Living Shoreline Stabilization

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Shoreline stabilization has typically consisted of hardened structures such as stone revetments, breakwaters, and bulkheads. These methods of stabilization have been found to be detrimental to the environment by eliminating critical marine habitat and accelerating coastal erosion to adjacent shorelines.

Living shoreline stabilization utilizes traditional hardened structures with sand, native vegetation, and even marine organisms such as oysters and clams to stabilize and enhance; creating a natural habitat. Depending on the site specific characteristics such as location, wave energy, elevation, and fetch, nonstructural biodegradable materials consisting of coconut products (coir) may also be implemented.

The use of living shoreline techniques has become the preferred method for most regulatory agencies involved in the shoreline stabilization permitting process, and has proven to be cost effective. With more than 15 years of experience in this venue, Coastal Wetlands, Inc. can provide this innovative service for those in need of stabilization regarding any coastal and estuarine environment suited for this technique.