For years, the North Bluff beach in Oak Bluffs has been slowly disappearing. Now all that has changed.

As summer approaches, one of the big questions surrounding the Island also happens to surround it literally — the beaches.

Chilmark beaches will open on schedule this summer, but with new safety precautions including limited parking.

Summer beachgoers in Vineyard Haven may find no lifeguard on duty this summer at Owen Park and Lake Tashmoo due to a town lifeguard shortage.

Coastal resources contribute roughly $1.5 million a year to the Oak Bluffs economy, according to a town-commissioned study unveiled last week.

Volunteers carrying large feed bags dotted the Island’s beaches Saturday as they collected trash for the Vineyard Conservation Society’s 24th annual Earth Day Beach Cleanup.