A new website from NOAA’s National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science (NCCOS) makes it easier to understand how natural habitats, like wetlands, dunes, and coral reefs, can help protect coastal communities over time.
Natural Infrastructure (NI) refers to the intentional use of natural coastal habitats to guard against flooding and erosion. NI is increasingly used in place of traditional “gray” infrastructure such as seawalls and jetties because it can also support wildlife, improve water quality, and provide opportunities for recreation like fishing and kayaking. The new website highlights lessons learned from past NI projects across the United States. Each project profile summarizes why the project was initiated, what benefits were expected, and how conditions at the project site have changed over time. These easy-to-read summaries will help designers of future coastal protection projects make better decisions and maximize the value of their efforts.
One of the biggest challenges in selecting between natural and engineered solutions is understanding long-term performance. While gray infrastructure has decades of engineering data behind it, there is limited information available about how natural systems hold up after major storms or over extended periods of time. NCCOS scientists are working to fill this gap by evaluating NI projects that are already in place, some for more than 20 years.
The website currently includes examples of living shorelines, restored islands, and man-made marshes that have endured hurricanes, sea level rise, and other climate stressors. By tracking their performance, scientists are building a stronger evidence base to help decision-makers invest in the most effective coastal restoration strategies and show when and where NI works best.
This growing database will help ensure public funding for coastal restoration goes to the most effective projects. It also supports NOAA’s larger mission to help communities become more resilient in the face of climate change and other natural threats.
This work is part of NOAA’s coastal resilience and restoration efforts, and it’s supported by the Coastal Zone Management Act.