Living shoreline
A living shoreline is a protected, stabilized coastal edge made of natural materials such as plants, sand, or rock. Unlike a concrete seawall or other hard structure, which impedes the growth of plants and animals, living shorelines grow over time.
New Brunswick Environmental Network
Living shorelines
and their benefits
Many shorelines, many on residential properties, have their native plants, grasses and trees replaced with wooden bulkheads and/or rock walls. This artificial barrier destroys the natural habitat of birds and aquatic life, and erosion can still occur or be transferred to the neighbouring land. The shore way to a healthy future for our beloved coast might be easier than you think!
The Facts
Living shorelines improve water quality by settling sediments and filtering pollution.
Living shorelines provide shade to keep water temperatures cool, helping to increase oxygen levels for fish and other aquatic species.
Living shorelines are often less costly than wooden bulkheads and rock walls.
An ‘’ideal’’ living shoreline contains a succession of natural filters that normally would be found in undisturbed ecosystems. These filters include riparian buffers above the tide line, made up of native trees and shrubs, including a mix of shrubs at high tide elevation, tidal wetlands, including grasses, rushes, and sedges at mid-tide elevation, and marsh grasses and common three-square at low tide, as well as underwater grasses in shallow water.
The benefits
Living shorelines possess the ability to absorb wave energy, thereby reducing shoreline erosion.
Trees, shrubs and grasses naturally filter pollutants from rainwater runoff, resulting in improved water quality.
Birds, turtles and aquatic life enjoy an expanded natural habitat.
Waterfront properties of all types enjoy a boost in waterside “curb appeal.”
