The first round of shoreline management plans (SMPs) within the UK exhibited an inconsistent approach to the inclusion of estuaries. This paper describes guidance to ensure a more consistent approach is adopted in the second round of SMPs. Consideration is given to the unique physical features of estuarine areas, their interrelationship with coastal areas and the relevant management issues which exist. Physical interactions are treated in terms of water and sediment exchanges, while management issues are focused on those actions that have the potential to alter flood and erosion risks. The various parameters, methods and features which can be used when assessing the scale of physical interactions and management issues are described. A précis is given of the procedural guidance that has been produced on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA). This guidance is focused on addressing three fundamental key questions for a particular estuary:
Should the estuary be included in the SMP process?
If so, how should the estuary be included?
How far upstream should the estuary be included?
