Conclusions

Disturbing Picture

The Information That Does Exist Tells Us That Our Beaches Are at Risk

Despite problems with lack of availability of information about our beaches, we have enough consistent information to know that there are serious problems:

The demand for beach access is growing, while the amount available is finite. Too much of the coastline is privately owned, restricting or preventing public access to the beach. Soaring coastal real estate prices make it very difficult for state or local government to acquire coastal property.
The high number of beach closures and health advisories tell us that surf zone water quality often does not meet health standards. Major sewer spills and combined sewer overflows are occurring becuse of a lack of investment in sewer system infrastructure.
As we block the natural sources of sand supply, beaches erode. As development continues to be sited along the shoreline and the sea level continues to rise, beach erosion is increasingly viewed as a problem. This is reflected in greater expenditures for beach fill and more armoring of the shoreline. These reactive responses threaten the sandy beach and the coastal environment.