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What is the best solution for beach erosion?

Popular Beach Restoration Options Sand must be trucked in from other sources and filtered for sediment. The new sand will also eventually make its way into the air or water, bringing the beach back to its eroded state. Another popular solution is to build seawalls, revetments, and jetties along the shoreline.



The current scientific consensus for the "best" solution to beach erosion emphasizes Nature-Based Solutions (NbS) over traditional "hard" engineering. While sea walls and groynes provide immediate protection, they often "starve" neighboring beaches of sand and can worsen erosion in the long run. The most sustainable approach is Beach Nourishment, which involves dredging sand from offshore and pumping it onto the eroded shore to mimic natural processes. This is often combined with Dune Restoration, where native vegetation like sea oats are planted to "anchor" the sand and provide a natural buffer against storm surges. In 2026, "Living Shorelines"—which use oyster reefs or mangroves to dissipate wave energy naturally—are increasingly favored for their ability to self-repair and enhance biodiversity. For communities facing severe sea-level rise, Managed Retreat (moving infrastructure further inland) is recognized as the only truly long-term solution. The "best" strategy is usually an integrated "Soft Engineering" plan that works with the ocean's energy rather than trying to block it, preserving both the ecosystem and the recreational value of the beach.

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The act provides three interrelated programs that the Department of Environmental Protection administers to protect the state's sandy beaches: the Coastal Construction Control Line; Beach Management Funding Assistance; and Beaches, Inlets and Ports programs.

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The seaward portion of the beach is considered state property, while the portion of beach above the high tide line is typically owned by the coastal property owner.

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