Shored Up 2013

Shored Up is a compelling documentary that serves as a critical wake-up call regarding the pressing issue of rising sea levels. Set against the backdrop of Long Beach Island, NJ, and the Outer Banks, NC, the film delves deep into the political struggles and personal consequences experienced by coastal communities. It features candid discussions with scientists, politicians, and local residents, revealing significant flaws in coastal management practices and emphasizing the urgent need for transformative change.

This documentary, filmed over three years and documenting the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy, serves as an unsettling prophecy of the storm’s destructive impact. It portrays the harsh reality of what occurs when there is a disconnect between human ambition and the inevitable forces of nature—a theme encapsulated in the words:

“You can only tread water for so long on a coast that’s going under.”

Shored Up investigates the duality of our relationship with the ocean; while our desire for breathtaking sea views drives development, it also leads coastal communities towards disaster. The film expands across various platforms, including a feature documentary, interactive website, mobile app, and game, which together immerse audiences in the vivid elements of sand, waves, storms, and the history of our entangled romance with the coast.

Focusing on Long Beach Island, one of New Jersey’s first beach resorts, the film reveals a typical scene—sunbathers enjoying the warm summer rays and families indulging in ice cream. However, with the arrival of winter, the island faces the wrath of nor’easters and hurricanes that reshape the coastline, destroy homes, and at times sever the island in half. It highlights the ongoing conflict behind the scenes, as surfers and the Army Corps of Engineers clash over beach replenishment efforts. Although intended to shield property from erosion, this engineering strategy can inadvertently lead to various issues: altered surf breaks, increased injuries, and a damaged ecosystem beneath the waves.

As the narrative shifts from LBI to the Outer Banks, it shines a light on a crucial issue: sea level rise. For years, North Carolina has had progressive regulations aimed at protecting its coastlines from overdevelopment. However, these regulations now face fierce opposition from rising political forces. The film captures the tension during the Coastal Resource Committee’s annual meetings, as development advocates make attempts to silence scientific recommendations in favor of their interests.

Throughout its exploration, Shored Up intertwines the history of Atlantic coast development through insightful interviews with historians, citizens, and local mayors like Deborah Whitcraft, Margaret Schram, and Jonathon Oldham. It reveals a broader narrative about the politics of climate change, addressing the question: With millions of citizens residing at sea level, what is obstructing the formation of a unified plan for the coastline’s future? As the film uncovers, the stakes have never been higher. Through its compelling storytelling, Shored Up not only informs but also engages viewers in a crucial conversation about our rapidly changing environment and the choices we must face.