What is a Shoreline and Living Shoreline

Shorelines are natural environments that undergo erosion and accretion from wave energy and tide changes. The process of erosion and accretion is often worsened by human activities. This causes harm to shorelines making them less resilient to constant sea changes. A living shoreline is a man made natural method to stabilize shorelines and protect them from erosion.

The Role of Living Shorelines

With shorelines facing many challenges near an ocean they often go through erosion and flooding, which are highly dangerous to the shoreline. The role of living shorelines plays a big part in protecting and keeping it a safe habitat for many species. Using many materials like wetland plants, oyster shells, and sand to maintain a safe environment for these coastlines.

How Estero Uses Living Shorelines

The Florida Department of Emergency Management helped grant $8 million dollars to a project that would help strengthen the shorelines of Fort Myers beach ultimately reaching the end of Estero Island. Following the aftermath of Hurricane Ian in September 2022 removing 220,000 cubic yards of sand from the beach, this project is set to repair 112,000 tons of damage. With the total costing over the $40 million dollar mark, this will help enhance and bulk up the storm defense of the beach.

Economic, Cultural, and Resilience Importance

Living shorelines provide economic benefits in Estero by creating a cost effective way to reduce storm and flood damage. They create a natural buffer to absorb wave energy. They also create a natural water filter system drastically improving water quality in the Estero areas. Living shorelines also make for a more aesthetic natural looking structure compared to other man-made structures. Increased habitat and safer water conditions also creates more opportunities for water recreation like fishing, kayaking, swimming, and wildlife watching.

Challenges and Adaptive Strategies

There are many challenges involved due to the big process. Spending a great deal of  money on a  project such as this can result in a big challenge, it is uncertain the project will succeed in protecting the coast. The strategies involved are installing a dune management plan, which will include the addition of plantings to strengthen the newly formed dunes and will provide some insurance on making sure the living shorelines stays healthy and active.

Conclusion

In conclusion, living shorelines are a vital, sustainable solution for protecting coastal environments like Estero from the growing threats of erosion and storms. Living shorelines combine natural materials like plants, sand, and oyster shells, to not only protect habitats, but also support economic and recreational opportunities for our communities. The restoration efforts in Estero demonstrate how environmental protection and cultural value can all be strengthened through these projects. While challenges remain in funding and long-term success, the investment in living shorelines offers lasting benefits that preserve both the environment and the livelihoods that depend on it. 

References

Resilient Florida Program – Living Shorelines | Florida Department of Environmental Protection. (n.d.). Floridadep.gov. https://floridadep.gov/rcp/resilient-florida-program/content/resilient-florida-program-living-shorelines

NOAA Fisheries. (2019). Understanding Living Shorelines. NOAA. https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/insight/understanding-living-shorelines

Ruziev, A. (2024, February 14). SHIFTING SANDS: Fort Myers Beach embarks on multimillion-dollar shoreline revival. FOX 4 News Fort Myers WFTX. https://www.fox4now.com/fort-myers-beach/shifting-sands-fort-myers-beach-embarks-on-multimillion-dollar-shoreline-revival

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By: Lilah Davis & Max Holbrook, FGCU