A Mission for Our Shores

Protecting Chesapeake Bay’s Disappearing Beaches

Discover how the Chesapeake Bay’s beaches are changing and why ensuring a resilient coastline matters.

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What’s Happening to the Chesapeake Bay’s Beaches?

The Chesapeake Bay’s coastline has historically undergone dramatic changes. From rising sea levels and more powerful storms to shoreline engineering structures designed to protect waterfront development, these forces continually reshape the Chesapeake Bay’s beaches and natural habitats.

Natural processes that once created and sustained healthy beaches are changing and those changes have led to narrowing beaches, increased flooding, and challenges for the wildlife and people who call the Bay home

Understanding how nature works and how we affect natural processes is the first step toward creating solutions.
Dilapidated groins have become ineffective at maintaining "healthy" beaches.
A brief annotation below the image describing both the issue and the image.
A brief annotation below the image describing both the issue and the image.
Chesapeake Bay's beaches vary from undisturbed, natural beaches to high density development only feet away from the shoreline. This is a view of New Point Comfort Natural Area Preserve to the south and Bavon Beach to the north taken in 2018.
Chesapeake Bay's beaches vary from undisturbed, natural beaches to high density development only feet away from the shoreline. This is a view of New Point Comfort Natural Area Preserve to the south and Bavon Beach to the north taken in 2018.
This view of New Point Comfort Natural Area Preserve and Bavon Beach shows almost 30 years of shoreline movement towards land (1994-2023). Notice the coastal engineering structures (three breakwaters) at the southern end of Bavon Beach.
This view of New Point Comfort Natural Area Preserve and Bavon Beach shows almost 30 years of shoreline movement towards land (1994-2023). Notice the coastal engineering structures (three breakwaters) at the southern end of Bavon Beach.
Ground view of one of the Bavon Beach breakwaters made of rip rap boulders.
Ground view of one of the Bavon Beach breakwaters made of rip rap boulders.
More and more of the Chesapeake Bay shores are getting armored with engineered shore protection structures because of sea-level rise, storms, reduction in sand supply, and impacts from those structures.
More and more of the Chesapeake Bay shores are getting armored with engineered shore protection structures because of sea-level rise, storms, reduction in sand supply, and impacts from those structures.
Let’s explore how these changes affect the Bay and what we can do to preserve its future.

Rising Sea Levels

Learn how sea-level rise threatens beaches and communities

Learn

Storms

Discover the role of storms in natural systems and how storms produce challenges for property owners.

Learn

Waterfront Development and Shore Protection

Explore how shore protection structures affect beaches.

Learn

What the Northeastern Beach Tiger Beetle Tells Us About the Bay

The Northeastern Beach Tiger Beetle (known by its scientific name, Habroscelimorpha dorsalis dorsalis) may be small, but it plays a big role in understanding the health and state of the Chesapeake Bay’s beaches. As an indicator species, its well-being and survival depend on wide, sandy  beaches—just like the people and other wildlife that live on or near the Bay’s shores.

When tiger beetle habitats thrive, it’s a sign that the Bay’s beaches are healthy and resilient. But as beaches narrow and natural processes are disrupted, this vital species faces challenges that reflect broader issues affecting our coastline.

Explore why the tiger beetle matters and how its story connects to the Chesapeake Bay’s future.
Meet the Beetle
Northeastern Beach Tiger Beetle
Northeastern Beach Tiger Beetle
A mating pair of Northeastern Beach Tiger Beetles

Help Protect the Bay’s Shores

The future of the Chesapeake Bay’s shores depends on all of us. By understanding the challenges facing our beaches and natural habitats, you can make informed decisions to help create a more resilient, thriving shoreline. Whether you’re protecting your property, learning about sustainable solutions, or exploring ways to support the Bay’s beaches and wildlife, every action matters.

Take the Next Step
Aerial view of the Chesapeake Bay

Learn and Act

Discover how to make the best, sustainable choices that protect beaches, habitats, and waterfront development.

Protect your beaches responsibly
Dr. Michael Fenster and Dr. C. Barry Knisley standing together

Meet the Scientists

Get to know the people behind the research and their dedication to the Bay.

Learn About Our Research Team
Dr. C. Barry Knisley walking near the bay

Find an Expert

Connect with local shore protection design and construction companies and permitting agencies to guide sustainable coastal decisions.

Connect with Coastal Experts
Graph showing beach width changes from 1990 to 2025

Gain Knowledge

Explore our blog to stay informed about shoreline science, issues, solutions, and success stories.

Stay informed on coastline resilience