The Port of San Diego and ECOncrete have embarked on a joint pilot project to experiment with a new CoastaLock Tide-Pool Armor technology on Habor Island. During the next three years, this innovative project will set out to demonstrate how installing this new concrete infrastructure within the water can help to restore shoreline ecosystems.
Harbor Island’s current riprap mound of rocks prevents storm flooding but offers limited habitat of value for marine life. ECOncrete’s award-winning CoastaLock Tide-Pool Armor technology imitates natural rock pools, but with water retention characteristics that help to sustain local ecosystems. The pilot project will involve the installation of 72 interlocking armor units along the shoreline, the first setup of its kind in the world. The armor requires little maintenance.
The project is part of Port of San Diego’s Blue Economy Incubator, a unique launching pad for sustainable aquaculture and port-related blue technology ventures that provides early-stage entrepreneurs with key assets and support services focused on pilot project facilitation. The Habor Island initiative is also expected to raise interest and awareness regarding the importance of marine organisms and ecosystem restoration.
Image from the Port’s Website