New Jersey Sea Grant Consortium Hosts the 23rd Annual State of the Shore
This year’s State of the Shore media event provided a valuable opportunity for community members and the press to connect with coastal expert Dr. Jon Miller, Laura Kerr, and NJDEP Commissioner Shawn LaTourette. Attendees gained insights into how New Jersey’s shorelines held up over the winter and received a forecast on beach conditions and potential storms for the 2025 summer season. View the recording here.
Break out the flip-flops, dust off those beach chairs, and get ready to soak up some sun-summer has officially arrived in New Jersey! And this year, we’re kicking off the season with some especially sunny news: the state’s beaches are looking better than ever. Thanks to a mild winter with minimal storms, most of the coastline has held up beautifully, with wide beaches and healthy dunes welcoming locals and visitors alike. Communities like Seaside Heights, Ocean City, and Cape May have even received a fresh dose of sand courtesy of the U.S.Army Corps of Engineers, setting the stage for a strong start to the season.
(From right to left) Dr. Peter Rowe, Executive Director, New Jersey Sea Grant Consortium, Shawn LaTourette, Commissioner, New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, Laura Kerr, Coastal Resilience Specialist, New Jersey Sea Grant Consortium; Senior Research Engineer, Stevens Institute of Technology, Dr. Jon K. Miller, Coastal Processes Specialist, New Jersey Sea Grant Consortium; Research Associate Professor, Director of Coastal Engineering Research Group, Stevens Institute of Technology; Author, 2025 State of the Shore Report
While other parts of the Atlantic coast faced more severe impacts this past winter, New Jersey got a much-needed break-coastal flooding and erosion were limited, and beach nourishment projects have helped reinforce vulnerable areas. Of course, it’s not all smooth sailing: the forecast for the 2025 hurricane season is calling for above-average activity, and experts are urging residents to stay prepared. But for now, there’s plenty to enjoy. The beaches are open, the boardwalks are buzzing, and the only thing rising faster than the temperature is the excitement. Just remember to swim safely-early season sandbars can create strong rip currents-and always follow lifeguard instructions. Welcome to summer at the Shore! Read the full report here.
Media interviews NJDEP Commissioner Shawn LaTourette
Press:
COMMISSIONER LATOURETTE DECLARES JERSEY SHORE AND LAKES READY FOR SUMMER TOURISM SEASON
NJ Beaches Ready for Memorial Day with Excellent Water Quality
Memorial Day weekend kicks off the unofficial start to summer at the Jersey Shore
NJ Spotlight News State of the Shore: Cleaner beaches, tropical storms
State of the Shore: Cleaner beaches, warnings of tropical storms
NJ ‘Beach Ready’ Despite Storm Warnings and Budget Uncertainty, Officials Say