Shoreline change and coastal erosion: The role of check dams. First indications from a case study in Calabria, southern Italy

•Watercourses play a key role in transferring sediments from mountain to the coast.•Calabrian streams were intensely regulated with check dams in the lower reaches.•In the studied fiumara check dam system traps large amount of sediments.•Coastal retreatment is intimately correlated to sediments stored behind check dams.