About the research

This study investigates the impact of beach re-nourishment or accretion on marsh vegetation in living shorelines, which are a natural defense against coastal erosion. With an alarming 36% of U.S. sandy shorelines at risk of erosion by 2050, it's crucial to prioritize the use of sustainable coastal defense mechanisms like living shorelines to safeguard the coastal habitat and promote soil stability. However, with climate change leading to more frequent and severe storms, designing living shorelines that can withstand accretion and erosion is becoming more challenging. Traditional methods of addressing excessive erosion through re-nourishment can be detrimental to the health and performance of marsh plants, potentially weakening the living shoreline's ability to withstand future storms. Therefore, this research aims to better understand how marsh vegetation is impacted by renourishment and accretion and to develop adaptive management strategies to mitigate those impacts, thereby promoting cost-effective investment and prolonging the lifespan of living shorelines. This study's findings will be crucial for coastal zone managers, conservationists, lawmakers, and local communities in developing sustainable coastal defense strategies.