HMSF Supports Coastal and Marine Habitat Restoration Projects

Honda Marine Science Foundation (HMSF) has awarded grants to fund four research projects that address the impact of climate change on the ocean and intertidal areas.

Honda Marine Science Foundation supports “living shoreline” projects that implement natural approaches to protecting coastal habitats and communities while promoting harmonious interaction between humans and the ocean.

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, a living shoreline is a protected and stabilized shoreline that is comprised of natural materials such as plants, sand, or rock. In contrast to “hard” shoreline stabilization methods like concrete seawalls, which impede the growth of plants and animals, living shorelines grow over time.

“Honda Marine Science Foundation is committed to supporting living shoreline projects that address the impact of climate change,” said Raminta Jautokas, Honda Marine Science Foundation board member.

“When considering options for coastal protection, historically we’ve chosen to construct hardscapes such as concrete walls. Living shorelines are an ideal solution for coastal protection because they improve water quality, help to protect against erosion, and provide habitat for marine species.”

The projects focus on building “living shorelines” to restore marine habitats bordering the Pacific Ocean and include:

• Smithsonian Living Shorelines Project in San Francisco, California;
• Los Angeles Living Shoreline Project in Los Angeles, California;
• Zedler Marsh Living Shoreline Project in Long Beach, California;
• Living Shoreline Multipurpose Area on West Maui, Hawaii.