Ecological and social basis for the development of a sand barrier breaching model in Laguna de Rocha, Uruguay

This research paper describes the development of a cooperative breaching protocol for the sand barrier at Laguna de Rocha, Uruguay, to resolve long-term stakeholder conflicts and preserve natural hydrodynamics. The protocol is based on historical management data, geomorphological and hydrological studies, and a participatory advisory group, utilizing indicators such as water depth, berm elevation, and rainfall forecasts to guide management decisions.

• Artificial manipulation of the sand barrier at Laguna de Rocha began in the 1950s, transitioning from procedures performed by cattle ranchers and fishermen to management using heavy machinery. Inappropriate opening practices since the 1980s may have negatively impacted the lagoon's biological and physical structure.
• Geomorphological and hydrological research indicates the sand barrier is highly vulnerable, with climate change and sea level rise potentially leading to the development of new opening sites over the long term. Hydrological studies helped define the drivers of the opening mechanism and the extent of flooding on public and private lands.
• A new breaching protocol was established to support managers in deciding when to open the barrier based on rainfall forecasts, sand barrier berm elevation, and water depth. The consensus required for this protocol was facilitated by a participatory advisory group that had been discussing local environmental issues for over 15 years.

APA

Inter-American Institute for Global Change Research (2025). Ecological and social basis for the development of a sand barrier breaching model in Laguna de Rocha, Uruguay. https://iai.int/es/pub_acad/ecological-and-social-basis-for-the-development-of-a-sand-barrier-breaching-model-in-laguna-de-rocha-uruguay/

Chicago

Inter-American Institute for Global Change Research. Ecological and social basis for the development of a sand barrier breaching model in Laguna de Rocha, Uruguay. 2025. https://iai.int/es/pub_acad/ecological-and-social-basis-for-the-development-of-a-sand-barrier-breaching-model-in-laguna-de-rocha-uruguay/.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |author=Inter-American Institute for Global Change Research |title=Ecological and social basis for the development of a sand barrier breaching model in Laguna de Rocha, Uruguay |date=11 January 2025 |url=https://iai.int/es/pub_acad/ecological-and-social-basis-for-the-development-of-a-sand-barrier-breaching-model-in-laguna-de-rocha-uruguay/ |access-date=17 August 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{interamericaninstituteforglobalchangeresearch2025ecological, author = {{Inter-American Institute for Global Change Research}}, title = {{Ecological and social basis for the development of a sand barrier breaching model in Laguna de Rocha, Uruguay}}, institution = {Inter-American Institute for Global Change Research}, year = {2025}, month = jan, url = {https://iai.int/es/pub_acad/ecological-and-social-basis-for-the-development-of-a-sand-barrier-breaching-model-in-laguna-de-rocha-uruguay/}, urldate = {2026-08-17}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }