Save Our Beach Association
Challenges
The Texas General Land Office reports that the most harmful threats to our beach are the rising sea level, hurricanes and extreme events, and erosion. See the Texas Coastal Resiliency Master Plan Update, December 2020.
Rising sea level. Galveston has experience rising water levels since 1908. See Extreme Water Levels 8771450 Galveston Pier 21, TX. Overall, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) scientific models predict that the entire U.S. shore will be 10 to 12 inches higher by 2050, and by 2060, the sea level will raise by 25 inches in Galveston. See the Global and Regional Sea Level Rise Scenarios for the United States, NOAA.
Erosion. According to the Texas General Ln Office, the average erosion rate for the 367 miles of Texas coast is 4.1 feet per year. Sixty-four percent of the Texas coast is eroding at an average rate of about 6 feet per year, with some locations losing more than 30 feet per year. (Coastal Erosion, Texas General land Office.) The results of this erosion will be decreasing property values; weakening tourism and local economies; diminished farming and fishing; and damaged ports, roads and industrial infrastructure. Surfside Beach has seen a dramatic impact of erosion along Beach Drive:
Trash and Pollution. Other threats to our beach is trash and pollution. According to National Geographic, “Marine pollution is a combination of chemicals and trash, most of which comes from land sources and is washed or blown into the ocean. This pollution results in damage to the environment, to the health of all organisms, and to economic structures worldwide.” (National Geographic, “Marine Pollution”)
Recreational Demand. Surfside Beach has also seen an increase in the use of the beach and amenities. Over 19,000 vehicles were counted in one day turning left from the bridge. The village was required to close the beach access roads several times during the peak season. The estimated number of visitors during holidays is over 100,000.