Study examines impact of groins, jetties on North Carolina Coast
SOUTHEASTERN, N.C.(WWAY) — As North Carolina lawmakers consider loosening restrictions on coastal hard structures such as jetties and terminal groins, a recent scientific review is highlighting both the benefits and drawbacks of using them to combat beach erosion.
The review, conducted by the North Carolina Coastal Resources Commission Science Panel, examined how hard structures affect shorelines across the state’s coast.
“There are ways to buy time and reduce risk, but they all come at a cost,” said Laura Moore, a member of the panel and a professor at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
State lawmakers are weighing potential changes to North Carolina’s longstanding limits on structures such as jetties and terminal groins. Supporters argue the projects could help reduce erosion in vulnerable areas, including communities facing chronic shoreline loss.
The panel’s study focused on two primary categories of hard structures. The first includes terminal groins and breakwaters, which are designed to trap sand and build wider beaches in targeted areas.
Moore said those projects can provide benefits locally but often shift erosion problems elsewhere.
“Wherever you’re slowing erosion down, you’re leading to an increase in erosion elsewhere,” Moore said.
The second category includes seawalls, rock revetments and sandbag barriers, which are intended to protect homes, roads and other infrastructure from storm damage. While those structures can reduce immediate risks, Moore said they do not stop the long-term process of erosion and can alter how shorelines evolve over time.
“It’s difficult to completely counter the erosion rate,” Moore said. “You might be able to slow it down, but ultimately, fixing the back shore leads to a loss of beach.”
The panel’s report recommends a cautious approach to expanding the use of hard structures along North Carolina’s coastline.
Some coastal residents, however, say more aggressive action is needed.
“We’re seeing entire streets that used to exist now underwater,” said North Topsail Beach resident Jeff Wells. “At some point, we have to do something different.”
Wells has advocated for the construction of a terminal groin in North Topsail Beach, arguing it would help redirect currents, trap sand and protect homes threatened by erosion.
“It’s long overdue,” Wells said. “We’ve lost too many homes, and entire sections of our island are eroding away.”
Supporters contend terminal groins can stabilize inlets and help rebuild beach width in high-erosion areas. Scientists, however, caution that even those projects may offer only temporary relief.
“Permanent structures aren’t a permanent solution,” Moore said. “There are ways to buy more time and work with the system, but the most permanent solution is also to consider buyouts and moving homes — as hard and wrenching as that is to consider.”
The proposed bill was filed in April, and if approved, it would take effect in September.
