New Jersey’s iconic shoreline – a source of pride for the state – has long been vulnerable to erosion, storm surge, and sea-level rise. In the early 20th century, the state relied on hard structures like timber bulkheads, groins, and concrete seawalls to stabilize beaches and protect infrastructure. These methods, while initially effective, often worsened erosion in adjacent areas by disrupting natural sediment flow.
By the 1980s, scientific consensus and environmental impacts prompted a shift toward beach replenishment, the process of dredging sand from offshore sources and depositing it on eroded beaches. This approach gained traction through partnerships with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, especially after severe storms in the early 1990s devastated Ocean City and Cape May.
Beach replenishment is not just about erosion control and preserving a way of life; the Jersey Shore is a cornerstone of New Jersey’s economy. In 2022, tourism generated $45.4 billion in revenue, supported 310,450 jobs, and contributed $5 billion in state and local taxes. Coastal counties like Monmouth and Ocean alone attracted 20 million visitors and $8.9 billion in spending in 2024.
Between 2023 and 2025, federal, state, and local governments spent $887 million on beach replenishment in New Jersey. The projects are justified through cost-benefit analyses showing that every dollar spent protects at least $2 in public infrastructure, including roads, utilities, and boardwalks.
Despite its benefits, beach replenishment faces criticism, namely that the sand eventually washes away, requiring repeated investment. The task seems Sisyphean, and a losing battle. But this “losing battle” has protected Jersey Shore communities for decades now.
The Future: New Tools
New Jersey is increasingly embracing nature-based solutions (NBS) to complement beach replenishment. These include:
- Living shorelines: Using native vegetation, oyster reefs, and dunes to buffer wave energy.
- Wetland restoration: Enhancing marshes to absorb floodwaters and provide habitat.
- Hybrid infrastructure: Combining green and grey systems for resilience and cost-effectiveness.
The New Jersey Climate Change Resource Center and The Nature Conservancy have developed planning guides and tools like the Restoration Explorer, helping communities identify suitable NBS projects. Pilot programs in towns like Brigantine, Atlantic City, and Spring Lake are already underway. These new methods will help communities identify the tactics that best serve their specific needs and risks.
“Beach renourishment is one of many tools the state plans to employ in the coming years. In some areas resilience is provided by a beach and dune system. In other cases, it is elevations, flood walls, and tide gates. It is critical that each system is evaluated based on its unique nature and the community needs. Community education and planning plays a critical role in the selection of mitigation measures.”
New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection
Conclusion: Adapting to a Changing Coast
New Jersey’s century-long journey from hard structures to replenishment and now nature-based solutions reflects a growing understanding of coastal dynamics. As sea levels rise and storms intensify, the state must continue to innovate—balancing ecological integrity, economic vitality, and community resilience.
Sources
New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection. (n.d.). Beach Replenishment. https://dep.nj.gov/dsr/environmental-trends/beach-replenishment/
Stockton University Coastal Research Center. (n.d.). NJ Shoreline Protection and Vulnerability. https://stockton.edu/coastal-research-center/njbpn/protection-vulnerability.html
Oglesby, A., & Radel, D. (2025, August 5). Beach replenishment projects cost billions along the Jersey Shore. Asbury Park Press. https://www.southernkitchen.com/story/news/local/land-environment/2025/08/05/beach-replenishment-projects-costs-billions-jersey-shore-ocean-high-tide/83652756007/
Spector, A., Barr, J., Duca, M., & Irving, W. (2025). New Jersey Nature-Based Solutions. Rutgers University. https://njclimateresourcecenter.rutgers.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Nature-Based-Solutions-071525.pdf
NJDEP Office of Coastal and Land Use Planning. (n.d.). Living Shorelines Projects. https://www.nj.gov/dep/oclup/case-studies-projects/living-shorelines-projects.html
The Nature Conservancy. (n.d.). New Jersey Coastal Resilience. https://coastalresilience.org/project/new-jersey/
