Creating rich revetments

Overview

Enriching revetments comprises small adaptations in texture, form, and material of hard structures in intertidal and underwater landscape that create habitat and support biodiversity. Even with limited space, rich revetments can enable algae, seagrass, corals, and other organisms to settle and grow, becoming a food source that attracts shellfish, fish, and birds. Varied concrete surfaces and specialized seawall tiles offer cracks and spaces that become protected habitats. Tide pools or “eco-basins” can be constructed at the toe of coastal dikes or estuary edges. At scale, these enhancements and their marine life can contribute to improved water quality, become an important educational tool and create a hotspot for divers.