Giant Marsh Living Shoreline

The project restored approximately 100 acres of subtidal to upland transition habitat and is the first large-scale oyster reef and eelgrass restoration in San Francisco Bay. The large project scale allows the investigation of nature-based engineering approaches to reduce wave energy to combat sea level rise while enhancing habitat. The project, part of the Coastal Conservancy’s San Francisco Bay Living Shorelines Project, builds on lessons learned from prior smaller scale actions. Monitoring of the Giant Marsh Living Shoreline Project is being used to advance the science and practice of living shoreline techniques in San Francisco Bay.

ESA led the engineering design and permitting of the Project’s nature-based approaches to sea-level rise including installation of several unique oyster reef balls or cubes composed of concrete and shell units.

These uniquely crafted reef units were strategically placed in the low marsh area to function as a buffer against waves, contributing to shoreline protection.

The Giant Marsh project incorporated a diverse range of tidal and subtidal plant species, including eelgrass, rockweed, and native cordgrass. These plant species were carefully integrated into the ecosystem to enhance ecological resilience.

ESA’s monitoring of wave attenuation over the oyster reef, reef stability, and sedimentation is being utilized to support future nature-based adaptation projects across the region. This comprehensive approach to living shorelines is helping to drive scientific understanding and practical application in San Francisco Bay and beyond.