Shoreline erosion is a constant challenge that plagues many waterfront owners and natural areas. Although shoreline erosion is a natural process, it can be worsened by human activities, such as boats, dredging or dams, which change freshwater and sediment flow. Stabilizing the shoreline with hard structures, like sea walls and bulkheads, is expensive and can lead to the loss of habitat, neighboring property and other benefits provided by nature. For that reason, natural resource managers and shoreline property owners are looking at options that use more natural materials.
Collectively, we call these methods “living shorelines.” Living shorelines are shoreline stabilization techniques that use materials, such as oysters, plants, rocks or other materials, to reinforce or stabilize the shoreline. Living shorelines maintain a greater connection between the land and sea by allowing water and sediment flow.
Extension specialists at Mississippi-Alabama Sea Grant Consortium (MASGC) use the latest science-based information in its outreach programming. MASGC uses this information when working with marine contractors, landscapers, consultants, city officials, homeowners and others to provide information on shoreline design, permitting considerations, cost estimates and more to help protect miles of shoreline annually.
However, more research is needed to improve the science of living shorelines and application through programs such as those at MASGC.
To help address some living shoreline research needs, MASGC has partnered with the Grand Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve (NERR), U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center, and Mississippi State University for a study.
Together, they are collecting data at recently restored subtidal and intertidal reefs at the Grand Bay NERR, as well as non-reef reference sites, to make comparisons on how the reefs impact the estuarine biology, hydrology, sediment movement and shoreline erosion rates. The team members coordinate their data collection and activities so the results are comprehensive, covering a wide range of reef aspects.
MASGC and partners will use the data to develop research products and lessons-learned that will be incorporated into MASGC programming to inform future efforts to use oyster reefs to stabilize marsh shorelines in other locations.
For more information on this project or about living shorelines, contact Eric Sparks at [email protected].