Aerial views of the damage caused by Hurricane Sandy to the New Jersey coast. Photo ©Flickr.

On the 10th Anniversary of Superstorm Sandy, the 2022 Northeast Coastal Conference brought together experts and industry leaders to discuss what we have learned, ongoing research and projects that are making our shores and coastal communities safer, and new ways we can continue to build a more resilient future.

More than 100 people traveled to the Stockton University – Atlantic City Campus on October 6th & 7th for the 2022 Northeast Coastal Conference hosted and organized by the Northeast Chapter of the American Shore & Beach Preservation Association (NSBPA).

Marking 10 years since Superstorm Sandy struck the Northeast region in 2012, decimating New Jersey’s shore and coastal communities and costing $30 billion in damages, this year’s event took the time to reflect on the past decade of innovative research and resilience projects that have been rebuilding and strengthening infrastructure throughout the state and region.

The event drew more than 30 expert speakers from across federal, state, and local governments as well as from Academia and Industry, including: the US Army Corps of Engineers, NJ Department of Environmental Protection, NJ Department of Transportation, the New York State Governor’s Office of Storm Recovery, Stockton University, and more.

From analyzing the “state of the shoreline” 10 years later to discussing living shorelines for coastal protection and best practices for coastal resiliency planning, the conference left attendees with a holistic view of recovery efforts post-Sandy.

“This conference was an opportunity for the industry to learn about the cutting-edge science, engineering, planning, and policy projects that are strengthening our region’s shorelines,” said Dr. Dan Barone, NSBPA Northeast Chapter president. “It also gave everyone the chance to reflect on how Superstorm Sandy impacted us, how we responded, and where we have to go next to ensure resilience across our coastal systems.”

Dr. Barone is also a jointly appointed Associate Research Professor within the Rutgers University Center for Advanced Infrastructure and Transportation (CAIT), Department of Marine and Coastal Sciences (DMCS), and Department of Geography.

Alongside the NSBPA Board of Directors, Dr. Barone led and organized the conference.

“Thank you to all of our presenters, sponsors, exhibitors and attendees for making this such a memorable and informative event,” he said. “It is truly amazing to look back on the 10 years since Superstorm Sandy and all of the amazing work that continues to make our coasts more resilient for the future.”

Check out some of the highlights from the 2022 Northeast Coastal Conference below.

The conference kicked off with keynote speaker Donald Cresitello, Senior Coastal Planner at US Army Corps of Engineers, discussing the USACE North Atlantic Division’s Sandy recovery efforts.
The conference kicked off with keynote speaker Donald Cresitello, Senior Coastal Planner at US Army Corps of Engineers, discussing the USACE North Atlantic Division’s Sandy recovery efforts.
ACT Engineers President Eric Rosina, CCP, hosted a Field Trip Stop to discuss Atlantic City’s City-Wide Dredge Permit.
ACT Engineers Director of Coastal Geology, Nick Brown, PhD, and Director of Geospatial Services, Brad Smith, PSM, gave a presentation titled “Back Bay Adaptive Management Plan, Case Study: Ocean City New Jersey.”
Dr. Stewart Farrell, Director and Founder of the Stockton University Coastal Research Center, won the first “J Richard Weggel Coastal Academic Award” for his contributions to coastal science and efforts in fostering the next generation.
Mohammad Jamous, Ocean Engineering Ph.D. student from the Stevens Institute of Technology, was named Student Poster Winner for his project on the vulnerability of the NJ beach-dune system.
Lisa Winter of the New England District of the US Army Corps of Engineers provided attendees with updates on the district’s activities since Hurricane Sandy.