The New Hampshire Coastal Adaptation Workgroup Rising Tides Photo Contest Returns on January 21-24, 2023

Portsmouth, NH – The New Hampshire Coastal Adaptation Workgroup (CAW) announces the annual New Hampshire Rising Tides Photo Contest on January 21-24, 2023. The Rising Tides Photo Contest aims to raise awareness about the increasing frequency of high tide flooding and sea-level rise, and showcase resilient ecosystems, economies, infrastructure, and communities in New Hampshire. Over time, through continued collection of photographs, engagement with tide forecasts, and real-time observation of tide levels, people who live, work, and recreate in coastal New Hampshire can learn and plan for how places they rely upon or value will be impacted by coastal flooding.

High tide flooding occurs when tidal waters flow above the natural landscape onto roadways, driveways, and yards, and interrupt daily routines. And, as sea level continues to rise in coastal New Hampshire, the frequency of high tide flooding will increase. Recent guidance developed by the New Hampshire Coastal Flood Risk Science and Technical Advisory Panel, suggests that New Hampshire communities should plan for 2.9-6.2 feet of sea-level rise by 2100. With just 2 feet of relative sea level rise, high tide flooding could occur almost every day in Hampton, NH.¹ 

Official NOAA Tide Predictions indicate that the late-morning and early afternoon high tides on January 21-24, 2023 will exceed 10 feet at the Hampton Harbor tide gauge in Hampton, NH and reach up to 11 feet at the Fort Point tide gauge in New Castle, NH.²  Photographing these higher-than-normal tides will offer a glimpse of what daily water levels could be like in the future as sea levels rise. Higher-than-normal tides may cause coastal flooding in low-lying areas, especially if accompanied by a storm or strong winds. Photo contest participants are urged to exercise caution and avoid existing and potentially hazardous conditions; obey all road closures, barricades, and other public access restrictions; and respect private property.

Important contest details are summarized below. For complete contest rules, terms, and conditions, please visit the CAW website.

CONTEST SUBMISSION PERIOD

• Begins: January 21, 2023 at 12 AM
• Ends: January 24, 2023 at 11:59 PM

WHAT TO ENTER

During the Contest Submission Period, entrants may submit a total of four (4) photos. Each photo must be entered into one of the contest categories below. Entrants may enter all of their photos in a single category, or select different categories for different photos. The same photo cannot be entered twice. Photos must be taken during the Contest Submission Period. See official contest rules for additional entry requirements and content restrictions.

Picturing Change - Photos of changes related to or caused by high tide flooding in New Hampshire’s Atlantic Coast or Great Bay communities. Examples include but are not limited to physical changes (e.g., flooded buildings and roadways), ecological changes (e.g., inundated land or waterways), socioeconomic changes (e.g., housing and food insecurity), or cultural changes (e.g., affected prehistoric and historic sites).

Picturing Resilience - Photos showcasing what is compelling about a community that is resilient in the face of high tide flooding in New Hampshire’s Atlantic Coast and Great Bay communities. Examples include but are not limited to healthy ecosystems (e.g., living shorelines and restored salt marsh), upgraded infrastructure (e.g., stormwater and green infrastructure), thriving communities (e.g., safe housing and social connections), or regenerative economies (e.g., sustainable jobs and industries).  

Atlantic Coast communities include Hampton, Hampton Falls, New Castle, North Hampton, Portsmouth, Rye and Seabrook. Great Bay communities include Dover, Durham, Exeter, Greenland, Madbury, Newfields, Newington, Newmarket, Rollinsford and Stratham.

HOW TO ENTER

All entries must be submitted via the online entry form available on the CAW website during the Contest Submission Period. Entries submitted via mail, email, or social media will not be accepted. One form is required per entry. Photos must be in .jpeg, .jpg, .gif, or .png file format and must not exceed 50MB.

WINNER SELECTION AND PRIZES

One winning entry will be selected in each of the Contest Categories through a public voting process. Beginning January 26, 2023 at 12:00 AM ET, members of the public may visit the CAW website to vote for their favorite entries in each of the Contest Categories. Limit one vote per entry per person/email address. The entries that receive the most votes by the end of the voting period on February 2, 2023 at 11:59 PM ET will win a $50 gift card to a local restaurant of the winner’s choosing. Restaurants must be located within one of New Hampshire’s coastal watershed communities. Limit one prize per entrant. Winners will be announced no later than February 16, 2023.

SITE VISITS

This year, the New Hampshire Coastal Adaptation Workgroup (CAW) is excited to host four site visits in public places that are already experiencing the impacts from high tide flooding. Each site visit will provide a unique opportunity to learn about, observe, and photograph the incoming tide. Volunteer boards and municipal staff, technical assistance providers, natural resource professionals, researchers and students, elected officials, interested residents or community leaders, and Rising Tides Photo Contest participants especially encouraged to attend.

Monday, January 23

• Hobson Ave. and Manchester St., Hampton:  11:30 AM-12:45 PM
• Chapman's Landing, Stratham: 1:30-2:30 PM

Tuesday, January 24

• Strawbery Banke Museum, Portsmouth: 11:30-12:30 PM
• Town Landing, Durham: 2:30-3:30 PM

To register for a site visit, fill out this Google Form. Registration is free but required to participate. Please register early as space is limited. The registration deadline is 5:00 PM Friday, January 20. For more information and to register, visit the CAW website. CAW is committed to hosting inclusive, accessible site visits that enable all individuals to participate fully.

To request accommodations, for inquiries about accessibility, or with general Rising Tide Photo Contest questions please contact Lucy Perkins at (603) 559-9101 or Lucy.L.Perkins@des.nh.gov. 

For all contest updates, follow @nhcaw on Twitter and @nhcoastaladaptation on Facebook and Instagram.

The New Hampshire Coastal Adaptation Workgroup is a collaboration of 30+ organizations, including the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services, working to ensure that New Hampshire's coastal watershed communities are resourceful, ready, and resilient to extreme weather and long-term climate change.