Breakwater Design and Numerical Modelling for Oyster Reef Habitat Restoration
Nature‑based and living shorelines are gaining global momentum, but engineering methods for habitat‑supporting structures are still developing. This study outlines the design of 33 low‑crested breakwaters in Florida’s Pensacola Bay to restore oyster reefs and advance coastal resilience.
Subject Tags
- Reefs
- Nature-based solutions
- Coastal
Abstract
Interest in applying nature-based and living shoreline solutions is increasing globally, and the benefits of these multifunctional approaches to managing shorelines are well documented. However, the application of coastal engineering design methods to develop structures suitable for the development of habitats is still evolving. This paper presents the approach adopted in the design of 33 low-crested breakwaters for the restoration of oyster reef habitat at a north Florida Gulf Coast project site in the Pensacola Bay System.
Citation
Rowlands, O.E., Bassetti, L., Birch, A. and DeQuattro, J., 2024. Breakwater Design and Numerical Modelling for Oyster Reef Habitat Restoration. In Coasts, Marine Structures and Breakwaters 2023: Resilience and adaptability in a changing climate (pp. 1505-1520). Emerald Publishing Limited. https://doi.org/10.1680/cmsb.67042.1505
TNC Authors
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Jeff DeQuattro
Director of Restoration, Florida
The Nature Conservancy
Email: jdequattro@tnc.org -
Anne Birch
The Nature Conservancy