Writing an Ocean Story: The Current at UCSB

Along the California coast, the boundary between land and ocean is in constant motion. Coastal erosion and sea level rise are reshaping shorelines, with visible impacts on beaches, dunes, and cliffs. At UCSB, researchers are working to understand and plan for these changes, from protecting dune habitat to developing strategies for cliff erosion. Their work reflects a broader shift in coastal management:  Rather than attempting to stop erosion entirely, how can we adapt with a coastline that is always in flux?

In collaboration with The Current at UCSB, this story highlights how researchers and community members are responding to coastal change across dune and cliff habitats. Drawing on local perspectives, it explores dune restoration efforts, shoreline adaptation planning, and long-term habitat management. The story features examples along the UCSB coastline and in Isla Vista, including Coal Oil Point Natural Reserve, Lagoon Road, and the cliffs stretching from Devereux to Sands Beach. Interviews, map visualizations, and coastal photography are key aspects of the project which help to illustrate how the shoreline has changed over time and the scale of these transformations.