Living Shorelines: A Natural Defense Against Coastal Erosion

Coastal cities are increasingly adopting living shorelines, utilizing restored salt marshes, oyster reefs, and dune grasses to combat erosion. This nature-based solution absorbs wave energy and naturally rebuilds sediment, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional concrete seawalls. Early projects demonstrate reduced shoreline loss and a return of native species, proving to be more cost-effective over the long term, especially when integrated with targeted hard defenses for critical infrastructure.