In 2016, Florida’s living shorelines withstood Hurricane Matthew’s 90 mph winds intact

When Hurricane Matthew struck Florida in October 2016, New Smyrna Beach faced winds of more than 90 miles per hour and water levels around four feet above normal. Along the coast, those conditions put shoreline protection to a serious test. But one demonstration site emerged with an unexpected result. A living shoreline project supported by NOAA and the St Johns River Water Management District remained largely intact after the storm, with minimal erosion. Instead of depending on conventional seawalls or bulkheads, the project used vegetation, sand and limited amounts of rock to stabilise the shoreline while also providing habitat for wildlife. The demonstration area was directly in the path of Matthew's most destructive winds, making its survival particularly notable. Nearby, a building even lost its roof during the storm. Yet the living shoreline structures held firm. The experience offered a striking example of how natural shoreline protection could withstand powerful hurricane conditions.How do living shorelines protect coasts during stormsLiving shorelines take a different approach from traditional coastal defences. Rather than relying entirely on concrete, bulkheads or seawall...