By Megan Sam
In June, a patch of salt marsh in St. Augustine became the testing ground for novel coastal restoration tools. Experts from the University of Florida’s Center for Coastal Solutions (CCS) and BESE, a Netherlands-based company known for its sustainable restoration products, launched field experiments on a new generation of biodegradable products designed to jumpstart habitat establishment. The team is exploring how quickly prototype structures made from biodegradable plastic materials break down, which designs best support plant growth, and how nature-inspired configurations perform in dynamic coastal conditions.
“We’re interested in improving the resilience of St. Augustine’s coastal habitats, especially along shorelines where vegetation is being lost and sediments are eroding,” project co-lead Andrew Altieri, Ph.D., said. “These units may help us retain sediment and even promote plant expansion. If successful, they could become a valuable tool for reversing vegetation loss and shoreline retreat.”
The team is testing new biodegradable plastics designed to dissolve within one to two years, which is much faster than most materials currently used to boost habitat growth. They’re also testing the use of various configurations, some inspired by natural formations like oyster reefs or snowflakes, as well as others with geometric designs. To thoroughly test the prototypes, the team chose a high-energy site known for its strong wave action.
Over the next year, researchers will track how each design performs in the field. Since these experiments mirror a similar set conducted in the Netherlands, the teams will be able to directly compare results between two very different environments. Altieri says he’s driven by the opportunity to better understand how the marsh ecosystem functions, test out new restoration products, and work with industry partners to learn what really works.
“Working with an industry partner to design biodegradable materials shows how we can combine our strengths to benefit both coastal habitats and communities,” Altieri said. “It’s encouraging that there are people with common goals coming from other sectors. There’s a lot to be learned and gained from these kinds of partnerships, and they can be successful.”
Over the years, CCS and BESE have worked together on several projects to test BESE’s biodegradable materials and explore how they could be used in coastal restoration. Their ongoing collaboration has helped uncover new ways to support habitat growth using more sustainable, nature-friendly tools.
“CCS brings deep knowledge of the local salt marsh: its challenges, pressures and recovery potential,” BESE Director Wouter Lengkeek, Ph.D., said. “BESE contributes global experience with wetland restoration using biodegradable, nature-friendly solutions. We really benefit learning from each other’s experience from two sides of the ocean.”