What’s going on?

 

Beach nourishment is the practice of adding additional sand to a beach to combat erosion and increase its size. The sand is often dredged offshore and pumped directly onto the beach. 

Beaches are essential for protecting the coastline from the effects of storm activity and sea level rise.  

Shorelines are dynamic and constantly changing in response to wave action and atmospheric processes. Beach nourishment seeks to stabilize these areas to protect beaches for recreational or ecological benefit, and to protect coastal properties.  

Why it matters.

While beach nourishment often seeks to restore critical habitat and restore ecosystem services, the process can have detrimental effects on the natural environment.  

The sudden dumping of large amounts of sediment can suffocate animals on the sea floor, change the water’s quality, and substantially alter the appearance and function of a stretch of coastline. 

Additionally, renourished beaches require continuous replenishment as wave activity will continue to erode the shore. This is an expensive, repetitive process that doesn’t address the root cause of coastal erosion.  

What you can do.

Over half of Florida’s coastline is categorized as critically eroded. Natural resource professionals are trying to determine the best way to confront climate change, especially in areas where its impacts will be felt first.  

There are several ways erosion has been addressed in the state. Along with beach nourishment, shoreline hardening (installing seawalls and bulkheads) is often used, but can inhibit habitat growth and even increase erosion on nearby properties. Soft armoring techniques such as living shorelines are shoreline management techniques that have been shown to combat erosion without many of the drawbacks of beach nourishment.

You may be able to help to construct or monitor living shorelines in your area through citizen science programs.  

Information from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, the National Park Service, and UC Santa Barbara’s Explore Beaches.