Living Shorelines in Connecticut

Why Living Shorelines?

Shorelines have traditionally been protected against the natural process of coastal erosion and storm surge through the construction of seawalls, bulkheads, groins and revetments. While these structures provide varying degrees of protection to upland property, they have been shown to cause unintended consequences such as increased coastal erosion and loss of habitat for shore birds and important commercial and recreational fish species. In some areas, over 50% of the shoreline is protected with manmade structures. Hardened coastal protection may lead property owners or even entire communities into a false sense of protection from storm surge and wave action, resulting in devastating consequences in the event of structure failure.

Increasing understanding of the adverse impacts of seawalls, bulkheads and groins has resulted in the development of shoreline stabilization approaches that preserve coastal habitats, or at least minimize the destructive effects of traditional shoreline protection. In 2012, Connecticut passed legislation to encourage the consideration of “feasible, less environmentally damaging alternatives” of shoreline erosion control. Nonstructural approaches, such as beach nourishment and creation or restoration of fringing salt marshes, are frequently referred to as “living shorelines.”

Although Connecticut has not formally adopted a definition for living shorelines, the state is using the following working definition:

“A shoreline erosion control management practice which also restores, enhances, maintains or creates natural coastal or riparian habitat, functions and processes. Coastal and riparian habitats include but are not limited to intertidal flats, tidal marsh, beach/dune systems, and bluffs. Living shorelines may include structural features that are combined with natural components to attenuate wave energy and currents.”

Other terms used to describe this approach to shoreline stabilization include “natural or nature-based features,” “soft structure,” “green infrastructure,” and “ecologically enhanced shore protection alternatives.”

Benefits of Living Shorelines

Click on the links to the left to learn more about the different types of shoreline found along the Connecticut coast, the different approaches to living shorelines, and  design considerations for living shorelines.