Nourished Versus Non-Nourished Beaches

Nourished beaches are those where sand has been artificially added or replenished to replace eroded materials, helping to restore or expand the shoreline. Non-nourished beaches, on the other hand, rely solely on natural processes and may experience more erosion over time. Nourishment helps protect coastal property, maintain recreational areas, and support ecosystems, but it can be expensive and require ongoing maintenance. Non-nourished beaches remain more dependent on natural sediment movement, which can lead to shoreline retreat without human intervention.