Fort Pierce Island

Two hurricanes in 2004 destroyed Fort Pierce, Florida’s waterfront. This waterfront is a public access space that includes a park and a marina. The city and Tetra Tech Inc. developed a 6-hectare island breakwater system that will protect the city under current conditions and adapt to projected sea-level rise. The constructed islands used 114,683 cubic meters of dredged sand and feature oyster reefs, mangrove plantings, and tidal lagoons. These islands increased habitat availability and enhanced biodiversity of vegetation and marine organisms. They are now popular spots for recreational fishing and birding, and protect Fort Pierce from storm surges and sea-level rise.