6.0 – Shoreline Best Management Practice Classifications:

Living Shoreline

  • Install Breakwater with Beach Nourishment
  • Install Marsh-Based Living Shoreline
  • Maintain Breakwater with Beach Nourishment
  • Maintain Sill / Add Sand and/or Plants OR Breakwater with Beach Nourishment
  • Maintain Sill / Plant Marsh
  • Protect/Enhance Beach or Breakwater with Beach Nourishment
  • Protect/Enhance Beach or Breakwater with Beach Nourishment Channelward of Existing Structure
  • Protect/Enhance Marsh and Sill/Toe

Replace Structure with Living Shoreline

  • Breakwater with Beach Nourishment / Remove Bulkhead
  • Breakwater with Beach Nourishment / Remove Existing Structures
  • Breakwater with Beach Nourishment / Remove Revetment
  • Install Marsh-Based Living Shoreline / Remove Bulkhead
  • Install Marsh-Based Living Shoreline / Reuse Stone
  • Protect/Enhance Beach or Breakwater with Beach Nourishment / Remove Groins

Special Considerations

  • Ecological Conflicts
  • Nutrient Load Potential
  • Highly Modified Areas
  • Land Use Management
  • Special Geomorphic Feature

Traditional

  • Revetment / Reuse Stone
  • Revetment
  • Revetment / Bulkhead Toe Revetment
  • Maintain Revetment

Oyster Structures Suitability Module Outputs

  • Oyster Shell Bags
  • Constructed Oyster Reef

No Action

  • No specific management actions are suitable for shoreline protection

SMM Version 5.1 (2019)

NOTE – This version of the model is currently being retired, and the model recommendations for Virginia localities are currently being updated with Version 6.0

SMM Version 5.1 – Glossary of Model Recommendations

SMM Version 5.1 – Visualization of Model Recommendations

SMM Version 5.1 – Shoreline Best Management Practice Classifications

• Non-Structural Living Shoreline
• Plant Marsh with Sill
• Groin Field with Beach Nourishment
• Maintain Beach OR Offshore Breakwaters with Beach Nourishment
• Revetment
• Revetment / Bulkhead Toe Revetment

Special Considerations

• Ecological Conflicts
• Highly Modified Area
• Land Use Management
• No Action Needed
• Special Geomorphic Feature

Related Links

This model has been funded, in part, and at various stages, by the VIMS' Center for Coastal Resources Management, the NOAA RESTORE Science Program, and NOAA's Coastal Zone Management Program in Virginia.