Santa Monica's Dune Restoration: A Natural Defense Against Rising Sea Levels

Santa Monica is implementing a significant dune restoration program aimed at combating rising sea levels and enhancing local biodiversity. The initiative, led by the Santa Monica Bay Foundation, has successfully restored approximately 8 acres of dunes, with plans to expand this to 30 acres south of the Santa Monica Pier, thanks to a $2 million state grant. This project is part of a broader effort to revive the coastal dunes that historically extended from Los Angeles International Airport to the Palos Verdes Peninsula.

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The restored dunes, which can reach heights of up to 5 feet, are populated with native plants such as beach evening primrose and beach bur. These plants are crucial for stabilizing the dunes and providing habitat for threatened species like the snowy plover. Since the installation of the dunes began in 2016, snowy plovers have returned to nest on Santa Monica Beach for the first time in nearly 70 years. The dunes also serve to mitigate sand displacement, reducing maintenance burdens on city infrastructure.

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The restoration of dunes is increasingly vital as scientists predict that rising sea levels could inundate up to 75% of California's beaches by 2100 without intervention. Tom Ford, CEO of the Santa Monica Bay Foundation, emphasizes that dunes can help build a beach that grows in height, thereby keeping pace with rising waters. Research from UC Santa Barbara indicates that the dunes have already demonstrated their ability to reduce flooding during significant storms, preventing approximately 50 feet of water run-up on the beach.

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Despite their benefits, experts caution that dunes are not a universal solution to coastal erosion and flooding. Kyle Emery, a coastal ecologist, notes that while dunes can protect against sea level rise, they may not be effective in all locations, particularly those that are severely inundated. Furthermore, the restoration efforts face challenges from invasive species like iceplant, which threaten native plant growth.

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California's recent legislation mandates coastal areas to develop plans for sea level rise, with dune restoration recognized as a nature-based strategy. Additionally, Proposition 4, passed in 2024, allocates funding for coastal resilience projects, including dune restoration efforts at Bolsa Chica State Beach and in south Orange County.

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While the dune restoration initiative has garnered support, some critics argue that it may not fully address the complexities of coastal management. Concerns have been raised about the balance between maintaining recreational beach spaces and allowing for natural dune systems to thrive. Riley Pratt, a senior environmental scientist, acknowledges the need for a paradigm shift in how coastal areas are managed, suggesting that a more sustainable approach may require adapting to the presence of dunes.

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• “start to build a beach that grows in height, and that helps us keep up with sea level rise,” — Tom Ford, CEO of the Santa Monica Bay Foundation

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• “We've demonstrated that this nature-based solution can protect against sea level rise and storm-driven wave erosion,” — Kyle Emery, Coastal Ecologist

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• “I think the writing is on the wall, and we're now looking at it differently, that we really need to get ahead of this,” — Riley Pratt, Senior Environmental Scientist

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The Santa Monica dune restoration project represents a proactive approach to addressing the challenges posed by climate change, offering both ecological benefits and a potential buffer against rising sea levels.

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