About

Nature-based defenses

For years, the conventional approach to address erosion in coastal areas has involved hardened structures like bulkheads and rock revetments. While these structures can be effective, they also require considerable maintenance, decrease important habitat for wildlife and fisheries, are not adaptable to changing environmental conditions, and paradoxically increase site erosion.

In contrast, living shorelines (i.e., green infrastructure approaches to shoreline protection) frequently perform better than conventional approaches and offer several natural benefits (i.e., ecosystem services) including upland nutrient filtration and habitat for wildlife and fisheries. As a natural and living structure, living shorelines have the added benefit of being highly adaptable to changing environmental conditions while providing a more natural aesthetic.

Expertise

Nigel Temple is the owner/founder of Alabama Living Shorelines, LLC. Currently a student at Mississippi State University (Ph.D. Wildlife, Fisheries and Aquaculture) researching ways to improve coastal restoration, he also holds degrees in Biology from Virginia Tech (B.S.) and the University of Alabama (M.S.) where his research included work in stream systems, coastal wetlands, and invasive plant ecology. His most recent work has been published in peer-reviewed scientific journal articles, including reviews of oyster reef breakwaters and on the immediate effects of sediment additions (e.g., beneficial use of dredged sediments) on wetland plant growth, with more articles in preparation including those exploring innovative solutions to environmental monitoring . During his tenure at Mississippi State University, he has worked closely with state and federal agencies to secure permits for improvements, led the monitoring of large-scale projects, and designed experiments exploring cost-effective restoration techniques in Alabama and Mississippi.

Schedule a site visit

If you’re thinking about installing a living shoreline, the best thing to do is to set up an initial site visit to determine if a living shoreline is appropriate at your property. Initial site visits and estimates are free and flexible according to property owner schedules and goals.