Living Boulders for reviving marine life on coastal defences

Sea level rise and the accompanying coastal flooding and erosion represent a growing issue for NSW. Over 40% of the State’s coastline has been classified as vulnerable to land recession and additionally many of the State’s 134 existing coastal protection structures are in need of upgrade to cope with rising sea levels. Coastal engineering structures, such as revetments, breakwaters and seawalls protect shorelines and coastal assets from erosion and flooding but their use is often accompanied by significant ecological impacts. Multifunctional, eco-friendly designs are urgently needed that provide coastal protection functions, whilst sustaining diverse and productive marine ecosystems.

In this project, we will evaluate the first ever in-water trials of Living Boulders – habitat modules that can be integrated into new or existing revetments and breakwaters to enhance their ecological value. The modules reimagine revetments and breakwaters through their inclusion of artificial rockpools – an important but otherwise missing habitat. In collaboration with local and state Government, First Nations people, local eco-tourism operators and foreshore asset managers we will establish three demonstration sites, and acquire the scientific evidence base to support further implementation. The project will expand the portfolio of eco-friendly shoreline designs, for implementation in NSW, nationally, and globally.