Most Jersey Shore beaches are in good shape as summer starts, but serious erosion a problem in spots

ASBURY PARK, N.J. — Most of New Jersey’s beaches will start the summer in decent shape after a winter of storms, but significant erosion remains a problem in several spots. Jon Miller, a coastal processes expert at Stevens Institute of Technology, said a series of winter nor’easters caused significant erosion in Atlantic City, where casino officials are begging for an emergency beach replenishment program, and in North Wildwood, which will receive one in the coming weeks. “While many beaches remain healthy and in great shape heading into the summer tourism season thanks in large part to the sustained commitment of local, state and federal officials, some communities remain vulnerable,” he said. Shawn LaTourette, New Jersey’s environmental protection commissioner, said, “the repetitive nature of these erosional forces cannot be ignored.” Erosion was particularly severe in the north end of Atlantic City over the winter, leaving at least three casinos with little usable beach during high tides. This summer is predicted to be “an extremely active hurricane season,” Miller said Thursday at the New Jersey Sea Grant Consortium’s state of the shore event.