Surfrider Grades 30 States on Shoreline Protection

A new report finds 27 of 30 coastal states earned a C or lower, with none receiving an A.

Updated on Nov. 8, 2026 in Surfing

Bold flat-color editorial illustration of a diagonal rock armoring wall meeting waves on a sandy shoreline, in navy and cream with a rust accent. — The Surfrider Foundation's 2026 State of the Beach Report found 27 of 30 coastal states earned a C or lower on shoreline protection, with none receiving an A. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Should coastal communities prioritize seawalls or natural shoreline solutions to protect beaches?

The Surfrider Foundation released its 2026 State of the Beach Report, grading 30 coastal states on their shoreline protection policies. Twenty-seven states received a C or lower, and no state earned an A.

Why it matters

Stronger storms and rising seas are adding pressure to the coastline, and the report suggests current policies are falling short. Coastal flooding is expected to worsen as sea levels rise and storms intensify.

The grading covers 30 coastal states, with 27 receiving a C or lower and none earning an A. The extraction does not detail the specific scoring methodology behind each grade.

The players

Surfrider Foundation

A nonprofit environmental organization focused on protecting the ocean, waves and beaches through advocacy and public education.

The details

The report evaluates shoreline protection policies, noting that seawalls and rock armoring often go up during declared emergencies and can interrupt natural coastal movement and sand replenishment. A Solana Beach parking lot floods when high tides arrive, while the Cardiff Living Shoreline uses cobble and dunes to absorb wave energy.

2026: Surfrider Foundation releases its State of the Beach Report

Big Picture

The 2026 edition continues the Surfrider Foundation's State of the Beach Report series, which grades coastal states on shoreline policy. The grades arrive as sea-level rise and storm intensity increase pressure on the coastline.

Coastal residents should watch for flooding during high tides and emergency declarations that may prompt seawall or rock armoring projects. Staying informed about local shoreline policy can help residents understand how changes may affect nearby beaches.

The takeaway

Shoreline protection choices made today will shape how coastlines absorb future storms and sea-level rise. Readers can track their own state's grade and local flood-prone spots to better understand coastal risk.