Funded Research Leads to New Living Shorelines
Information and tools about living shorelines were developed using a $425,000 NOAA grant.
A living shoreline can be the best defense against erosion. Incorporating a combination of built and nature-based erosion control techniques also can be more cost-effective and environment-friendly than hard erosion control structures. That’s why a post-Sandy project that received over $425,000 in NOAA funding produced living shoreline suitability information and a related map viewer. These products—which were informed by the University of Connecticut’s data, research, and models—have spurred living shoreline installations in several communities. The Connecticut Coastal Management Program also was a project partner.
The university researchers helped determine the suitability of different kinds of living shorelines along the Connecticut coast. They assessed patterns of coastal erosion, existing coastal protection approaches, and storm-wave characteristics. These efforts were followed up by meetings with local communities. As a result, several locations are under consideration or under construction for living shoreline installations, including New Haven, Greenwich, Fenwick, and Old Saybrook. (2017)
More Information: University of Connecticut
Partners: University of Connecticut