The sea wall which is in poor condition in places. If it, and the dunes behind, were breached it is feared the entire harbour could be radically altered.
RISING sea levels over the next 100 years will leave 730 homes and businesses at risk in the Bembridge and St Helens area alone.
And what can be done to protect them from catastrophic flooding are to be detailed at a public exhibition.
Views from residents and key stakeholders have already shaped the draft coastal defence strategy and the Environment Agency and Isle of Wight Council is now seeking comment from residents on the options before they are finalised.
The Eastern Yar draft coastal flood and erosion risk management strategy recommends that Embankment Road, Brading Marshes and the majority of properties at risk should have improved protection from coastal flooding.
It also recognises that securing government funding for building and maintaining crumbling defences cannot be guaranteed.
With rising sea levels there could be 730 homes and businesses at risk over the next 100 years.
Chairman of Bembridge and St Helens Harbour Working Group Arthur Robinson said: "The future plans are vital to the future of Bembridge and St Helens as thriving communities and I would urge as many residents and harbour users as possible to attend the exhibition.
"The sea wall is, in places, in a very poor condition and if it, and the dunes behind it, were breached, the whole harbour could be radically altered to the detriment of the harbour and the two communities of Bembridge and St Helens.
"With rising sea levels, the sea wall will become increasingly vulnerable making vital the Isle of Wight Council’s proposal to maintain it for the next 50 years. Sea level is expected to rise by 1ft in that time."
l Exhibitions will be held from 2pm to 8pm at Bembridge Village Hall on Wednesday and February 12.
Reporter: richardw@iwcpmail.co.uk