Evaluating the coastal protection and ecological co-benefits of novel marsh-oyster restoration approaches
Grant
Overview
abstract
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Commercial and recreational boating activities are frequently major contributors to coastal economies. However, in heavily trafficked, narrow, coastal waterways, boat wakes can be the predominant factor contributing to shoreline erosion. Having received little attention compared to wind-driven wave energy systems, what limited data is available suggests that vegetated shorelines may be less effective at attenuating vessel-driven waves, which are frequently characterized by longer wave periods and greater wave heights, compared to wind driven waves. Thus, nature-based features, such as oyster breakwaters, may be necessary to stabilize shorelines along narrow, heavily trafficked waterways, where there is limited distance for energy to dissipate. Importantly, limited availability of conventional substrate (i.e. oyster or clam shell) and structural failure of conventional substrate reefs in high energy environment have dramatically limited the availability and versatility of living shorelines approaches. Thus, developing and testing high-stability, alternative substrates is imperative to further adoption of nature-inspired alternatives to shoreline armoring structures. While modular, alternative reef substrates, including Oyster Catcher substrate, have been shown to function as high-quality oyster habitat, the efficacy of alternative oyster restoration substrates in reducing shoreline erosion remain largely untested in high vessel traffic systems. Our proposed research will address this data gap, by monitoring the coastal protection and ecological co-benefits of restoring oyster reefs using Oyster Catcher substrate along the highly trafficked Taylor's Creek thoroughfare, in Beaufort, NC, within the Rachel Carson Reserve.
date/time interval
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January 2021 - January 2025
awarded by