Should Orange Beach and Ono Island Embrace Nearshore Reefs and Intertidal Marshes?
Erosion and rising sea levels are ongoing challenges along the Gulf Coast, prompting a need for innovative, sustainable solutions. Could projects like nearshore reefs and intertidal marshes benefit Orange Beach and Ono Island? While the potential benefits are significant, implementing such solutions involves a complex process requiring collaboration, permitting, and careful planning. Let’s examine the logistics and benefits of adopting this strategy.
What Would the Process Involve?
Implementing nearshore reefs and marshes in Orange Beach and Ono Island requires a multi-step approach:
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Permitting and Research
Permits from the Army Corps of Engineers and other agencies can take months to secure. The process involves modeling reef placement to withstand conditions up to Category 3 hurricanes and mapping using GIS and GPS to ensure compliance with environmental regulations. For example, structures must maintain a safe distance from sensitive habitats like seagrass beds, which are located even in challenging conditions such as midnight fieldwork with headlamps. -
Collaboration with Experts and Stakeholders
A series of public workshops would engage local stakeholders, including:- Alabama Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
- Researchers from Alabama colleges
- The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF)
Input from these groups ensures that the project is informed by ecological expertise and community priorities.
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Material Testing and Selection
Studies in nearby locations, such as Florida, have tested various materials, including:- Traditional: lime rock, oyster shells, and granite
- Engineered: jute fabric coated in Portland cement
Locally sourced, recycled concrete could also play a role, providing cost-effective and environmentally friendly building materials.
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Construction Logistics
Placing the materials would require meticulous planning to account for weather, tides, and site access. For example:- Low tides offer narrow work windows for placing reefs.
- Swamp mats ensure equipment stability on soft ground.
- Crews may need to transport materials by truck and skid steer to reach reef sites effectively.
On average, such projects place 70 tons of material daily, building multiple reef structures at once.
What Are the Benefits for Orange Beach and Ono Island?
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Erosion Control and Shoreline Stabilization
By breaking up wave energy and capturing sediment, reefs and marshes reduce erosion and protect waterfront properties. -
Marine Habitat Creation
Structures provide shelter for oysters and other marine life. As oysters grow, they reinforce the reefs, enhancing their wave-attenuation capabilities and water filtration benefits. -
Resilience to Natural Disasters
Studies show that areas behind living shorelines experience less damage during storms, making these projects an investment in long-term coastal resilience. -
Community and Environmental Impact
Healthier ecosystems and cleaner waters attract residents and visitors, boosting the local economy and improving property values.
How Could This Look in Orange Beach and Ono Island?
Other areas, such as Florida, have demonstrated success with this approach. For example:
- Studies placed various materials for 18 months to identify the most effective combinations.
- Positive results included sediment retention and measurable shoreline accretion, even after hurricanes.
- Local communities provided feedback and support, paving the way for project expansion as funding became available.
Incorporating such projects in Orange Beach and Ono Island would enhance our ability to protect properties, support local ecosystems, and maintain the beauty of our coastal areas.
Why Consider This Now?
Erosion is not waiting, and neither should we. With careful planning and collaboration, nearshore reefs and marshes could address pressing environmental issues while offering long-term benefits for residents and the natural environment.
If you’re interested in how these projects might impact your property or would like to learn more about shoreline protection in Orange Beach and Ono Island, I’d be happy to discuss it further. Together, we can advocate for sustainable solutions that preserve the Gulf Coast for generations.
Meredith Amon is a local real estate advisor, licensed in Alabama and Florida. She specializes in helping buyers and sellers navigate the buying and selling of homes along the Gulf Coast.
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