Swift Tract Oyster Reef Breakwaters

Swift Tract is owned by the state of Alabama and managed by the Weeks Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve. Oyster reef breakwaters were constructed in this area of rapidly eroding shoreline to slow erosion, enhance oyster settlement and overall biodiversity, and create local jobs. Over time the breakwaters will develop into oyster reefs, further developing biodiversity and foraging habitat. Reef construction created jobs in the area and increased abundance of shrimp, crabs, and sport fishing species like red drum. The reef breakwaters successfully reduced erosion and protected salt marsh habitat.