Les plages du littoral languedocien face au risque de submersion : définir des politiques de gestion tenant compte de la perception des usagers

This paper is based on three surveys concerning the beaches of Palavas les Flots and Mauguio-Carnon in the Hérault department. It compares the perceptions of marine submersion risk and the preferences for risk management methods of several types of beach users and of managers, and industry and association representatives involved in coastal management. Four categories of users were interviewed: full-time and secondary residents, tourists and day trippers; 881 questionnaires were completed. The objective was to identify to what extent these sub-populations comprised distinct groups which would justify specific policies and incentives. The paper begins by outlining the characteristics of the surveys. It then presents a systematic review of the correlations by user categories before comparing users? perceptions with those of managers and association representatives concerned with coastal submersion risk, especially in relation to the expected sea level rise. Finally the paper presents some axes on marine submersion risk management and decision making, taking into account the results.