By David Nosnik, CPA, reprinted from the July issue of “Sea you in Ogunquit.”
You better continue reading because if we are not careful, it may just happen.
Ogunquit is highly susceptible to beach erosion. Factors such as storms, tides, and natural processes contribute to changes in the beach profiles over time as you can better appreciate in the “before” and “after” photos included below.
Beach erosion can have significant effects on coastal towns, especially those, like ours, relying heavily on tourism for their economy. Here are some potential consequences:
Economic Impact: Our beaches are our “main industry” welcoming thousands of thousands of tourists every summer. If the beach erodes away, the impact on our town would be devastating.
Infrastructure Damage: As the beach erodes, it exposes the land and infrastructure behind it to the destructive forces of the sea. Roads, beachfront properties, and other facilities may be damaged or destroyed, leading to significant repair costs. Infrastructure damage further deters tourists.
Recreational Activities Affected: Beach erosion may limit the availability or safety of certain recreational activities, such as swimming, sunbathing, and beach fun further reducing the attractiveness to tourists.
Ecological Impact: Beaches play a critical role in the coastal ecosystem. They provide a habitat for various species and are crucial for biodiversity. Beach erosion can disrupt these ecosystems.
Cost of Mitigation and Restoration: Efforts to combat beach erosion, such as beach nourishment (the process of adding sand or sediment to an eroding beach) or the construction of seawalls, are expensive and can strain a town’s budget. Additionally, these measures often offer temporary relief and may need to be repeated over time.
Climate Change Vulnerability: Beach erosion can make coastal towns more vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, including rising sea levels and more intense storms. As these risks become more apparent, they may deter long-term investments in the area.
Aesthetic Loss: Ogunquit, the beautiful place by the sea, ranked as one of the top 10 beaches in the United States, is valued for its natural beauty. The effect of erosion on the beach or the need to install hard structures for erosion control can have a significant impact on Ogunquit’s beauty and tourist appeal.
These are some potential consequences. In the next month’s issue we will explore steps we can all take to prevent the unthinkable: an Ogunquit with no beach.
