Shoreline Protection
How do we protect Key Biscayne’s Shoreline?
Shoreline protection is dependent on location. For the oceanside of the island, risk can be reduced using an integrated approach including natural and nature-based features in addition to non-structural and structural measures to improve resilience.
Dune Restoration
The coastal dune system on the Key is essential to maintain a healthy shoreline. Dunes are the closest to the high-energy shoreline and as such serve as an important defense against erosion, sea level rise, and storm surge. Dune restoration and maintenance will be an element of a shoreline protection strategy to help with sand stabilization. Restoration of dune vegetation is critical for dune stability as well as providing essential habtat and food for multiple species of wildlife, including endangered species.
Beach Nourishment
Beach nourishment will continue to be an integral element of the management strategy for both the near and long term. Sand will continue to be sourced from landside mines and/or offshore borrow areas. While beach area expansion is a benefit of beach nourishment, rising sea level continues to pose a long-term threat to Key Biscayne’s shoreline.
Project Overview
Estimated GOB Project Cost: $23,300,000
Estimated Project Size: 1.25 miles
Estimated Duration: 10 years
Project Status: Pre-planning
Project Manager: PW / CRSO
Solutions
- Expands usable beach area
- Lower environmental impact than hard structures
- Vegetation strengthens dunes and increases their resilience to storm events
- Dunes and submerged structure stabilize sand and reduce loss
- Impacts of climate change and sea level rise are mitigated for a few more decades
Benefits + Impacts
- Protects and maintains property values
- Enhances quality of life while supporting ecosystem function
- Breakwater reduces wave force and height while creating an artificial reef environment.
- Can lower water circulation thereby reducing erosion of shoreline
- Does not eliminate high-water threat from storm surges