On October 29, 2012, Superstorm Sandy made landfall in New Jersey. Its devastating impact on the Atlantic coast was well-publicized, but the storm surge also destroyed most of the beaches on the Delaware Bay. In response, a coalition of biologists, conservation groups, and government agencies sprang into action, and in 2012, successfully restored five Delaware Bay beaches with nearly 30,000 tons of sand.
Additional work after 2012 restored another mile of shoreline, including two new beaches of poor quality even before Sandy. Our restoration work will continue over the coming years, but meanwhile, American Littoral Society, together with Conserve Wildlife Foundation of New Jersey are pioneering new ways to create a more resilient Delaware Bay shoreline. To date, we have placed 85,000 cubic yards of sand and restored seven beaches along New Jersey's Delaware Bayshore.
For the first time, Bay communities are taking part in the protection of horseshoe crabs and shorebirds. Concerned citizens are also taking part alongside seasoned professionals with new and expanded volunteer programs like bird banding, horseshoe crab tagging, beach stewardship, internships for military veterans, and the construction of protective oyster reefs. Together, we can create a resilient Delaware Bayshore teaming with horseshoe crabs, shorebirds and a thriving natural ecosystem that benefits the local economy and Bayshore communities.