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Table of Contents
Introduction
Introduction
This type of shoreline defense uses natural designs and organisms to help buffer communities against increasing forces caused by climate change and sea level rise.
Types of Living Shoreline Defenses
Types of Living Shoreline Defenses
Coral Reefs
Coral Reefs
These lie further out to sea and can help reduce storm impact before it even reaches the shore.
Shellfish Reefs
Shellfish Reefs
There can exist right along the shoreline or slightly out in front of this line. The shellfish help reduce water pollution, ocean acidification, and also help protect against incoming waves.
Mangroves
Mangroves
These specialized forest systems are specially evolved to manage saline water, though different species will generally exist at different areas of the mangrove forest depending on the amount of moisture and salinity that they can handle.
Riparian Zones
Riparian Zones
Benefits of Living Shorelines
Benefits of Living Shorelines
Reduction of Air Pollution
Reduction of Air Pollution
Carbon Sequestration
Carbon Sequestration
Shellfish reefs and mangroves both help absorb carbon. Coral reefs also support organisms that sequester carbon.
Cleaner Water
Cleaner Water
Living organisms including shellfish and trees help absorb pollutants. When oyster reefs and mangroves were stripped away, communities noticed their water quality became much dirtier, both harder to see in as well as more likely to cause illness to swimmers or others interacting with the water.
Corals (including glass corals), shellfish, kelp, and plants can help reduce the amount of viruses, bacteria, and other pollutants coming from land into the sea. This in turn protects the wildlife who live in the ocean, which coastal communities rely on for economic and food security purposes.
Resources
Resources
Case Studies
Case Studies
Creating a Living Shoreline for Community Resilience (PDF) "AGU’s Thriving Earth Exchange helps American Venice preserve and persevere amid changing conditions"
North America
North America
USA
USA
Coastal Restoration Toolkit: Take Action to Restore Our Coastlines "Find tools and information you need to launch a restoration project in your community."
Green Infrastructure Effectiveness Database "This database is a compilation of literature resources documenting the effectiveness and economics of nature-based solutions and Green Infrastructure for coastal resilience."
Projects
Projects
Organizations
Organizations
North America
North America
USA
USA
California
The Watershed Project their "mission is to inspire San Francisco Bay Area communities to understand, appreciate, and protect our local watersheds."
Virginia
Friends of the Rappahannock "All our efforts work together to achieve our mission to be the voice and active force for a healthy and scenic Rappahannock River."
Maps
Maps
North America
North America
USA
USA
Coastal Flood Exposure Mapper "Jumpstart community discussions about local coastal flooding hazards by developing maps that show the people, places, and natural resources at risk."
Grants & Funding
Grants & Funding
North America
North America
USA
USA
Florida
Tampa Bay Environmental Restoration Fund "This includes projects that address on-the-ground habitat restoration; water quality improvement; applied research and monitoring; and community-based social marketing campaigns. Proposals that benefit historically underserved and overburdened communities are encouraged to apply. Preference will be given to proposals that are aligned with conservation objectives and priorities described below.
Awards typically range from $25,000-$250,000. A minimum 1:1 match of cash or in-kind/contributed goods and services is required. Eligible applicants include local, state, and federal governments; non-profit organizations; and educational institutions. Projects should not exceed a three-year timeline from contract execution to completion."
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