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Coastal Ecological Restoration: Techniques and Novel Approaches to Living Shorelines...
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Coastal Ecological Restoration: Techniques and Novel Approaches to Living Shorelines and Oyster Reef Construction

A special issue of Journal of Marine Science and Engineering (ISSN 2077-1312). This special issue belongs to the section "Coastal Engineering".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 25 May 2025 | Viewed by 14728

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Todd Z. Osborne

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Whitney Laboratory for Marine Bioscience, Soil, Water and Ecosystem Sciences Department, University of Florida, St. Augustine, FL 32080, USA
Interests: carbon dynamics; ecosystem services; landscape analysis and modeling; nutrient cycling; estuarine biogeochemistry; wetlands and aquatic systems
Dr. Mark W. Clark

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Soil, Water, and Ecosystem Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
Interests: wetland nutrient assimilation and storage processes; vegetative succession dynamics; wetland macrophyte ecophysiology; ecological engineering design using wetland processes to improve water quality; enhance ecological function of altered landscapes

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Coastline ecological restoration is a critical endeavor aimed at revitalizing and preserving the natural ecosystems and habitats found along coastlines. The ecological and economic value of these habitats is significant, and thus there is an equally significant need to mitigate anthropogenic impacts to coastal ecosystems in many areas. Restoration of both ecosystem form and function is an increasingly prevalent activity in impacted coastal communities and can include shoreline stabilization, creative wave abatement technologies, and "engineering with nature" solutions to physical and biogeochemical stressors. The use of oyster reef construction and native vegetation plantings to protect from erosion and enhance living shorelines has become an effective mitigation strategy to address the variety of conditions found in coastal ecosystems.

This Special Issue welcomes research related, but not limited to, the following topics:

  1. Coastal ecological restoration;
  2. Novel approaches to living shorelines;
  3. Oyster reef construction and restoration techniques.

Dr. Todd Z. Osborne
Dr. Mark W. Clark
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Journal of Marine Science and Engineering is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • coastal ecological restoration
  • living shorelines
  • oyster reef construction
  • restoration techniques

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Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

24 pages, 8275 KiB  
Article
Design of Portable Reefs to Protect Young Mangroves
by Hiroshi Takagi, Farhat Tahsin Prattoyee, Jun Mitsui and Shin-ichi Kubota
J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2025, 13(4), 734; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse13040734 - 6 Apr 2025
Viewed by 384
Abstract
For a successful mangrove plantation, previous studies have proposed a small rubble mound breakwater, termed a “portable reef”, and explored the effectiveness of such reefs in terms of wave transmission. This study conducted a real-scale wave flume experiment incorporating a portable reef to [...] Read more.
For a successful mangrove plantation, previous studies have proposed a small rubble mound breakwater, termed a “portable reef”, and explored the effectiveness of such reefs in terms of wave transmission. This study conducted a real-scale wave flume experiment incorporating a portable reef to assess the oscillatory behavior of young mangroves. To capture the dynamics of these young mangrove analogs—represented as elastic bodies—we employed a high-speed camera for precise tracking. A comparative analysis of the oscillatory characteristics was performed, evaluating the responses in both the presence and absence of the reef. The findings revealed several important points. First, portable reefs can effectively reduce wave heights, but they reduce plant oscillations to an even greater degree. Second, by calibrating the elastic modulus of the plant models, their oscillation behaviors can be analytically predicted. The results of our analytical model indicate that the acceleration experienced by the plants is amplified under conditions of shorter wave periods and softer stems, highlighting an increased susceptibility to damage from short-period waves, particularly in very young mangroves. Third, we identified that the conventional wave transmission formulas tend to overestimate the reduction in wave energy attributable to portable reefs, which consequently leads to an underestimation of the young mangroves’ oscillations. Based on these findings, we propose an integrated chart that combines wave transmission and plant oscillation coefficients, aimed at enhancing the design and effectiveness of portable reefs in protecting young mangroves. The insights obtained from this study will aid in the informed design of portable reefs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Coastal Ecological Restoration: Techniques and Novel Approaches to Living Shorelines and Oyster Reef Construction)
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12 pages, 1694 KiB  
Article
Fan Mussel (Pinna nobilis L.) Spat Collection, Monitoring of Early Growth and Conservation Implications by Deploying Conventional Aquaculture Methodology
by John A. Theodorou, Efthimios Spinos, Alexis Ramfos, Ioannis E. Tsamadias, Vlasoula Bekiari, Maria Kamilari, Maria-Myrto Ntouni, Dimitrios Tsotsios, Konstantinos Feidantsis, Athanasios Lattos, Ioannis A. Giantsis and Basile Michaelidis
J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2024, 12(11), 2070; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse12112070 - 15 Nov 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1033
Abstract
Pinna nobilis, endemic to the Mediterranean Sea, has been experiencing a gradual population decline over recent decades due to anthropogenic pressures on its ecosystems. However, since 2016, its populations have suffered significant reductions because of pathological issues affecting the species across all its [...] Read more.
Pinna nobilis, endemic to the Mediterranean Sea, has been experiencing a gradual population decline over recent decades due to anthropogenic pressures on its ecosystems. However, since 2016, its populations have suffered significant reductions because of pathological issues affecting the species across all its habitats. Aquaculture techniques to support the limited natural recruitment P. nobilis efforts is examined. Artificial substrates for larval attachments in aquaculture infrastructures promote the survival of the juveniles that is further enhanced through protected pre-growing “nursery” farming conditions. Specific spat collectors were placed in 2 cage-fish farms in SW Amvrakikos Gulf. The harvested spats from were transferred to pre-grow in trays hanged on a long line farm mussel that is acting as a protected “nursery”, avoiding predation and any human accidentally disturbance. The survival and growth of 12 juveniles P. nobilis spat (shell length 38.1 ± 9.2 mm) in captivity (31 October 2023–15 March2023) was investigated. Out of the 12 individuals collected, 3 were examined for the presence of pathogens; only 7 survived, exhibiting enhanced growth (shell length 54.3 ± 11.6 mm) after 134 days in the nursery. The results highlight the significant role of aquaculture techniques in efforts to conserve a threatened species as well as the need for the creation of a protocol to ensure the conservation of P. nobilis. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Coastal Ecological Restoration: Techniques and Novel Approaches to Living Shorelines and Oyster Reef Construction)
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18 pages, 2238 KiB  
Article
Challenges to Seagrass Restoration in the Indian River Lagoon, Florida
by Vivienne A. Main, Morgan K. Gilligan, Sarah M. Cole, Todd Z. Osborne, Ashley R. Smyth and Loraé T. Simpson
J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2024, 12(10), 1847; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse12101847 - 16 Oct 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2895
Abstract
Seagrasses provide valuable ecosystem services, including improved water quality, carbon sequestration, and sediment stabilization. Unfortunately, these critical habitats are declining globally due to a range of anthropogenic impacts. Restoration practitioners have made efforts to mitigate loss through the introduction of seagrass transplants. However, [...] Read more.
Seagrasses provide valuable ecosystem services, including improved water quality, carbon sequestration, and sediment stabilization. Unfortunately, these critical habitats are declining globally due to a range of anthropogenic impacts. Restoration practitioners have made efforts to mitigate loss through the introduction of seagrass transplants. However, seagrass restoration has low success rates and is plagued by water quality concerns and ecosystem degradation. Studies to improve seagrass restoration efforts have targeted different functional taxa to allow for greater stability and recovery of threatened ecosystems, and excluded macro-grazers to limit losses to newly established and restored seagrasses. We hypothesized greater seagrass (Halodule wrightii) health when restored in conjunction with hard clams (Mercenaria mercenaria) and protected from grazers using herbivore exclusion devices (HEDs) in the Indian River Lagoon (IRL), Florida. While our study experienced high rates of seagrass mortality, we were able to observe significant differences in seagrass health between IRL sub-lagoons and observed the positive effects of HEDs on seagrass health. The observed high species mortality highlights how restoration in the IRL is hindered by biotic and abiotic stressors, site selection, and a lack of clear restoration protocols. As we see ongoing declines in water quality and loss of foundational species, informed site selection, greater understanding of grazer presence, and multi-species restoration will provide an informed approach for future seagrass restoration projects globally. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Coastal Ecological Restoration: Techniques and Novel Approaches to Living Shorelines and Oyster Reef Construction)
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21 pages, 10471 KiB  
Article
Spatial and Temporal Variability in Oyster Settlement on Intertidal Reefs Support Site-Specific Assessments for Restoration Practices
by Shannon D. Kimmel, Hans J. Prevost, Alexandria Knoell, Pamela Marcum and Nicole Dix
J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2024, 12(5), 766; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse12050766 - 30 Apr 2024
Viewed by 1927
Abstract
As some of the most threatened ecosystems in the world, the declining condition and coverage of coastal habitats results in the loss of the myriad ecosystem services they provide. Due to the variability in physical and biological characteristics across sites, it is imperative [...] Read more.
As some of the most threatened ecosystems in the world, the declining condition and coverage of coastal habitats results in the loss of the myriad ecosystem services they provide. Due to the variability in physical and biological characteristics across sites, it is imperative to increase location-based information to inform local management projects, which will potentially help to reestablish functions of coastal habitats. Since oysters are often used in restoration projects, this study quantified spatial and temporal patterns in eastern oyster spat settlement in a bar-built estuary in northeast Florida, USA that is host to a robust population of intertidal oyster reefs. Spat settlement was found to occur from April to October with small peaks in the spring and large ones around September. Inter-annual differences in spat settlement were likely influenced by existing environmental conditions and heavily affected by large-scale events such as tropical cyclones. Variations in regional spat settlements are possibly driven by the residence times of the watersheds, the density of adult populations, and the location of the spat collectors. The results of this study illustrate place-based variability in oyster settlement patterns and underscore the importance of local monitoring for oyster resource management, restoration, and research. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Coastal Ecological Restoration: Techniques and Novel Approaches to Living Shorelines and Oyster Reef Construction)
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16 pages, 4075 KiB  
Article
Mangroves as Coastal Protection for Restoring Low-Energy Waterfront Property
by Robert J. Weaver and Abigail L. Stehno
J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2024, 12(3), 470; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse12030470 - 9 Mar 2024
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 4875
Abstract
Mangroves offer vital ecological advantages including air and water filtration, coastal and estuarine habitat provision, sediment stabilization, and wave energy dissipation. Their intricate root systems play a key role in safeguarding shorelines from tsunamis and erosive storms by dissipating wave energy. Moreover, mangroves [...] Read more.
Mangroves offer vital ecological advantages including air and water filtration, coastal and estuarine habitat provision, sediment stabilization, and wave energy dissipation. Their intricate root systems play a key role in safeguarding shorelines from tsunamis and erosive storms by dissipating wave energy. Moreover, mangroves shield against boat wakes and wind-waves, thus naturally bolstering shoreline defense. Wave dissipation is a function of forest width, tree diameter, and forest density. Restoration efforts of juvenile mangroves in Florida’s Indian River Lagoon (IRL) aim to reduce wave energy in areas vulnerable to erosion. Physical model testing of wave dissipation through mangroves is limited due to the complexity in representing the mangrove structure, where prop roots are non-uniform in both diameter and location. Previous studies have quantified wave-dissipating effects through the use of scaled and parameterized mangrove structures. This study measures the dissipation effects of live mangroves in a wave flume, forced by conditions representative of the IRL. These measurements are used to validate a parameterized dowel model. Error between wave attenuation factors for the live mangrove and dowel system was on average 2.5%. Validation of the modularized dowel system allowed for further parameterized testing to understand forest structure effects, such as sediment stabilization and wave attenuation. Maximum wave attenuation achieved in this study was 27–35% corresponding to a 40–60% reduction in wave energy depending on the configuration of the system. The wave reduction resulted in a 50–70% decrease in sediment erosion from the berm. The dowel tests indicate a target minimum thickness for mangrove root systems of 0.6 m for shoreline stabilization and restoration in the IRL. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Coastal Ecological Restoration: Techniques and Novel Approaches to Living Shorelines and Oyster Reef Construction)
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12 pages, 2349 KiB  
Article
Benthic Colonization on New Materials for Marine Ecosystem Restoration in Porto Cesareo, Italy
by Carolina Bracho-Villavicencio, Helena Matthews-Cascon, Marc García-Durán, Xavier Vélez, Nicola Lago, Laura Busquier and Sergio Rossi
J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2024, 12(1), 169; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse12010169 - 16 Jan 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2284
Abstract
Suitable colonization materials are a pursued target in marine restoration programs. Known for making nutrients available while reducing pollutants and the risk of pathogens in terrestrial ecosystems, Biochar and Bioferment materials of organic origin were tested during a two-year experiment. We tested the [...] Read more.
Suitable colonization materials are a pursued target in marine restoration programs. Known for making nutrients available while reducing pollutants and the risk of pathogens in terrestrial ecosystems, Biochar and Bioferment materials of organic origin were tested during a two-year experiment. We tested the efficacy of these materials for restoration purposes through experimental concrete tiles treated with Biochar (B) and Bioferment (F) and tiles made of concrete, which were used as controls (Ct) for the colonization of marine organisms in the marine protected area of Porto Cesareo, Southern Italy (20 m depth). Tiles were monitored for photographs from October 2019 to September 2021. Initially, Biochar treatment presented a higher percentage of total benthic cover (81.23 ± 2.76, median ± SE), differing from Bioferment treatment and control tiles (45.65 ± 5.43 and 47.95 ± 3.69, respectively). Significant interaction between treatments and times suggests changes in community structure related to Polychaeta cover increase in Bioferment and control materials from the second monitoring time. Furthermore, the underwater instability of Bioferment on the tiles could explain the similarity with control tiles in marine organisms’ covers. Hence, Biochar is shown to be a material with optimal stability in seawater, demonstrating greater capacity for marine organisms’ colonization in less time compared to the other two materials. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Coastal Ecological Restoration: Techniques and Novel Approaches to Living Shorelines and Oyster Reef Construction)
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