Shorelines with high boat wake and wave energy face especially rapid erosion and habitat loss. Living shorelines have proven effective to mitigate erosion and restore salt marsh and oyster reef in other areas, but typical designs are not successful when there is significant boat wake and wave energy.

About this resource

This project overview describes a collaborative research project that tested the efficacy of a new living shoreline design for high-energy coasts. The gabion-break design uses two lines of defense to reduce erosion along the marsh edge - porous wooden breakwalls placed in front of structures that will foster oyster growth. The overview highlights the project approach, results, benefits, and next steps.