Beach Nourishment

Beach Nourishment and Ocean Isle Beach

Over the years, our community has endeavored to preserve the beautiful shoreline of Ocean Isle Beach. Erosion by storms, changing weather patterns, and the natural shifting of barrier island leaves its mark on our coast. Unfortunately, even preservation efforts such as jetties, damns, seawalls, and other means has taken their toll on most beachfront areas in America.

In 1989, category 5 Hurricane Hugo devastated the eastern shoreline, and preservation efforts have become more important than ever. Since then, Ocean Isle Beach’s preservation efforts have focused on rebuilding our beautiful beaches and continuing preservation for the sake of wildlife (include sea turtle nesting areas), residential areas, and beach-goers.

As a result of all the Ocean Isle Beach preservation efforts, Ocean Isle Beach was named 2008’s Best Restored Beach by the American Shore and Beach Preservation Association (ASBPA). The areas are judged by the challenges they overcame, such as hurricanes, as well as the ecological benefits and success of the entire program. Ocean Isle Beach has undoubtedly come a long way since 1989. With a year-round residential population of 640 that grows to 25,000 during tourist season, it’s easy to claim that the efforts continue to be successful.

Our island’s most extensive preservation and beach nourishment project began in 2021 and concentrated on the eastern end of the island. The project cost $11.4 million and helped to restore miles of coastline. The effort took over 700,000 cubic yards of sand from the ocean floor and pumped it onto the beach. Since its completion in 2022, smaller projects have continued throughout coastal NC. Click here to learn more about this OIB beach renourishment project.

Due to the ever-changing nature of our beaches, funds are being raised for the ongoing nourishment program as Ocean Isle Beach preservation efforts will be an indefinite need. As a quiet, family-friendly beach with a unique local lifestyle, one can understand why preserving our seven-mile shoreline is so important.

If you plan to buy or rent a home in Ocean Isle Beach, it’s wonderful to know that the community puts so much care and effort into preserving its wildlife, environment, and living conditions. These efforts protect one of the area’s most valuable resources … the beach. Now, generations to come can enjoy the boundless beauty of OIB.

With the word “beach” in the name of our beloved town, it is no wonder that visitors and locals are committed to preserving it. Everyone cherishes the laid-back way of life, from fishing and swimming to lazing on the beach all day. Locally owned businesses, such as watersport companies, tour guides, and beach gear rental shops, make their living from people who are here to enjoy the saltwater and sand. Vacation rental management companies and homeowners depend on beach nourishment projects to protect both natural and structural assets.

Since 1923, there have been approximately 2,500 beach nourishment projects in the United States, including a few famous areas like Miami Beach, Coney Island, and Venice Beach.

We are proud to live in and serve the wonderful community of Ocean Isle Beach, NC.