Port Royal Launches Innovative Living Shorelines Project to Combat Coastal Erosion

Port Royal Takes a Stand Against Coastal Erosion with Living Shorelines Project

PORT ROYAL — The sun was shining brightly on the morning of October 8 as a lively crowd gathered at Safe Harbor Marina to listen to some exciting news. Local leaders and conservationists announced a thoughtful plan to help combat the growing issue of coastal erosion that’s affecting Parris Island. With a combination of enthusiasm and commitment, they presented a living shorelines project that aims to protect this historically rich area using nature’s own resources – oysters!

Maj. Gen. William Grimsley was among the prominent figures present, eager to share details about the initiative. The project will roll out along more than 8,000 feet of shoreline on the eastern side of Parris Island, which is home to the Marine Corps Recruit Depot – a crucial military training ground. The plan is bolstered by a substantial $5.43 million grant from the Military Enhancement Fund and is a collaborative effort involving multiple stakeholders, including the S.C. Department of Natural Resources and environmental NGOs like Global Eco Adventures.

What Are Living Shorelines?

So, what exactly are these living shorelines? According to Robert Boyles, who heads the Resiliency Efforts at the S.C. Department of Natural Resources, living shorelines are dynamic spaces where natural materials like oysters and vegetation are used to enhance the coastal ecosystem. Not only do they provide a protective barrier against erosion, but they also create habitats for marine life, helping to sustain the local environment.

The idea behind these manmade oyster beds is rather clever. Instead of just slapping up a wall to stop the waves, these beds soak up energy from boat wakes and tides, reducing the force against the shoreline. Oysters, as many know, are natural filters. They clean up the water, which enhances the overall health of the marsh habitats surrounding Parris Island.

Success Stories and Community Involvement

This isn’t the first time a project like this has been undertaken. For over two decades, community members, environmentalists, and government agencies have successfully built living shorelines along South Carolina’s coast. Just earlier this year, in a mud-soaked adventure, volunteers from The Nature Conservancy and the Marine Corps constructed 2,000 feet of artificial oyster reefs at Laurel Bay using funding from a separate $6.8 million grant.

In 2022, an innovative project created a manufactured wire reef near Parris Island, using wire cages covered in oyster shells. All of these efforts share a common goal: to fortify the coastline while engaging local communities in the process, building resilience amid climate change challenges.

Looking Ahead

The vision for the Parris Island living shorelines project is ambitious and multifaceted. It will not only utilize spare concrete traffic barriers from the Marine Corps to provide additional structure but will also involve research into existing manmade structures on-site. Maj. Gen. Grimsley emphasized the significance of this project for South Carolina, stating, “Right here in Beaufort, we make Marines. But we also need resilient communities and infrastructure to support them.”

As local leaders and community members rally together and recognize the vital role of nature in protecting their shores, they’re not just saving Parris Island—they’re also cultivating a sense of stewardship and engagement that will benefit future generations. The excitement in the air was palpable on that sunny day at Safe Harbor Marina, where the community took a bold step towards preserving their beautiful coastal home.