Goldbug Living Shoreline

Goldbug Island, off the coast of Charleston, SC, was experiencing erosion and salt marsh loss. To prevent further loss, the Nature Conservancy constructed a 67-meter-long oyster castle reef. This reef prevents erosion, mitigates wave energy, enhances biodiversity, and with increased oyster settlement, will improve water quality. This reef also provides coastline protection from storm surges and coastal storm flooding. This living shoreline project serves as an example of living shoreline benefits for the state of South Carolina, and hosts environmental education events.