O’Quinn I-45 Estuary Shoreline Protection and Marsh Restoration

Summary

The goal of this project is to restore habitat function to this portion of the preserve and to stabilize the entire shoreline to prevent future loss along Jones Bay, likely utilizing a combination of permanent hard structure breakwaters designed to collect sediment and sacrificial containment berms to protect the new marsh until establishment. This project will create additional habitat with the restoration of estuarine wetlands and protect existing habitat not only for birds but also for many commercially and recreationally valuable fisheries species that support recreational use and local economies --among them: Blue crab, Brown and White shrimp, Southern flounder, Spotted sea trout, Red drum (redfish). Any hard structure associated with breakwater design will also provide substrate for oysters, with attendant water quality benefits.