Title:
Restoring Living Shorelines with Precast Concrete
Author(s):
Deborah R. Huso
Publication:
Concrete International
Volume:
48
Issue:
6
Appears on pages(s):
29-34
Keywords:
Restoration, sustainability, shorelines, marine infrastructure, precast concrete
DOI:
10.14359/51751760
Date:
6/1/2026
Abstract:
Reefs provide many ecosystem services, such as fish habitats, coastal buffers that help break wave energy, and homes for filter-feeding oysters that improve water quality. Over the last few decades, environmentalists around the world have been incorporating precast concrete into the construction of purpose-built reefs and living shorelines, restoring habitats for marine life and protecting fragile coastlines from storm devastation. The Reef Ball Foundation in Athens, GA, USA, is using precast concrete to revive coastal ecosystems by mimicking natural reefs. This article highlights the foundation’s strategies and projects for worldwide reef restoration.
Related References:
1. Bloom, D., “Only 15% of the World’s Coastlines Remain in Their Natural State,” World Economic Forum, Feb. 15, 2022, www.weforum.org/stories/2022/02/ecologically-intact-coastlines-rare-study. (last accessed May 8, 2026)
2. “Restoring Coral Reefs,” NOAA Fisheries, www.fisheries.noaa.gov/national/habitat-conservation/restoring-coral-reefs. (last accessed May 4, 2026)
3. “Oyster Conservation,” Texas A&M University, Harte Research Institute, Corpus Christi, TX, www.harteresearch.org/collaboration/oyster-conservation. (last accessed May 4, 2026)
4. https://docs.google.com/document/d/1fiFY4g0G7nlV-cjMHrb9mZ5tQ63iomP0/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=114981092738335214928&rtpof=true&sd=true. (last accessed May 4, 2026)