Global Warming

"Sea levels are rising worldwide and along much of the U.S. coast. (IPCC, 2007) Coastal zones are particularly vulnerable to climate variability and change. Key concerns include sea level rise, land loss, changes in maritime storms and flooding, responses to sea level rise and implications for water resources. Shore erosion also increases vulnerability to storms, by removing the beaches and dunes that would otherwise protect coastal property from storm waves (FEMA 2000). Historically, along sandy bay beaches, property owners have erected various types of sea walls to halt erosion. Although these hard structures protect property, they can eliminate bay beaches, which are usually less than 10 feet wide. Beaches are used for fishing, recreation, transportation, and landing small crafts, in addition to their environmental importance."

In the District, a Long Beach magazine, an article about the Breakwater Breakdown was published. They were discussing the issue of global warming causing rising sea levels. Although many people think that the breakwater might help restrain damage, they cannot prevent tides and are not a form of protection for oceanfront property. In the article they mention the United States Environmental Protection Agency and what to do about rising tides.

After reading the article, I searched the EPA website and found out that the erosion the Long Beach Breakwater has caused might be worse than the possible protection from everyday waves. If the breakwater was not present, the even flow of water might spread the sand across and protect our beach better. The breakwater might serve a small purpose in protecting rising tides, yet it would have to be doubled in height. The idea of the breakwater giving us a head start and completely protecting oceanfront property has been disproved and can no longer be a reason why we should not remove it.

References

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

FEMA, 2000: Evaluation of Erosion Hazards.

IPCC, 2007: Climate Change 2007: The Physical Science Basis. Contribution of Working Group I to the Fourth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change [Solomon, S., D. Qin, M. Manning (eds.)].

The District Weekly

Surf in Long Beach?

Sink the Breakwater is a blog created to inform the public and officials about the effects of the Long Beach Breakwater and gain support in removing it. The breakwater was built in the 1940s as security during World War II, which has no more U.S. Naval presence. It no longer serves its original purpose, yet it has decreased tourism, property values, surf, and damaged the coastline. I grew up in Long Beach and am aware of the impact it has had on the beach and the city. I listen to the community's recollections of the beautiful beach we used to have and see how destroyed and desolate it has become. No longer do you see surfers in the water, people lying on the sand and walking on the pier, or booking their vacation in Long Beach. It is a rare city in Southern California not to have a pier with Ruby's Restaurant on the end and tourist attractions surrounding. This blog is being created in order to inform the public of this issue and remove the Long Beach Breakwater.

Many people should be concerned with this issue, and I would like to target the Long Beach community, the City of Long Beach, the Port of Long Beach, surfers, Long Beach Realty, conservationists, and the State of California. Everyone should be concerned with the lack of tourism in Long Beach and pride for the community as a whole. The beautiful destination has become empty and forgotten. Surfers have lost their waves, people have lost access to a nice beach, and the community has lost their coastal appeal. The State of California should be concerned because money will be provided through them, but also to maintain the image of California. The city and residents should be concerned with the benefits of removing the breakwater. Realty will increase and the community's image will return to how it used to be. All targets will benefit financially. Everyone will also gain benefit from beach access. There are many people in agreement with the removal of the breakwater, however there are some opposed. The opposition either does not have a proper answer to the refusal or does not have enough previous information to make a judgment.

As a surfer living in Long Beach, CA, I would like to see surf in Long Beach again. I would also like to see the quality of the beach and surroundings improve. I remember playing beach volleyball in high school by the Belmont Pool and having to pick up syringes, broken bottles, and other trash before we could begin playing so that we did not get hurt. I also work at a surf shop and hear about people trying to go surf in Long Beach when certain storms pass through. I feel like removing at least part of the breakwater will improve the overall quality of the beach. I do not want to hear any more stories about how Long Beach used to be or people blaming the breakwater for no waves. If everyone learns about the real affects of leaving the breakwater or taking it out, we might be able to compromise and improve Long Beach.