Home / Environment / Ocean Reclaims Sea Bright's North Beach
Ocean Reclaims Sea Bright's North Beach
7 Apr
Summary
- Atlantic Ocean eroded a significant portion of Sea Bright's North Beach.
- Winter storms caused a roughly 10-foot drop from seawall to sand.
- Beach replenishment by Army Corps of Engineers is planned for autumn.
Sea Bright's North Beach has seen substantial erosion this past winter, with the Atlantic Ocean carving away much of the shoreline. Residents like Gene Costello, who has lived near the affected area for 14 years, have witnessed the dramatic change. A roughly 10-foot drop now exists from the top of the seawall access stairs to the sand below, a stark contrast to previous years.
Mayor Brian P. Kelly confirmed that the erosion, exacerbated by a stormy winter, impacts both public and private beach sections. While the borough has limitations on sand relocation, efforts are underway to stabilize dunes. These dunes are crucial for preventing floods and protecting infrastructure from storm surges, according to NOAA and the NJDEP.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, responsible for periodically replenishing sand along the Atlantic coastline of Monmouth County, is expected to address the situation. Borough officials are hopeful that beach replenishment will occur in the autumn. The Army Corps previously announced plans for beach replenishment in Monmouth County for 2026 and 2027, with specific locations to be determined.
