Final answer:
Dredging can increase coastal recession due to disruptions in natural processes, alteration of sediment distribution, and damage to ecosystems.
Step-by-step explanation:
Dredging in an attempt to save beachfront property from coastal erosion can actually increase coastal recession due to several factors.
Firstly, dredging can disrupt the natural processes that contribute to a healthy coastline, such as sediment transport and wave energy dissipation. When sediment is removed from a beach through dredging, it can lead to a decrease in sand supply, making the beach more vulnerable to erosion.
Secondly, when sediments are dredged and deposited elsewhere, it can alter the natural beach profile and disrupt the balance of sediment distribution. This can result in increased erosion in certain areas.
Lastly, dredging can also damage ecosystems, including reefs and sea grass beds, that provide natural protection against erosion. When these ecosystems are damaged, the beach becomes more exposed to wave energy and vulnerable to erosion.