The Florida Keys, a delicate archipelago in the southeastern United States, is facing an unprecedented environmental challenge as climate change accelerates the rate of sea level rise. Predictions indicate that by the year 2050, sea levels will increase by 0.25 to 0.30 meters, resulting in heightened flooding risks across many vulnerable coastal areas. What sets the Florida Keys apart is its geographical sensitivity and the intricate network of infrastructure running throughout the islands. This unique profile heightens the susceptibility of the region to climate-related hazards, including sea level rise, hurricanes, and localized flooding events. Since 2015, the region has been put to the test with four significant hurricanes—Irma in 2017, Ian in 2022, and two more recent storms, Helene and Milton in 2024—demonstrating the urgent need for effective adaptive strategies.
Nature-based solutions are emerging as a critical part of the strategy to mitigate these risks. Among the various forms of shoreline stabilization, strategies such as the restoration of mangroves and coastal strands have gained considerable attention. These methods not only help to stabilize shorelines but also enhance ecosystems, ultimately enhancing resilience against the dual threats of flooding and hurricanes. A hybrid approach—integrating both natural materials like plants and sand dunes with engineered solutions—has also shown efficacy in protecting coastlines from ongoing erosion. However, effective implementation of these living shorelines depends heavily on thoughtful design and meticulous planning to ensure that their full potential is realized.
To aid in this endeavor, researchers from Florida Atlantic University (FAU), in conjunction with The Nature Conservancy, have developed a pioneering tool aimed at identifying the most effective shoreline stabilization techniques specific to the Florida Keys. This innovative decision-support tool allows coastal managers and policymakers to pinpoint strategies to prevent erosion and to protect coastal communities from damage inflicted by storms, tides, and wave action. The strategic maintenance of shoreline shape and integrity is vital in minimizing further erosion while securing ecosystems, properties, and crucial infrastructure against environmental threats.
A recent study published in the Journal of Marine Science and Engineering sheds light on the nuances of shoreline management in the Florida Keys. The research reveals that only 8% of the region’s approximately 2,550 kilometers of shoreline is deemed suitable for implementing nature-based or hybrid solutions. On the contrary, about 25.1% of the shoreline has been classified as unsuitable for such methods, while the majority—67%—is already vegetated or comprises another form of natural shoreline. These statistics underline a significant challenge for environmental planners, who need to work within the constraints imposed by existing landscape features.
Utilizing advanced Geographic Information System (GIS) technology, the researchers constructed a multi-criteria decision-making framework designed to facilitate coastal restoration. This sophisticated tool amalgamates spatial data with expert input to generate a weighted suitability score that aids in determining the most effective shoreline reinforcement mechanisms applicable to specific locales. By analyzing existing shoreline types, wind and wave exposure risks, as well as additional physical environmental parameters, they developed a comprehensive Shoreline Relative Exposure Index. This metric directs focus toward potential project types that might be suitable given various combinations of shoreline characteristics.
The researchers tapped into the expertise of various specialists, including those in coastal engineering, stormwater management, marine biology, habitat restoration, community resilience, urban planning, and sustainability. By collecting survey data from these experts, the team could apply machine learning algorithms to discern the preferred stabilization options for distinct shoreline types, which range from developed urban areas to pristine, undeveloped zones and established protected habitats.
Interestingly, while conventional seawall armoring remains an essential strategy in certain areas, the findings suggest that prioritizing hybrid and living shoreline strategies may yield more sustainable outcomes. The success of such initiatives not only hinges on scientific rigor but also requires buy-in from private stakeholders in conjunction with a coordinated approach among public agencies. This multifaceted collaboration is pivotal for reinforcing the coastal resilience of the Florida Keys, ensuring the protection of both human communities and the ecosystems that support them.
Diana Mitsova, Ph.D., serving as the senior author and chair of the Department of Urban and Regional Planning at FAU, emphasizes the importance of adopting innovative shoreline stabilization methods. With growing environmental changes and increasing population pressures, these strategies are becoming indispensable in addressing flood management challenges. The urgency of this shift towards sustainable, nature-based solutions becomes even more evident under the weight of evolving climate conditions.
South Florida’s coastal ecosystems play an integral role in shoreline management practices aimed at reducing erosion and creating compatible habitats. Mangroves, in particular, are indispensable for sustaining both estuarine and marine life, offering critical habitat and enhancing biodiversity in the process. Their root structures stabilize shorelines, combat sediment resuspension, and accentuate water clarity while supporting essential marine food chains. Notably, these plants collect particulate debris and organic materials, thereby fostering a rich ecosystem around them.
Advancements in geospatial technology present a significant opportunity for coastal managers to blend human impact data with land and ocean environmental data effectively. Insights drawn from these innovations allow for identifying critical areas that require protection while also considering the needs of commercial and recreational activities. This approach strives to alleviate conflicts among varied coastal uses, thereby fostering a more adaptable and sustainable management strategy for the region.
The comprehensive dataset generated by this research is made publicly accessible through The Nature Conservancy’s Coastal Resilience tool. This online platform empowers users by employing GIS technology to visualize tailored shoreline stabilization methods for various sections of the Florida Keys. Additionally, it facilitates overlaying local data such as projected sea level rise, coastal habitats, and land use patterns, enabling stakeholders to make informed decisions.
The collaborative effort of the research team, comprising Dr. Kevin Cresswell, Dr. Melina Matos, Dr. Stephanie Wakefield, GIS specialist Kathleen Freeman, and Dr. William Carlos Lima, reflects a commitment to blending academic research with practical applications for coastal management. Their work serves as a pivotal step toward championing effective resilience strategies that could mitigate the adverse effects of climate risks threatening the Florida Keys and beyond.
As the environmental landscape in South Florida continues to evolve, the integration of scientific research, community input, and innovative technology remains crucial for shaping a sustainable future. With the climate crisis pressing, the lessons learned from the Florida Keys could resonate well beyond their shores, providing a framework for other coastal regions worldwide to navigate the complexities of climate adaptation and community resilience.
Subject of Research: Nature-based shoreline stabilization measures in the Florida Keys
Article Title: A Shoreline Screening Framework for Identifying Nature-Based Stabilization Measures Reducing Storm Damage in the Florida Keys
News Publication Date: 12-Mar-2025
Web References: Florida Atlantic University
References: Journal of Marine Science and Engineering, DOI: 10.3390/jmse13030543
Image Credits: Map prepared by Kevin Cresswell, Ph.D.
Keywords
Natural resources management, Environmental management, Climate data, Urban planning, Mangroves, Coastlines, Environmental impact assessments, Floods, Animal habitats, Urban populations, Water conservation, Ecosystem management.
