MacDill Oyster Reef Shoreline Stabilization

The MacDill Air Force Base (AFB) Oyster Reef Shoreline Stabilization Project in Tampa, Florida is a collaboration between the base and Tampa Bay Watch, a local nonprofit. This living shoreline project reduces erosion, provides protection from storms and sea-level rise, improves water quality, and enhances habitat. More than 1,490 volunteers helped create the living shoreline. The oyster reef was constructed by placing concrete oyster domes near-shore. This encourages oyster settlement and reduces wave energy, allowing marsh vegetation and mangroves to establish on the shoreline. This project increased biodiversity across taxa groups, reduced erosion, and protects the base from coastal and climate change impacts.