Oceanside Sand Loss Problem

Oceanside beaches are part of a naturally eroding sandstone bluff coastline that stretches from Dana Point to La Jolla. Rivers and streams which have supplied beaches with coarse sand have been diverted or dammed. Coastal bluffs have been developed and protected with sea walls and large rocks restricting the natural addition of sandstone to the beaches. Waves, tides, currents, and severe storms sweep sand off the beach in a southerly direction. Some of this sand is deposited on other beaches, but most of it is swept out to sea to settle in offshore canyons. Our naturally wide beaches are shrinking and, in some areas disappearing.

Sand Loss is an Industrial Issue

Oceanside beaches have suffered a significant loss of sand.

The Henshaw Dam and all the dammed tributaries fed into the San Luis Rey River are a significant reason for the lack of sand washing down the river. The water and sand flow have also been disrupted by construction done along river banks and river mouths. Sand, which typically gets washed down the San Luis Rey River during winter storms and naturally placed on our beaches, was a significant source of fresh sand.

Also, the installation and construction of the Oceanside Harbor breakwater has blocked and redirected sand that would naturally flow south to Oceanside beaches.