Living shorelines are environmentally friendly shoreline stabilization techniques that help to stabilize the natural shoreline against erosion. These are alternatives to hardened shoreline techniques, such as bulkheads and seawalls that are used on the south side of the Biloxi peninsula (you can see these seawalls along the beach on the Gulf Coast from Pass Christian to Biloxi).
The reason these alternative shoreline projects are needed is because hardened shorelines are detrimental to the environment...these permanent structures often lead to more erosion in places where none existed before, and they reduce the amount of intertidal habitats, which would normally improve water quality, act as storm buffers, and provide habitats for fish, crustaceans, and birds.
The design and look of living shorline projects differ from place to place, as each shoreline is different. Most living shoreline designs involve planting native shoreline vegetation, placing offshore breakwaters or a reinforced shoreline edge. If done properly, a living shoreline project should last indefinitely, versus a hardened shoreline which routinely needs maintenance or replacement.
In general, a living shoreline project costs significantly less than a hardened shoreline. Even if a site needs significant amounts of prep work, the cost of a living shoreline project would be comparible to a hardened structure, but would benefit the environment much more.
The current trend along the Mississippi Gulf Coast is to install hardened shoreline structures, such as bulkheads, seawalls, or rip-rap to protect waterfront coastal property from erosion. Bulkheads may be the best option for areas with high wave energy, but because the Mississippi Gulf Coast is protected by its barrier islands, a living shoreline can protect against erosion without the negative effects of bulkheads and similar structures.
Wave energy is one of the main drivers of a living shoreline design. The shoreline at this spot is exposed to chronic wave energy from boat traffic and seasonal north winds that have been steadily eroding the shoreline. Sections of the bank on the western beach can be seen as undermined where wave energy is actively eroding the shoreline. The primary purpose of the living shorelines is to reduce the wave energy affecting the beach and help to decrease or prevent future land loss.
The materials used at this living shoreline project site can be easily seen from the posted coordinates. Please answer the following questions and then log your find:
1. What are the man-made offshore breakwaters at this location made out of, and do you think they are effectively stopping the wave energy from hitting this beach?
2. What living shoreline materials do you see in use at this spot (name at least 3)?
3. Why are living shorelines a better alternative at this location to hardened structures such as bulkheads and seawalls?
A photo posted with The Old Brick House or the giant oak tree behind you would be appreciated but is not required. Please don't post a photo with the EarthCache in the photo.
Special thanks to the Coastal Research & Extension Center at Mississippi State University with their help in this EarthCache.
