Port Royal Unveils Living Shorelines Project to Combat Coastal Erosion

Port Royal Launches Innovative Living Shorelines Project to Combat Coastal Erosion

PORT ROYAL — On a bright and sunny day with the temperature soaring to a pleasant 74°F, local leaders gathered at Safe Harbor Marina to unveil an exciting initiative aimed at protecting Parris Island’s coastline from the threat of significant erosion. Administrator Maj. Gen. William Grimsley stood among other authorities as they announced plans for a living shorelines project that combines nature and innovation to safeguard this unique environment.

A Unique Approach to Erosion Control

The newly announced project is set to cover over 8,000 feet of shoreline on the eastern side of Parris Island, home to the Marine Corps Recruit Depot. A hefty $5.43 million grant from the Military Enhancement Fund will help fuel this impressive undertaking. Key players in the project include the S.C. Department of Natural Resources, Coastal Carolina University, the Marine Depot, the Town of Port Royal, and the environmental non-profit Global Eco Adventures. Together, they will create oyster-based living shorelines, boosting both habitat and coastal resilience.

But what exactly are living shorelines? These environmentally-friendly shorelines incorporate materials like vegetation and oysters to achieve two main goals: enhancing local habitats and reducing the impact of erosion. Robert Boyles, director of the S.C. Department of Natural Resources Resiliency Efforts, highlighted how these manmade oyster beds work by absorbing energy from waves and tides. This is a stark contrast to traditional sea walls, which merely deflect energy, often leading to erosion further down the coastline.

Why Oysters?

Oysters are not only remarkable for their ability to sustain habitats, but they also take on the role of natural water filters. They help improve water quality by filtering out pollutants, creating a healthier marsh ecosystem. The concept of leveraging oyster beds to combat shoreline erosion isn’t a modern invention; it’s been embraced by volunteers and organizations across South Carolina for the past two decades.

This year alone, another significant project saw The Nature Conservancy of South Carolina and the Marine Corps teaming up to build 2,000 feet of artificial oyster reefs in Laurel Bay, supported by a $6.8 million grant from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Similarly, a 2022 initiative by the Coastal Conservation League introduced wire cage reefs woven with oyster shells near the Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, showcasing diverse approaches to tackling erosion.

Community Engagement in Action

While living shorelines may not be a silver bullet against all coastal challenges, as Boyles candidly stated, they foster community engagement and allow natural processes to thrive despite climate change. With this new initiative, the project will also incorporate innovative elements such as *spare concrete traffic barriers* from the Marine Corps Recruit Depot, along with studies of existing manmade structures on the island.

Maj. Gen. Grimsley emphasized the importance of this project not only for environmental sustainability but also for national security. “Right here in Beaufort, we make Marines,” he stressed. “We also provide trained and lethal marine aviation to the joint force. That takes resilient communities, resilient infrastructure, and the ability to sustain that over time. That’s what this project and others like it are doing.”

A Step Forward for Environmental Conservation

The announcement of this living shorelines project marks a significant step forward for both the local community and the broader efforts to protect South Carolina’s coastline. It’s a reminder that by working together and utilizing the gifts of nature, we can create lasting solutions that benefit both the environment and future generations. Keep your eyes peeled for updates as this exciting initiative takes shape along the stunning shores of Parris Island!