30-45% of Coastal Alabama’s shorelines are hardened, or bolstered by sea walls, bulkheads, or rip-rap material. But bulkheads have a limited lifespan. Even a perfectly installed bulkhead will eventually need to be replaced. Before that, property owners will often experience land sinking behind the bulkhead and holes developing. This occurs because instead of absorbing waves like marsh grasses do, bulkheads deflect the waves and cause erosion in front of the structure (and on neighboring structures). Additionally, bulkheads are susceptible to damage during strong storms. Waves and debris can crash into the vertical bulkhead causing major damage in a short amount of time.
A living shoreline is nature’s way of guarding against erosion. It’s using materials like plants, sand, and shells to fortify the coast. Unlike a hard seawall or bulkhead, a living shoreline grows over time, getting stronger and providing habitat for wildlife. It’s a practical, living barrier that helps absorb waves, prevents erosion, protects our lands, and provides critical habitat making fishing better. A living shoreline keeps the coast just as nature intended—alive and thriving.
We want to convert as much hardened or deteriorated shoreline to living shoreline as possible in Coastal Alabama by installing living shoreline in areas that support oysters and seagrass to restore habitats while facilitating community resiliency towards coastal climate hazards and improved water quality conditions.
The Joe Faust Living Shoreline Act has passed committee and we are celebrating this win for the health of our coastal waterways. A big thank you to Rep Jennifer Fidler for supporting this bill and carrying it forward.
Shout out to all those who supported this bill and the countless hours spent fighting for Coastal Alabama and all those who live, work, and play on the water.
The Joe Faust Living Shoreline Act will:
