Hot off the Press: State of the Beach Report
Surfrider just released the 2019 State of the Beach Report. Once again, our findings illustrate that 74% of coastal states are doing a mediocre to poor job of managing our nation’s shorelines and preparing for future sea level rise.
"California’s Coastal Zone includes 1,100 miles of beautiful Pacific coastline from the Oregon border down to Mexico. It has thrived for decades due to the state’s trailblazing policies on coastal management. The 1976 California
Coastal Act serves as the primary legislation that balances the demands of development with the need for coastal preservation. California is often viewed as a role model for responsible coastal resource management."
However, there are some places where implementation of progressive sea level rise planning is still seriously lacking. "The Local Coastal Programs approved by the California Coastal Commission (CCC) often put restrictions on new armoring and the repair of existing seawalls. Unfortunately, the CCC continues to administer emergency permits for temporary shoreline stabilization structures, and many of these seawalls become permanent. The CCC seems to back away from permit conditions that require the removal of seawalls and rock revetments. Fortunately, California agencies and local municipalities have increased efforts to fund and implement living shorelines and other natural mechanisms as alternatives to seawalls."
Protect & Enjoy Episode 25: Now With More Wind and So Many Meetings! Plus...
- Help Stop Harmful Ocean Desalination in Los Angeles
- Take action on climate change and ocean health - oppose the proposed LA ocean desalination project!
- Surfrider Joins the Outdoor Alliance in Pledging Support for Public Lands
- The Land Water Conservation Fund Needs Your Help
- Shore Hotel's egregious flaunting of the Coastal Act
- ActCoastal, the Coastal Commission Accountability Project
Surfrider Study Calls for Allowing the Ocean to Advance Inland
“Our reliance on coastal armoring means California often ends up with short-term protection sure to destroy our beaches in the long-term,” said Jennifer Savage, Surfrider’s California policy manager.
The report calls for a ban on “emergency seawalls and hard stabilizaton devices.” It also says the commission “seems to back away from permit conditions that required the removal of seawalls and rock revetments.”