As the Atlantic coast's sand resources dwindle, our efforts are not just about replenishing shorelines but fortifying communities against the relentless onslaught of natural disasters and severe weather.
In recent years, the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) has emerged as a pivotal force in restoring Florida's beaches, specifically through its instrumental role in four major renourishment projects in St. Johns and Flagler counties.
Take Ponte Vedra Beach for instance.
This picturesque locale now boasts 8.9 miles of restored shoreline, thanks to the addition of 2.2 million cubic yards (mcy) of sand. Similarly, Vilano Beach has seen 2.6 miles of its coastline rejuvenated with 2.5 mcy of sand. These completed projects stand as testaments to our dedication to coastal resilience.
But the work doesn’t stop there.
Ongoing projects at Flagler Beach and St. Augustine Beach are set to restore 3.6 miles and 2.5 miles of coastline, respectively, with a combined total of up to 6 mcy of sand. In sum, nearly 17 miles of coastline in the two counties will benefit from these efforts, with up to 11mcy of sand being meticulously placed to safeguard these areas.
Visit https://www.boem.gov/newsroom/ocean-science-news/boem-helps-restore-popular-florida-beaches to learn how we are working to replenish the shoreline in Flagler County.
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Aerial images of Ponte Vedra Beach during the construction phase of the beach restoration project. These images depict heavy machinery and equipment rebuilding the shoreline. The construction activities include the widening and filling of the beach to combat erosion, with pipelines and excavators distributing sand, Photo credit: Olsen Associates, Inc. (April-June 2024)
Our commitment extends beyond mere restoration. All four projects must adhere to stringent environmental conditions and comprehensive oversight throughout the dredging and construction phases. Additionally, we proudly collaborate with state, local, and federal agencies – like the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers – to ensure that we are preserving the natural beauty of America's beaches and building resilient coastal communities for future generations.
For additional information regarding BOEM's involvement in beach replenishment, visit the Marine Minerals page on our website, or check out the “5 Facts to Know About the Marine Minerals Program” article.
This story is part of the “Unleashing the Science” series, showcasing how bureaus within the Department of the Interior produce and apply science to ensure responsible management decisions for our planet now and for the future.
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The Department of the Interior’s Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) manages development of U.S. Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) energy, mineral, and geological resources in an environmentally and economically responsible way.